This Warm Vanilla Milk Bedtime Drink - my version of moon milk - is perfect when you want something comforting and relaxing before you turn in for the night. Sweet dreams!
Jump to:
Has all the crazy news and life, in general, had you a bit tense and you're having trouble sleeping? Me too. Well, grandma was on to something when she said to drink some warm milk!
Add some vanilla, honey, and a pinch of nutmeg for a delicious, soothing drink to sip on before bed. It has helped me relax and sleep on many a night!
Disclaimer: I am not saying that this drink is going to make you fall asleep. I'm just saying that it often helps me relax and fall asleep.
If you can't sleep and want to try something natural, it's worth a try. If it doesn't help, no harm done. You still had a yummy cozy drink!
I go for weeks at a time sleeping like a log...and then I go for weeks at a time where I'm up half the night. In the past, I tried some over-the-counter sleep aids, and they either didn't work or I had some really weird experiences with them.
Nope, not for me.
Then I tried this warm vanilla milk drink, and it was amazing to me how much it actually helped me fall asleep. It's now my go-to for those nights when sleep eludes me.
It's also just a delicious, calming drink any time!
The key, in my opinion, is to make this drink about 30 minutes before you go to bed and sip on it throughout that time while doing something that you find relaxing, like listening to music or reading a book (or nothing at all)...maybe even right after a nice warm shower or bath.
Why Might Warm Milk Help You Sleep?
Now, I'm not a nutritionist, but I did some research and found out that, surprisingly, it's probably not the tryptophan that's in milk (an amino acid that helps your body produce serotinin, which helps create melatonin, which is ultimately responsible for your sleep cycles).
Tryptophan is that ingredient that we all blame at Thanksgiving for making us fall asleep on the couch after a big turkey dinner.
As it turns out, you'd have eat waaay more turkey than that for it to put you to sleep. Same with milk; it has tryptophan but not enough in a glass to put you to sleep.
So what is it then?
Apparently, the potential sleep-inducing effects of warm milk are actually more likely psychological. For instance, your mom always gave you a glass of warm milk before bed, so your brain associates it with sleep.
Plus, taking the time to relax with a warm drink at the end of the day may just simply help your brain relax too.
Ingredients You Need
- Whole milk
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Nutmeg
How to Make Warm Vanilla Milk
Tips & Tidbits
- You could use low fat or skim milk if you prefer, or if you'd rather a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc., but I will say that this drink has the best creamy flavor when made with whole milk.
- If you're lactose intolerant, you can use a lactose-free milk.
- I always heat my milk on the stove top, but you could also heat it in a mug in the microwave if you prefer.
- You just want to heat the milk until it is hot or very warm. Don't bring it to a simmer or boil, as it can develop a skin on top.
- I like my drink sweet, so I use a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Feel free to use less or more depending on your own tastes.
- Not into nutmeg? Try cinnamon instead!
- Add a small dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra-special treat!
I hope you try this Warm Vanilla Milk recipe and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!
More Warm Drink Recipes to Try
If you make this recipe, I'd love to know how it went! Please leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
📋Recipe
Warm Vanilla Milk Bedtime Drink
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, add more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Place the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat and heat just until hot (don't bring it to a simmer or boil).
- Turn off the heat and add the honey or maple syrup and vanilla; whisk until combined.
- Pour into a mug and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.
- Sip on the drink for 30 minutes right before bedtime while doing something relaxing.
Notes
- You could use low fat or skim milk instead of whole milk or, if you'd rather a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc., but I find that this drink has the best creamy flavor when made with whole milk.
- If you're lactose intolerant, you can use a lactose-free milk.
- You could heat the milk in a mug in the microwave if you prefer.
- If you're not into nutmeg, try cinnamon instead.
- Add a small dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra special treat! (Estimated calories don't include whipped cream.)
ABC says
Very quick to make and tasty, the nutmeg is a great touch. I personally also added brown sugar as I like an excess of sweetness.
Michelle says
Thank you! So happy you enjoyed it!
Carnisha says
This recipe is my go to for me and my kids. I even shared it with my family I am so grateful for this recipe. Besides hot chocolate my son didn't like any sweet milk not even almond milk. So I tried this recipe for him. He loves it. Thanks again for this recipe.
Michelle says
Thank you, Carnisha...so happy to hear that your family enjoys it!
JImmybobjoeMasterShifu/Mastertigress=^. .^= says
alsow Thank yoo :]
Michelle says
You're welcome!