A Lavender cappuccino is a perfect way to blend the calming essence of lavender with a classic cappuccino’s rich, creamy texture.
Lavender adds a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bold espresso, creating a soothing drink that relaxes the senses.
If you want to add a twist to your coffee routine, this aromatic twist brings a unique balance of comfort and flavor.
Here’s how to easily make this delicious cappuccino at home!
How to Make a Lavender Cappuccino: At A Glance
- Brew 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup.
- Steam or froth 1/2 cup of milk (or plant-based milk) and pour over the espresso mixture.
- Top with foam and garnish with dried lavender buds or a sprig of fresh lavender.
Why Lavender in Coffee?
Lavender brings more than just a floral note to your coffee.
Known for its calming effects, lavender helps soothe anxiety and promotes relaxation, making it a perfect addition to your daily coffee routine.
Its unique flavor adds a subtle sweetness and floral complexity that sets it apart from traditional cappuccino flavors.
Despite its bold floral aroma, lavender doesn’t overpower the richness of espresso.
Instead, it complements the coffee’s deep, roasted notes by adding a light, fragrant touch.
The balance of the creamy cappuccino and the gentle lavender infusion creates a harmonious blend, making every sip both relaxing and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Espresso or Strong Coffee:
- 1 shot of high-quality espresso or 1/2 cup of strong-brewed coffee: The espresso is the backbone of this drink, providing a rich, bold flavor that complements the lavender without being overpowered.
- Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup: You can use store-bought syrup or make your own by combining 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of dried lavender buds. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then strain the lavender.
- Milk or Milk Alternatives:
- 1/2 cup of steamed milk (whole milk or your preferred alternative): Whole milk provides a creamy texture, but you can also use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Optional Additions:
- Vanilla: Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warmer flavor.
- Honey: Replace sugar with honey in the lavender syrup for a floral sweetness that enhances the lavender’s flavor.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup (Homemade Recipe)
Making lavender syrup at home is simple and gives you control over the strength and flavor.
Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of dried lavender buds (culinary grade)
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in 1 cup of sugar until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add Lavender
- Add 1/4 cup of dried lavender buds to the sugar-water mixture.
- Allow the lavender to steep in the mixture for 10 minutes to release its floral flavors.
Step 4: Strain and Cool
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool.
- Strain the syrup using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lavender buds.
Step 5: Store the Syrup
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Tips for Adjusting Lavender Strength
If you prefer a more subtle lavender flavor, reduce the steeping time to 5 minutes.
For a stronger, more intense flavor, steep the lavender for up to 15 minutes.
Optional Variations
- Lavender-Vanilla Syrup: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, fragrant twist.
- Honey-Lavender Syrup: Replace the sugar with 3/4 cup of honey for a natural, floral sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Lavender Cappuccino
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Brew 1 shot of espresso, or use 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
The espresso serves as the robust foundation for the drink, balancing the sweetness of the lavender syrup.
Step 2: Mix with Lavender Syrup
Stir in 2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup to your freshly brewed espresso.
Adjust the amount of syrup based on how sweet or floral you prefer your cappuccino.
Step 3: Steam or Froth the Milk
Steam 1/2 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk).
Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and lavender mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Step 4: Top with Foam and Garnish
Finish by spooning a light layer of foam on top of your cappuccino.
For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender buds or a small sprig of fresh lavender.
Enjoy your soothing lavender cappuccino!
Lavender Cappuccino Variations
Iced Lavender Cappuccino
For a refreshing twist on the classic hot version, try making an iced lavender cappuccino.
Start by brewing a shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee and mixing it with 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup, just like in the hot version.
To make it iced, pour the espresso-lavender mixture over a glass filled with coffee ice cubes (if you don’t have coffee ice cubes, regular ones work too).
Instead of using hot steamed milk, prepare cold foam by shaking cold milk in a tightly sealed jar or using a milk frother.
Pour the cold foam over the coffee, and you’ll have a chilled, floral treat perfect for hot days.
Lavender Vanilla Cappuccino
If you want to add a cozy, warm twist to your lavender cappuccino, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract.
Simply follow the usual steps of brewing your espresso and mixing it with lavender syrup.
Before adding the steamed milk, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
The vanilla rounds out the floral lavender notes and adds a smooth, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the cappuccino.
Honey Lavender Cappuccino
For a more natural sweetness, you can replace the sugar in the lavender syrup with honey.
To do this, follow the same process as making lavender syrup but use 3/4 cup of honey instead of sugar.
Once you have the honey-lavender syrup ready, mix it with your brewed espresso as usual.
The honey adds a floral depth to the lavender, creating a richer, smoother flavor profile that enhances the cappuccino’s sweetness without overpowering the coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Lavender Cappuccino
When making a lavender cappuccino, using culinary-grade lavender is key to achieving the right flavor.
Culinary lavender is specifically grown for cooking, and it avoids the bitter, “soapy” taste that non-culinary lavender can impart.
This ensures a smooth and pleasant floral note in your drink.
Another important tip is adjusting the sweetness level of your lavender syrup.
Lavender has a strong flavor, so you may want to start with less syrup and gradually add more to match your taste preferences.
Finally, choosing the right espresso blend can enhance the overall experience.
Light or fruity espresso roasts are great options as they pair well with lavender’s floral undertones without overpowering them.
This ensures a balanced, flavorful cappuccino that is both aromatic and rich.
Conclusion
Give this lavender cappuccino recipe a try and see how the calming floral notes enhance your coffee routine.
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations, like adding vanilla or using honey for a twist.
We’d love to see your creations, so share your version on social media and tag us!
FAQs
Can I use dried lavender from my garden?
Yes, you can use dried lavender from your garden, but make sure it’s culinary-grade lavender.
This type of lavender is grown specifically for consumption and avoids the bitter or soapy taste that ornamental varieties can sometimes have.
How can I store lavender syrup, and for how long?
Lavender syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain the syrup’s freshness.
Can I make a vegan version?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based milk alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a vegan version of the lavender cappuccino.
These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and complement the lavender’s floral notes.
