The Iced Lavender Latte is a refreshing blend of espresso, lavender syrup, and milk served over ice.
Its subtle floral sweetness makes it a popular choice in coffee shops, especially during warmer months.
The best part? You can easily make this aromatic drink at home in just a few minutes.
Here’s how!
How to Make an Iced Lavender Latte: At A Glance
- Brew 2 oz. espresso or use strong coffee.
- Add 1–2 tbsp lavender syrup to a glass filled with ice.
- Pour in 8 oz. milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- Stir to combine and garnish with dried lavender, if desired.
- Enjoy immediately for a refreshing floral treat!
What is an Iced Lavender Latte?
An Iced Lavender Latte is a refreshing coffee beverage made with espresso, lavender-infused syrup, milk, and ice.
The drink balances the bold flavor of espresso with the delicate, floral sweetness of lavender, creating a unique and aromatic experience.
Served cold, it’s the perfect choice for warm days or when you want a light, soothing twist on a classic iced latte.
The floral notes are subtle enough to appeal even to those who typically avoid floral flavors, while the hint of sweetness from the lavender syrup complements the creaminess of the milk.
Ingredients Overview
Espresso or Coffee
The base of an Iced Lavender Latte is espresso, known for its bold and rich flavor.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or cold brew can work as substitutes.
Each option provides a robust foundation for the drink, allowing the lavender syrup and milk to shine.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender simple syrup is what gives this latte its unique, floral sweetness.
It’s a mix of water, sugar, and culinary-grade dried lavender, which can be homemade for a personal touch or purchased for convenience.
The syrup blends seamlessly with espresso, balancing its intensity while adding an aromatic twist.
Milk Choices
Milk brings creaminess to the latte, and there are plenty of options to suit all preferences.
Dairy options like whole or skim milk offer traditional creaminess, while non-dairy alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk provide versatility for those with dietary restrictions.
Each type of milk subtly alters the flavor and texture, so choose based on your taste.
Ice
Ice is essential to the drink’s refreshing quality.
To avoid diluting the flavor as the ice melts, coffee ice cubes are an excellent alternative.
Made by freezing coffee instead of water, these cubes help maintain the strength of your latte without compromising its taste.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade dried lavender
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried lavender to the pan.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let the mixture steep for 15–20 minutes to allow the lavender flavor to develop.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the lavender buds.
- Pour the syrup into a clean jar or bottle and allow it to cool before sealing.
Storage Tips
- Store the lavender syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- The syrup will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Discard if the syrup develops an off smell, cloudiness, or unusual texture.
Step-by-Step Iced Lavender Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso (or 3 ounces strong brewed coffee)
- 1–2 tablespoons lavender simple syrup (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 8 ounces milk of choice (whole, skim, oat, almond, or soy milk)
- Ice (enough to fill a tall glass)
- Optional garnish: dried lavender buds
Instructions
- Prepare your glass: Fill a tall glass to the top with ice.
- Add the coffee: Pour 2 ounces of espresso or 3 ounces of strong brewed coffee over the ice.
- Sweeten with lavender syrup: Add 1–2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup, depending on how sweet you like your latte.
- Add milk: Top the drink with 8 ounces of your preferred milk.
- Stir and garnish: Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. If desired, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds on top for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing latte!
Hot Lavender Latte Variation
If you’re craving the soothing floral flavors of lavender but prefer a warm drink, the Hot Lavender Latte is the perfect choice.
This variation combines the same key ingredients in a cozy, comforting format.
- Steam or Froth Milk: Heat 8 ounces of milk (your choice of dairy or non-dairy) in a saucepan or using a milk frother. If steaming, avoid boiling the milk to preserve its smooth texture. Froth the milk to create a light foam for the final topping.
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew 2 ounces of espresso using an espresso machine or strong brewed coffee as an alternative.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mug, mix the hot espresso with 1–2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup, depending on your desired sweetness. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Milk: Pour the steamed milk into the mug, leaving room for the foam on top.
- Finish with Foam and Garnish: Spoon the milk foam over the drink to create a luxurious texture. For an elegant touch, garnish with a small sprinkle of dried lavender buds.
- Enjoy your hot lavender latte!
Customization Options
Flavor Variations
If lavender isn’t your favorite or you’re looking to switch things up, consider substituting the lavender syrup with other flavored syrups.
Vanilla syrup adds a classic, creamy sweetness that complements coffee perfectly.
Honey syrup provides a natural, floral sweetness for a more earthy profile.
For a fruity twist, syrups like blueberry or raspberry can create a completely new flavor experience.
Milk Alternatives
The choice of milk significantly impacts the latte’s texture and taste.
Dairy options like whole milk provide a rich and creamy consistency, while skim milk offers a lighter, less dense feel.
For non-dairy alternatives, almond milk introduces a nutty undertone, soy milk creates a smooth and neutral base, and coconut milk brings a hint of tropical sweetness.
Oat milk is another excellent choice, known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Sweetness Level
Adjusting the sweetness level is as simple as tweaking the amount of syrup.
For a milder sweetness, use just one tablespoon of lavender syrup.
If you prefer a more pronounced sweet flavor, add an extra tablespoon.
You can even create a sugar-free version by using a sugar-free lavender syrup or a natural sweetener alternative like stevia.
Benefits of Lavender in Beverages
Lavender is widely known for its calming properties, making it a perfect addition to beverages that aim to soothe and relax.
Its natural compounds, such as linalool, are believed to help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, making lavender-infused drinks ideal for unwinding after a busy day.
Beyond its calming effects, lavender offers a distinct and aromatic flavor profile that sets it apart from other sweeteners or additives.
The subtle floral notes of lavender add depth and complexity to beverages without overpowering other ingredients, making them versatile for both coffee and tea-based drinks.
Its light, sweet, and slightly herbal taste enhances the overall sensory experience, turning a simple drink into something special.
Serving Suggestions
An Iced Lavender Latte pairs beautifully with light, buttery pastries like scones or shortbread cookies, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
The subtle sweetness and floral notes of the latte complement baked goods without overwhelming them, making it a perfect companion for a mid-morning snack or an indulgent afternoon treat.
This latte also shines as a centerpiece for brunch gatherings, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional coffee or tea.
Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for serving alongside sweet desserts or even savory options, like quiches or croissants, for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Making an Iced Lavender Latte at home is simple, quick, and rewarding.
With a few basic ingredients, you can create a refreshing and aromatic drink that rivals any café offering.
Experiment with different milk options or syrup variations to make it your own.
Once you’ve perfected your recipe, share your experience and unique twists with others.
Your creativity might inspire someone else to try this delightful beverage!
