Soothing Bedtime Golden Milk
Ever since adding “Be Rested” to my list of Intentions for 2018, I’ve been putting more thought into how I spend the last 90 minutes before I climb into bed. And by “more,” I mean that I’ve actually been thinking about it, period. If you are looking for ways to relax, unwind, and improve your sleep—or if you simply like the idea of a warm, tasty beverage adding a little cozy to your evening—this Soothing Bedtime Cinnamon Golden Milk recipe has been a wonderful addition to my nighttime routine, and I can see it having a welcome spot in yours too!
This recipe is sponsored by McCormick.
I’ve heard a lot about “golden milk” over the years, but I didn’t fully understand or appreciate its benefits. I’d seen enough recipes for it floating around the web to know it contained turmeric and ginger (the sources of its signature golden hue), but I didn’t connect it with sleep until I decided to get more serious about my zzzzzzzzzs.
For most of my life, I’ve ignored sleep as a critical component of health. Diet and exercise? Absolutely. But sleep? I reasoned that was why God gave us coffee.
After all, surely whatever I was doing in that last 90 minutes before bed was more important than sleeping.
Or so I thought.
Actual final 90 minutes before bed from a recent weeknight:
- 9:38 p.m. Finish watching show and eating ice cream on the couch with Ben (for the curious, we just started The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and it was Halo Top Peanut Butter Cup with a sprinkle of chocolate chips).
- 9:39 p.m. Begin posting a photo from a recent video shoot to Facebook.
- 9:40 p.m. Tell self that as soon as I post this photo, I’ll head upstairs to bed. Actually become excited at the prospect of being in bed by 10 p.m.!
- 9:49 p.m. Finish posting photo. I don’t know why this took so long.
- 9:50 p.m. Scroll Facebook while checking how many likes my photo is getting.
- 9:53 p.m. Realize I have a typo in my photo caption. Fix immediately.
- 10:08 p.m. Silently chastise myself for being on Facebook so long.
- 10:09 p.m. Close Facebook. Open Instagram.
- 10:29 p.m. OMG IT’S BEEN 20 MINUTES.
- 10:31 p.m. Haul self off couch. Walk into kitchen to start the dishwasher. Realize dishwasher is already clean. Decide to empty and reload it.
- 10:46 p.m. Finish cleaning kitchen and head upstairs to bed. For real this time.
- 10:47 p.m. Start brushing teeth. Refresh email on phone. See an email that will need a response first thing in the morning.
- 10:48 p.m. Mentally draft email response. Revise mental draft several times.
- 10:58 p.m. Make it to edge of bed and sit down. Check email one more time.
- 10:59 p.m. Begin discussing client email/generally chatting with Ben.
- 11:07 p.m. FINALLY get under the covers. Try to relax, while still thinking about email…and tomorrow’s to-do list.
No wonder I don’t feel rested!
I’ve always thought the idea of a “nighttime routine” or “bedtime rituals” sounded either silly or reserved for someone far more in touch with their inner juju than me. Now that I’m paying more attention to how I spend my pre-bedtime hours, however, I realize that I DO have a bedtime routine: checking my phone, finishing miscellaneous household tasks, and thinking about my to-do list for the next day.
As a part of my goal to be more rested, I decided to set my own nighttime schedule instead of letting notifications on my phone set it for me.
I’m still testing out different bedtime activities, but one I’ve been LOVING is making myself a cup of this easy Bedtime Cinnamon Golden Milk about an hour before bed.
This creamy, comforting drink is made of ingredients that have been shown to promote a good night’s sleep.
- Almonds: Rich in magnesium, which promotes both sleeping and muscle relaxation. This golden milk recipes uses them in the form of almond butter and almond milk.
- Honey: Allows tryptophan (of Thanksgiving turkey fame) to enter the brain more easily.
- Ginger: Calms the stomach and promotes relaxation. Some studies suggest ginger can help reduce anxiety.
- Turmeric: Aids digestion and has calming properties, which lead to sounder sleep. If you have aches and pains, golden milk for joints is a popular remedy, as it is anti-inflammatory too.
- Cinnamon: Similar to turmeric and ginger, cinnamon also helps with digestion (and it’s a delicious pairing with the other ingredients).
Because the golden milk benefits are so closely tied to the spices, be sure that you choose good-quality ones. I’ve used McCormick spices for years, because they are made from carefully sourced ingredients, taste fresh, and are still affordable. They are also totally on trend!
I’m sharing this golden milk recipe as a part of McCormick’s 2018 Flavor Forecast. Every December, McCormick unveils the top annual flavors and trends for the upcoming year, including Drinks to Your Wellness in 2018! No matter if you are seeking a drink to jumpstart your morning, power through your afternoon, or, like my Soothing Bedtime Cinnamon Golden Milk, wind down after a busy day, there’s a sip to suit your needs.
My need right now: a good night’s sleep. Can I get a refill please?
In addition to soothing me to sleep, this golden milk has also helped me appease my nightly craving for something sweet before bed. I’ve been replacing my ritual bowl of ice cream with a steaming cup of it and find myself feeling completely satisfied.
Thank you all again SO much for your kind responses on my 2018 Intentions. You have me feeling so inspired to tackle them with gusto…including when tackling them looks like drinking a golden milk latte and climbing into bed!
Bedtime Golden Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk — or coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons honey — plus additional to taste (to make vegan, swap maple syrup)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon — plus additional for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger
- Optional additions: tiny pinch ground black pepper — ground cardamom, or ground cloves
Instructions
-
Combine the milk, honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and any optional spices in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until warmed through, whisking briskly so that the almond butter does not stick to the bottom and the spices incorporate. Do not let boil. Pour into a mug and sip deeply.
Recipe Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container such as a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so I like to make a double or triple batch, then enjoy it several nights in a row. Reheat on the stove, stirring to recombine the spices and almond butter.
Nutrition Information
Amount per serving (1drink) — Calories: 129, Fat: 5g, Sodium: 181mg, Carbohydrates: 16g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 12g, Protein: 3gDid you try this recipe? I want to see! Follow Well Plated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!
I am sharing this post in partnership with McCormick. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands and companies that make it possible for me to continue to create quality content for you!
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.
About Erin Clarke
I’m fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food taste incredible. Wearer of plaid, travel enthusiast, and firmly convinced that sweets and veggies both deserve a place at the table. MORE ABOUT ERIN…
Hahaha this bedtime routine is so relatable! I swear time is faster when on Instagram or YouTube! I always put sleep last too, it’s a really bad habit that I’ve had since I was a pre-teen. As for this golden milk, I was super suspicious of this kind of drink until I tried it in a local café recently and LOVED it. I’ve made it a few times since, and your idea of adding almond butter sounds delicious, thanks!
I’m glad I’m not the only one, Kelly! If you give this version a try, I hope you enjoy it too!
I don’t have almond butter, but I do have Nutzo mixed nut butter. Guess who is making this tonight?! I can’t wait to try it!
Enjoy, Kori! I’d love to know what you think!
Erin!
Seriously, I JUST an hour ago, read an article on golden milk!! Great timing. I can’t wait to try it tonite, as I sometimes struggle to fall asleep. Thanks so much! I’ll keep ya posted.
Saralee
Perfect timing! I’d love to know what you think if you do give it a try, Saralee!
Do you think you can use organic coconut oil in place of almond butter?
Hi Angie, the golden milk will have a different flavor. I haven’t done it myself, but I’ve seen recipes that use coconut oil, so you’re welcome to give it a try!
i totally agree that there has to be a “calming” time before turning in. I’m one of those people who keeps lists and once something is on the list, it’s off my radar screen. I do know how Monica Geller that sounds but it’s worked for me since college days. I rarely forget to check my list but we’re all human, huh? Happy sleeping to everyone!
Thanks so much for chiming in, Chris!
Been fighting a virus 10+days, and made this tonight, it’s so delicious. Only had unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and cashew butter to substitute, but I really like it!! Hoping it helps with the crud too!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Amy! Thanks for taking the time to leave this great review. Feel better soon!
One of our mistakes is to be looking at a screen phone/tv/computer whatever anytime within an hour before bedtime
Winddown takes at least an hour, maybe at least two for me or some others as well
So true, Kristina! Thanks for weighing in!
This is delicious, calming, warming. Thank you for another lovely recipe!
Erin, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review.
I wanted to comment again so that I could rate your recipe. It’s excellent!
Thanks so much Kori!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I’d had a turmeric latte at a cafe before and loved it, so I figured this would be delicious – and it was!! I made your recipe as is but I think I may add a Tbsp of coconut oil to it tonight, as I’ve read that it helps the body absorb the turmeric better (?). Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Pamcita, thanks so much for leaving this great review! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This Bedtime Golden Milk is a warm, cozy hug in a mug! Super easy to make and so delicious. Satisfied my late-night sweet tooth and calmed me for bedtime. This is going to be a staple recipe in my house!
THANK YOU so much Kayla! I am so happy that you loved it and really appreciate your time for the review. I love the way you described it too :)
Is this safe for pregnant women and can I give it to my 5 and 3 year old to help them calm down for the night?
Hi Jeanene! Since I don’t have a medical background, I’d check with your doctor. I’d hate to give you advice that isn’t correct and want to be safe!
The Hubby and I loved this recipe! The blend of spices was perfect and was very relaxing before bedtime! Thank you for sharing your recipes, we are excited to try more of them out!
YAY!!! I’m so so happy to hear that Valerie. Thanks for trying the recipe and taking time to leave this wonderful review!
Hi Claire, I followed the recipe as written, so the color might just be a difference in our almond milk or spices, but the flavor is what is most important!
I didn’t think I would like this because I’m not a big turmeric or ginger fan (or so I thought), but those beautiful yellow, creamy beverage photos drew me in….. I’m so glad I gave it a try because it is amazing! I used 1/4c of canned lite coconut milk and 3/4c almond milk and followed the recipe as written otherwise (added the pinch of cloves). The addition of the almond butter makes this recipe stand out amongst all the rest! My new go-to nightly drink!!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this, Hilary! Thanks for sharing your tweaks too!
So I don’t have any almond butter (but now it’s on my list) so I made this without the almond butter. It’s my first time using turmeric so I added a little extra local honey, plus the pollen is so bad right now that the added honey has its benefits, tonight for the first time. I LOVE IT!!!
HOORAY Lauren! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, even with the swaps. Thanks for giving it a try and reporting back!
I made this without the ginger (planning to get some this week) i didnt have almond butter either so i replaced it with organic creamy peanutbutter, it was AMAZING! Im having it in the morning, feeling achey and have a migraine so I thought this would be a good idea to make. Forsure gonna be having this everyday!
Faith, I’m so glad you enjoyed the golden milk! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review.
I saw this recipe and was determined to get everything I needed to follow it exactly. I used light organic canned coconut milk and fresh ground turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon I purchased at a spice farm in Costa Rica and their vanilla extract made from vanilla beans they grow on their farm. I have to say this was so much better than I ever dreamed it would be. Creamy, mildly sweet and spicy and just so warm and comforting. I plan on adding it to my nightly routine.
Lisa, I’m thrilled to hear the golden milk is a hit! Thanks so much for giving it a try and taking the time to leave this wonderful review!
I used my plant-based pea milk and it was AMAZING!! I am unable to drink coffee due to gastritis and was really missing it, but I came across your delicious recipe and It’s now my go to before bed. Thank you so much for sharing!
Kimberly, I am thrilled to hear this! Thank you so much for leaving this fabulous review.
I really like this. I did add more tumeric. Delicious!
So happy to hear it Cheryl, thank you!
Can it be made cold ?
Hi Helen! I’d recommend heating the milk so that the spices and ingredients blend together smoothly. You can always chill the mixter after though and enjoy it that way.
Can u use no almond butter, or any butter at all??
P.S have not tried it yet.
Sophie, I don’t think it would be as rich or creamy without the almond butter, but you can certainly play around and try the recipe without it.
What a wonderful version of golden milk. Yum! I do want to mention that the pepper is symbiotic with the turmeric and allows for the most absorption/ and therefore te greatest health benefit. It is very effective for reducing inflammation this way. Hope that helps someone!
Thanks for sharing Cynthia!
Hi Erin, thanks for a fantastic recipe!! I tried Golden Milk for the first time this past weekend at a retreat center where the food was all organic with an Ayurvedic influence. I wasn’t a big fan of how they prepared it and figured there had to be a really good recipe that I’d like better somewhere. So I googled it and found yours–love it! Had to use peanut butter since that’s all I had, but almond butter is on my grocery list since I’ll be making this a lot now. Thanks again!!
So so happy to hear it Kristin, thank you!!!
Have not tried this yet, but does it work as well with cow’s milk?
Thanks!
Christina
Hi Christina, I haven’t made it that way myself, but I think you could try it with any milk of your choice! I hope you enjoy!
I suffer from insomnia horribly, and would like to try this. I am allergic to almonds however, so would regular butter work? I read where you said any milk should work, so I am going to give this us try. Thank You.
Hi Elizabeth, I would not recommend regular butter, but if there’s another nut butter you could eat, I’d try that! You can also leave it out, although the drink won’t be as rich and creamy. I hope you enjoy!
I make it with fresh ginger and it’s amazing! I’ve only used diary milk but now I have to try plant based too! Isn’t it bad for you to heat honey though? I’ve read that it only retains its healthy properties if added after the drink cools down a bit. But I’m not an expert.
Hi Anna, you can certainly wait to stir in the honey after waiting a little bit if you’d like! Fresh ginger sounds like a delicious addition.
Erin, thanks for the receipt! I made it with memade walnut milk and added some, also homemade haha, macadamia nut butter. To make it vegan I used agave syrup as sweetener (3 teaspoons for 2 cups) and it’s perfect.
YUM Zuzka. Thanks for sharing!!
This was delicious!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kathy! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review too!
I have made this numerous times, and have to pace myself when drinking it. It is delicious. I did have a question though, would it change anything about this drink if it were to be made and then made into and iced drink?
Hi Jessica, you could experiment! I think you could cook as the recipe directs, then let it cool to room temperature and place it in the refrigerator overnight. I’m honestly not sure if it will separate, but if you do give it a try, I would love to hear how that goes!
So so lovely! Soothing after I had a dental extraction. Certainly helped me relax. Enveloped me in warmth . Thank you very much.
Sarah, I’m glad this was just the relief for you. I hope you recover quickly! Thanks for taking time to leave this wonderful review too!
I discovered Golden Milk recently and began to partake at night for the health benefits I’d read about, but somehow I missed the relaxing/ sleep helping quality. Then I realized I was sleeping better and getting sleepy at night. One night I missed my GM and was wide awake. The light bulb went on! I really enjoy this beverage too. It feels like a lavish treat, but is light and good for me! Cool, that is. I saw your recipe tonight with the added almond butter. Tomorrow night I will try this addition. (I use organic spices however.)
Janet, I hope you enjoy it!
Just tried this recipe and it’s amazing! So so yummy and soothing. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Chelsea! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this review!
Hi Erin, I made this recipe last night and it was A-MAZE-ING! I tripled the recipe, and plan to make this my new bedtime routine. Thank you so much!
Ruth, I am so so happy to hear it, thank you!