Greetings, Sippers.
It’s 2026! Wow, how did that happen? Happy New Year!
Call me crazy, but I’m wondering if your body, like mine, is crying out for something a bit more wholesome than wine and spirits after quite an indulgent festive season. I am not a huge fan of doing a totally dry Jan (we must support our friends in hospitality, after all), but when we’re at home, we can definitely reign it in. Let’s talk about the drink that’s been offering a wealth of goodness for over 3,000 years: golden milk, or as your Indian grandmother would call it with considerably more authority, haldi doodh. Golden milk tastes like liquid sunshine in a cashmere blanket with a PhD in ancient healing and I’ll be leaning into it this January to recover. Here’s what’s in it:
Turmeric: The Golden Child
Turmeric is not trying to be trendy; it has been around way too long for that. In Ayurveda, it’s called haridra, which means “dear to Hari” (Vishnu) and spiritually, it represents the sun’s healing energy in root form. It’s associated with purification too - brides are slathered in it before weddings not just for Instagram glow, but to ward off evil spirits. Health-wise, curcumin is the active compound inside turmeric and it’s brilliant for fighting inflammation. It supports your liver like green juice after too much wine, it can boost brain function and some studies suggest it rivals certain antidepressants as well.
Black Pepper: The Tiny Miracle Worker
Add a pinch of black pepper because while the warming kick is pleasing, it increases curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. Without it, the drink is almost pointless. In Vedic tradition, black pepper is considered rajasic as well, which means it ignites your digestive system. Turmeric and black pepper are your Vedic power couple.
Milk: The Sacred Carrier
Whether dairy or plant-based, the milk in golden milk is a vessel. In Vedic culture, milk was so sacred it was used in fire ceremonies because it’s grounding, nourishing and creates ojas in the body, which is like creating a warm glow from within. Practically speaking though, the fat in milk makes curcumin bioavailable, mainlining those beneficial compounds straight into your bloodstream.
Ginger: The Grounded Sage
Ginger is warming, stimulating and has been settling stomachs since before Gaviscon existed. It’s anti-inflammatory, helping with nausea and reducing muscle pain and spiritually, it represents transformation and protection.
Cinnamon: Sweet Complexity
Cinnamon is the sweet-talker spice: warming without being aggressive and sweet without being cloying. Traditionally, it has been used to balance blood sugar and improve circulation and it adds a certain je ne sais quoi that makes everything feel a bit special. Energetically, cinnamon brings prosperity and protection too. Blow some through your front door on the first of the month for luck as an added bonus.
Cardamom: The Subtle Sophisticate
If this recipe were a dinner party, cardamom would be wearing something elegant and making witty observations. It’s cooling (balancing all that warmth), aids digestion and helps freshen the breath like an ancient polo mint. In Ayurveda, cardamom is sattvic, meaning it promotes clarity and peace. This is the meditator of the spice cabinet.
Honey: The Team Leader
In Ayurveda, honey is considered a yogavahi, meaning it carries the properties of whatever it’s mixed with deeper into your tissues. Never heat it above body temperature though as it’s believed that this creates toxins. Add it after your milk has cooled slightly.
TRY THIS RECIPE!
Ingredients:
1 Cup milk of your choice (full-fat for maximum absorption)
1 Teaspoon ground turmeric (or 1-inch fresh root, grated)
1/4 Teaspoon ground ginger (or small piece fresh)
1/4 Teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of cardamom
Pinch of black pepper (essential!)
1 Teaspoon coconut oil or ghee
Honey to taste
Method:
Gently warm your milk in a small saucepan to a soft simmer. Whisk in all spices and fat until fully combined, then let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Let it cool slightly to about body temperature, then strain if using fresh roots, stir in honey and pour into your favourite mug. Ceramic is best to feel grounded, if you have one.
This is medicine disguised as comfort, ancient wisdom disguised as a bedtime beverage and self-care disguised as simply making something delicious. Welcome to the golden hour.
Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2026. Subscribe for free for more on drinks other than wine and rituals!
Helena x