What is tiger milk made out of?

December 4, 2025 •

2 min read

Tiger milk isn't milk from a feline, but a term that refers to several distinct ingredients, most notably a zesty Peruvian ceviche marinade called leche de tigre and a creamy plant-based beverage known as tiger nut milk. These two creations are vastly different in their components and use, but both are celebrated in their respective cuisines.

Quick Summary

Tiger milk refers to two completely different products: the Peruvian citrus marinade leche de tigre and a dairy-free beverage made from tiger nuts. The marinade uses seafood juices, lime, and spices, while the drink blends tubers with water to create a creamy beverage.

Key Points

Peruvian Leche de Tigre: A zesty citrus marinade for ceviche made from lime juice, fish drippings, and aromatics like garlic, ginger, and chili.
Not Actual Milk: Neither the Peruvian marinade nor the plant-based beverage involves milk from a tiger; the term is a colloquial name.
Tiger Nut Milk: A dairy-free and nut-free plant-based beverage made by soaking and blending tiger nuts, which are actually tubers.
Two Separate Ingredients: It's crucial to distinguish between the two types of "tiger milk," as one is a savory, spicy marinade and the other is a sweet, creamy drink.
Medicinal Mushroom: The name also applies to the Lignosus rhinocerus mushroom, used in Southeast Asian medicine for respiratory and immune support.
Hangover Cure and Aphrodisiac: Peruvian folklore suggests leche de tigre can cure hangovers and act as an aphrodisiac, adding to its cultural mystique.

Peruvian 'Tiger Milk' (Leche de Tigre)

In Peru, leche de tigre is the citrus-based marinade essential for curing the raw fish in ceviche. Meaning "tiger's milk," it's believed to have energizing and aphrodisiac qualities and is sometimes served on its own as a shot or hangover remedy.

Core ingredients of leche de tigre

Typical ingredients include fresh lime juice for acidity, fish trimmings or juices for depth of flavor, red onion, chili peppers (like ají limo or rocoto), garlic, ginger, cilantro stems, and salt. The cloudy appearance comes from the fish proteins reacting with the lime juice, not dairy.

Plant-Based 'Tiger Milk' (Tiger Nut Milk)

Tiger nut milk is a separate product—a sweet, creamy, dairy-free drink made from tiger nuts. Despite the name, tiger nuts are tubers, not nuts.

Components of tiger nut milk

Homemade versions usually contain just soaked dried tiger nuts and water. Commercial options may include additional ingredients for fortification and flavor.

The process for making tiger nut milk

The process involves soaking dried tiger nuts, blending them with water, and then straining the mixture. Optional flavorings like dates or vanilla can be added.

Comparison of the Two 'Tiger Milks'


Feature	Peruvian Leche de Tigre	Tiger Nut Milk
Origin	Peru	Spain (as horchata de chufa) and ancient Egypt
Base Ingredient	Citrus (lime), fish trimmings, aromatics	Tiger nuts (tubers), water
Taste Profile	Zesty, spicy, savory, and tangy	Naturally sweet, nutty, and creamy
Appearance	Cloudy-white due to proteins and acid	Opaque white, similar to dairy milk
Culinary Use	Ceviche marinade, restorative drink	Cereal, coffee, smoothies, drinking plain
Allergen Info	Contains fish, potential for dairy if evaporated milk is added	Dairy-free, nut-free, vegan

Tiger Milk Mushroom: A Medicinal Third Context

Adding another layer of meaning, "tiger milk" also refers to Lignosus rhinocerus, a medicinal mushroom from Southeast Asia. Folklore associates it with tigresses' milk. Its sclerotium is used in traditional medicine for respiratory and immune support. This is distinct from the culinary uses.

Conclusion

"What is tiger milk made out of?" reveals a diverse answer. The term doesn't come from actual tigers but names a zesty Peruvian ceviche marinade (fish juices, lime), a creamy plant-based drink (tiger nuts, water), and a medicinal mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus). Context is crucial to understanding which "tiger milk" is being referenced.

Learn more about the differences between plant-based milks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leche de tigre, or "tiger's milk," is the citrus-based marinade used to cure the seafood in Peruvian ceviche. It's a flavorful, spicy, and tangy liquid made primarily from lime juice, fish trimmings, and spices.

No, the term "tiger milk" is a creative nickname and does not involve milk from an actual tiger. It can refer either to a Peruvian marinade for ceviche or a plant-based beverage.

Tiger nut milk is made primarily from two ingredients: tiger nuts (small tubers, not actual nuts) and water. It can be optionally sweetened or flavored with ingredients like dates, vanilla, or cinnamon.

Traditional leche de tigre does not contain dairy; its milky appearance comes from the proteins of the fish reacting with the lime juice. However, some variations may add evaporated milk for a creamier texture.

Tiger nut milk is made by soaking dried tiger nuts overnight to soften them, then blending them with water. The mixture is then strained through a nut milk bag to separate the milk from the pulp.

The tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) is a medicinal fungus native to Southeast Asia. It is used in traditional medicine for respiratory and immune support and is not related to the culinary "tiger milk" products.

In Peru, leche de tigre is often served in a small glass as a refreshing aperitif or as a purported hangover cure. It is highly prized for its intense flavor and invigorating qualities.