Turmeric Hot Chocolate
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Love hot chocolate but looking for a healthier option? Try turmeric hot chocolate! This golden drink has anti-inflammatory properties and can be enjoyed in 5 minutes.

This turmeric hot chocolate will not only warm you up but also give you a comforting, cozy treat!
Why you should make turmeric hot chocolate:
- It’s healthy – turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties. Check out the possible benefits of curcumin.
- It’s made from scratch – nothing is better than a cup of homemade hot chocolate.
- It’s different – but if you like trying new things or looking for healthier alternatives, then you should give it a go!
I have a few more refreshing drink ideas for you here:
Ingredients needed to make turmeric hot chocolate:
- Milk
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Ground turmeric
- Coconut oil
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Honey
How to make turmeric hot chocolate
In a saucepan combine the milk, cocoa powder, turmeric and coconut oil. Give it a good whisk and bring it to a boil. Whisk occasionally to get rid of any turmeric or cocoa lumps and to make sure the milk won’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
When you bring it to a boil, turn off the heat and stir in black pepper and cayenne pepper. Now all you have to do is pour this in cups and serve.
Can I substitute some of the ingredients?
Yes. You can substitute some of the ingredients. Just bear in mind that certain ingredients are used in this turmeric hot chocolate on purpose. For example, coconut oil and black pepper help your body absorb the curcuma from turmeric. If you don’t have coconut oil, add some butter instead. I don’t recommend omitting black pepper.
Cayenne pepper can be omitted. Instead of honey, you can use any sweetener of your choice.
As for the milk: I personally haven’t tried using dairy-free milk but I don’t see a reason why it shouldn’t work.
Turmeric Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (250 milliliters)
- 1½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil , to help absorb the turmeric
- black pepper (a pinch), to help absorb the turmeric
- cayenne pepper (a pinch)
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Pour milk into a saucepan. Add cocoa powder, turmeric and coconut oil. Mix everything with a whisk until combined and bring to a boil.
- Turn off the heat, add a pinch of black pepper and cayenne pepper and give it a stir.
- Pour in a mug. Let it cool down a bit before adding honey.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Honey can be substituted with sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup.
- Coconut oil and black pepper are important here as they help your body absorb turmeric.
- Cayenne pepper can be omitted.
Thank you for recipe, i love it! The combination of ingredients gives amazing taste
That’s great to hear, Anna. Thanks so much for your feedback.
Delicious relatively low cal and very healthy version of hot chocolate! I love this recipe :)
Nice texture and delicious taste! Happy to be getting some extra anti inflammatory benefits!
Thank you for your feedback!
Can I use Stevia for the sweetener? Just making sure that it won’t disrupt the absorption of the turmeric.
Yes, you can, Traci.
Delicious, perfect for a rainy day. I let it simmer and add orange peels and grapefruit pith for flavor and vitamin C, then strain it
I usually add aa lil boiling hot water to thin it out as it simmers, and to correct any failed mixing of the cacao.
Hey Matti. Thanks for letting us know how you enjoy this hot chocolate. I will try adding some orange peels to mine next time I make it! :)
I didn’t know that we can combined chocolate and turmeric! I’m really curious about the taste! I’ll make one later!
This sounds good and healthy! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I know turmeric has a lot of health benefits and you did a great job in incorporating it into this drink we all enjoy.
Thank you, Aika!
Amazing recipe
Thank you!
I made this with Almond milk this morning and it was fabulous!
I absolutely loved it! It’s the best hot beverage I’ve tried this winter season!
This was AMAZING!! I definitely will be making this more often in my house. I can’t get enough of it!
Hi Allie, I am so happy to hear that. :) Thanks for your comment!
This was delicious! I added a sprinkle of cinnamin and a cocoa chilli powder I usually use. Yummy!
Thanks for your feedback, Kelly!
This is amazing! Thankyou fo sharing :)
This looks so good! What a yummy and healthy alternative for a winter drink!
Thank you!
OMG. That is literally all that was going through my head while drinking this. OMG THIS IS DELICOUS. I have made hot chocolate from scratch before but the cocoa powder stays kind of powdery/chalky feeling. This was nothing but creamy. And the turmeric adds just something different that is so good. I left out the Cheyanne pepper though.
On top of all that, all three of my kids LOVED it.
That’s great to hear, Stephanie. Thanks so much for your feedback!
I have had a turmeric latte before, but not a hot chocolate. That sounds like the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
I’d say it’s one of the best ways to warm up your body as well as treat yourself to something yummy :)
I love hot chocolate and I usually have a turmeric drink in the morning – Never thought of add mixing the two together. Must try !!
Let me know if you do! :)
Julia, Turmeric Hot Chocolate? Brilliant…simply brilliant, girl! Thanks for sharing…I’ll be sharing this on Pinterest :)
Thanks a lot, Traci! :)
This hot chocolate looks incredible! I love the healing effects of turmeric too, an added bonus! This is the perfect warm and cozy drink.
Thank you, Kristine!
I love the color the turmeric adds to the hot chocolate!! This is perfect for this cold weather not only to warm you up but to help with aches and pains as well, especially when got shovel snow
Thanks, Deanna! Yes, it’s definitely perfect for winter :)