Turmeric Ginger Tea: A Warming Blend for Cooler Days

Turmeric ginger tea is a warming herbal drink made by brewing dried ginger and turmeric together, often with a pinch of black pepper added for extra depth. It’s simple to make at home, and equally simple to buy ready-made as either a loose leaf blend or an instant sachet.

What is turmeric ginger tea?

Turmeric ginger tea combines two rhizomes, turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale), that have been used together in cooking and drinks across South and Southeast Asia for centuries. On their own, turmeric has an earthy, slightly bitter note and ginger brings warmth and a mild heat. Together, they balance each other into a rounded, warming cup that works well any time of year, but especially in colder months.

How to brew it

1. Use one to two teaspoons of loose turmeric ginger tea, or one sachet if using an instant version.
2. Pour freshly boiled water over it and cover the cup, which helps keep the aromatic oils in the cup rather than escaping as steam.
3. Steep loose tea for 5 to 7 minutes, or simply stir an instant sachet into hot water until fully dissolved.
4. Strain if using loose tea, and drink while warm.

Why black pepper is often added

Black pepper is a common addition to turmeric-based drinks in traditional recipes, most often for the way it changes the flavour balance rather than for any single reason. It gives the tea a slightly sharper, more peppery finish than turmeric and ginger alone, and it’s a pairing that shows up repeatedly across South Asian cooking traditions, not something unique to tea.

Loose leaf or instant: which to choose

If you prefer a quick, no-mess version, our Instant Ginger Turmeric Tea with Honey dissolves straight into hot water in seconds, with honey granules already included for a touch of sweetness. For a more traditional brewed cup where you control the strength yourself, our Strong Turmeric Ginger with Black Pepper Tea is a loose leaf blend of the same three ingredients.

Serving it iced

Turmeric ginger tea doesn’t have to be served hot. Brew it slightly stronger than usual, let it cool to room temperature, then pour over ice for a golden-coloured iced drink. A slice of lemon on the side works well if you want a little extra sharpness.

Where turmeric comes from

Turmeric is a rhizome, related botanically to ginger, that has been cultivated and used in cooking and drinks across South Asia for thousands of years, and it remains a staple ingredient in Indian, Sri Lankan and Southeast Asian kitchens today. You can read more about the plant’s history and uses on Wikipedia’s turmeric entry.

Frequently asked questions

Is it caffeine-free?

Yes. Neither turmeric nor ginger contains caffeine, so turmeric ginger tea is naturally caffeine-free and suitable for any time of day.

How long should I steep it?

Loose leaf tea generally needs 5 to 7 minutes of steeping in freshly boiled water. Instant sachets only need stirring until dissolved.

Can I drink it every day?

Many people enjoy a cup as part of their daily routine. As with any herbal drink, if you have a health condition or take medication, it’s worth checking with a healthcare professional first.

What does it taste like?

Expect an earthy, slightly peppery cup with a warming ginger kick underneath. It’s less sweet than a fruit tea and less bitter than plain green tea, sitting somewhere between the two in intensity. If the flavour feels strong at first, a shorter steep or a little honey can soften it.

Is it the same as golden milk?

No. Golden milk is turmeric mixed with warm milk, usually with added spices. This is a plain water-based infusion, closer to a standard herbal tea than to a milk drink.