Warming Ayurvedic Pink Velvet Latte

Ahh. Take a nice, deep breath. Do you smell that? I wish I could say it’s the smell of autumn in the air, but I think we’re coming into winter. Already. Virginia autumns are usually pretty magical, with jewel-toned leaves and campfire aroma wafting in the breeze, but this year it missed us entirely and cut straight to winter.

For better or worse, I’m taking my cue from nature and embracing all things warm. This vibrant latte is actually a turmeric chai infusion that gets its pink color from a healthy dose of beetroot powder. It’s naturally sweet and chock full of ayurvedic spices that have long been used to help warm and nourish the body from the inside out.

How To Make A Pink Velvet Latte

I’ve been dabbling in Ayurveda for a couple of years now, and while I’m not an expert by any means, I do know this: it’s important to mind the seasons.

In a nutshell, when it’s cold outside, you should focus on eating warm, well-spiced foods and favoring a balance of tastes and flavors. And warm or hot beverages should be enjoyed often to help stoke the inner flame.

Simple, right?

That’s why this latte is so perfect this time of year. It’s a warm drink, as in physically warm, but it’s also loaded with warming spices, like turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, that are said to help stoke the inner flame and balance the body.

Plus, thanks to a whopping dose of beetroot powder, it’s a gorgeous shade of pink and slightly sweet without being overpowering. But it’s not just your doshas that benefit.

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients and everything they do to help balance the body:

Turmeric

Curcumin, one of the most well-studied bioactive compounds in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory that can help boost brain function, decrease pain, and calm inflammation and oxidative stress [source].

Ginger

Ginger is another herb known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It’s been used for ages to treat nausea and pain and to help promote healing [source].

Beetroot powder

Beets are rich in antioxidants [source], fiber, iron, potassium, and folate [source], along with other nutrients. They have been shown to lower glucose and lipid levels, inhibit cancer growth,  help improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure [source].

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels, cut the risk of heart disease, protect against cancer, and help fight infections [source].

But this latte isn’t just good at raising body temperature, lowering inflammation, and fighting infection. It also has potent mood-lifting powers. The cold, bleak weather combined with way too much time inside is known to bring a lot of people down.

So go ahead and drink this baby whenever you need relief from the winter doldrums—or any doldrums for that matter.

Print Recipe

3 from 2 votes

Pink Velvet Latte

This vibrant latte is naturally sweet and chock full of chai spices that help warm the body from the inside out.

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time15 mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: beauty food, latte

Servings: 8 ounces dry latte mix

Author: Stephanie Pollard

Cost: $10

Equipment

• Small bowl
• Airtight jar
• saucepan

Ingredients

For the Dry Latte Mix

• 1/2 cup beetroot powder
• 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch black pepper
• Pinch cayenne pepper

To make

• 1 cup nut milk of your choice
• Honey to taste optional

Instructions

• Combine all the spices in a small bowl and whisk well. Transfer to an airtight glass jar until ready to drink.
  
• To make the latte, place a splash of nut milk and 2 teaspoons of the velvet latte mix into a small pot. Whisk to combine. 
• Add the remaining nut milk, whisk to combine, and heat over medium-high heat until steaming.
• Carefully pour into a mug, add honey to taste, and enjoy!
  

Notes

This latte isn’t just good at raising body temperature, lowering inflammation, and fighting infection. It also has potent mood-lifting powers—and it's gorgeous!

Consume leftover latte mix within 1–2 months.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Photos by Ana Stanciu