Lavender lattes are quickly becoming a favorite among coffee lovers.
They combine the rich, bold flavor of espresso with the subtle sweetness of lavender syrup.
This unique pairing creates a drink that’s both aromatic and soothing.
Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, a lavender latte offers a floral twist on the classic coffee experience.
This drink is as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for starting your day or unwinding in the afternoon.
Here’s how to make this delicious latte at home!
How to Make a Lavender Latte: At A Glance
- Brew 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong coffee.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of lavender syrup to taste.
- Steam and froth 1 cup of milk to 150-160°F.
- For a hot latte: Combine espresso, syrup, and steamed milk. Top with foam.
- For an iced latte: Mix milk and syrup, add ice, and then pour espresso over.
- Optional: Garnish with dried lavender buds.
What is a Lavender Latte?
A lavender latte is a coffee beverage made by combining three main ingredients: espresso, steamed milk, and lavender syrup.
The espresso provides a rich, robust base that balances the subtle sweetness of the lavender syrup.
This syrup is crafted from culinary-grade dried lavender and sugar, infusing the drink with a delicate floral aroma.
Steamed milk adds a creamy texture, tying the flavors together for a smooth and comforting experience.
The result is a drink that blends the bold, familiar taste of coffee with gentle, aromatic floral notes.
Perfect for any time of day, a lavender latte is both unique and versatile, offering a soothing twist on the classic latte.
Health Benefits of Lavender
Lavender is widely known for its calming and stress-relieving properties.
It contains natural compounds that help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making it a popular choice for teas, essential oils, and now coffee beverages like the lavender latte.
Incorporating lavender into a drink can create a soothing experience, both physically and mentally.
In addition to its relaxing effects, lavender has been associated with potential benefits such as improved sleep quality and reduced tension headaches.
When added to beverages, it offers a gentle floral flavor while contributing to a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to unwind while enjoying their coffee.
Ingredients Needed
Espresso or Strong Coffee
The base of a lavender latte is espresso or strong coffee.
Espresso provides a concentrated, robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of lavender syrup.
For those without an espresso machine, strong coffee brewed using a French press or Moka pot works as a great alternative.
These methods ensure a rich, full-bodied coffee that complements the floral notes of lavender.
Regardless of the method, aim for a strong and bold brew to balance the drink’s sweetness.
Milk Choices
Milk is the key to achieving the creamy texture of a lavender latte.
You can use traditional dairy milk or opt for plant-based alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk.
Oat milk is a popular choice due to its smooth consistency and excellent frothing capabilities.
Barista blends of plant-based milks are specifically designed to froth well and create a velvety foam.
Whether you choose dairy or non-dairy options, the milk should be steamed or frothed to add richness and enhance the drink’s overall texture.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender syrup is what gives this latte its signature flavor.
It’s essential to use culinary-grade lavender to ensure safety and the best taste.
The syrup is made by infusing dried lavender buds into a mixture of water and sugar, creating a sweet and aromatic base for the drink.
Store-bought lavender syrup can also be used for convenience, but homemade syrup allows you to control the strength and sweetness to suit your preferences.
This syrup is versatile and can also be used in other drinks or desserts, making it a valuable addition to your pantry.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions
- Combine Water and Lavender Buds: Pour 1 cup of water into a small saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This helps release the lavender’s natural oils for maximum flavor.
- Simmer to Infuse: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the lavender fully infuses into the water.
- Add Sugar: Stir in 1 cup of sugar until it is completely dissolved, creating a smooth syrup base.
- Steep for Stronger Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to steep for an additional 30 minutes. This deepens the floral flavor of the syrup.
- Strain the Syrup: Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lavender buds, leaving behind a clear, fragrant syrup.
- Store the Syrup: Transfer the syrup to a clean container, seal it tightly, and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
Step-by-Step Lavender Latte Recipe
Hot Lavender Latte
- Brew the Espresso: Prepare 2 shots (2 ounces) of espresso using an espresso machine or ½ cup of strong coffee brewed with a French press or Moka pot.
- Steam and Froth the Milk: Heat 1 cup of milk to 150-160°F. Use a steam wand or handheld frother to create microfoam for a smooth texture. Avoid overheating to preserve the milk’s natural sweetness.
- Add Lavender Syrup: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup into the brewed espresso. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the syrup infuses evenly into the coffee.
- Combine with Milk: Slowly pour the steamed milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon. Finish by layering the foam on top for a classic latte look.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle a small amount of dried lavender buds on top for a decorative and aromatic touch.
Iced Lavender Latte
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving enough room for milk and coffee.
- Mix Milk and Syrup: Pour 1 cup of cold milk into the glass, followed by 1-2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Add Espresso or Cold Brew: Pour 2 shots of cooled espresso or ½ cup of strong cold brew coffee over the milk mixture. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Optional Garnish: Top with cold foam for added creaminess and a professional finish. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender buds, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Lavender Latte
Milk Frothing Techniques
Creating the right texture in your latte begins with frothing the milk.
If you have a steam wand, it’s the best tool for achieving smooth microfoam with a creamy consistency.
For those without a steam wand, handheld frothers are an excellent alternative and easy to use.
Simply heat your milk to the right temperature (150-160°F) and froth until it becomes light and airy.
If you don’t have a frother, a French press can work in a pinch—just pump the plunger rapidly to create foam.
The goal is to produce tiny, uniform bubbles for a silky, professional-quality latte.
Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor
Lavender syrup is the key to this drink’s signature flavor, but the amount you use can make or break the experience.
Start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and adjust to your preference.
If you enjoy a more subtle flavor, reduce the syrup; for a sweeter, more pronounced lavender taste, increase it slightly.
Additionally, consider pairing the lavender syrup with complementary flavors like vanilla or honey for extra depth.
Selecting the Right Coffee Beans
The choice of coffee beans plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors of the latte.
Light or medium roast espresso blends work best, as they provide a milder, less bitter profile that harmonizes with the floral sweetness of lavender.
Avoid using overly dark or smoky roasts, which may overpower the delicate syrup.
If you’re using brewed coffee instead of espresso, choose a blend with fruity or nutty undertones to complement the floral notes in the latte.
Variations and Customizations
Lavender Vanilla Latte
For a creamy twist, add a splash of vanilla extract to your lavender latte.
This simple addition enhances the floral sweetness of lavender with warm, comforting notes of vanilla.
Alternatively, use a vanilla-infused lavender syrup for a one-step flavor boost.
This variation pairs particularly well with dairy or plant-based milk, making it a versatile option for all preferences.
Honey Lavender Latte
If you prefer a natural sweetener, swap out traditional sugar-based lavender syrup for honey.
Stir in a spoonful of honey alongside your lavender syrup, or use honey as the base when making your syrup.
This variation adds depth to the latte, blending the floral lavender with the rich, earthy sweetness of honey.
It’s a great choice for those looking for a more wholesome flavor profile.
Lavender Matcha Latte
For a caffeine alternative, replace the espresso with matcha green tea.
Prepare your matcha by whisking it with hot water until frothy, then follow the same steps as a traditional lavender latte.
The grassy, slightly bitter taste of matcha pairs beautifully with the sweet floral notes of lavender.
Dairy-Free Options
As we touched on earlier, if you prefer a dairy-free latte, plant-based milks like oat or almond are excellent choices.
Oat milk is especially popular for its creamy texture and ability to froth well, particularly in barista blends.
Almond milk provides a lighter, nutty flavor that complements the lavender.
For the best results, choose plant-based milks designed for frothing, as they create a smooth, velvety foam similar to traditional dairy milk.
Serving Suggestions
A lavender latte pairs beautifully with a variety of pastries, making it a perfect addition to a cozy snack or light meal.
For a classic pairing, serve it alongside flaky scones, buttery croissants, or crisp biscotti.
The subtle sweetness of the latte complements fruity or lightly spiced baked goods, like blueberry muffins or cinnamon rolls, without overwhelming the palate.
This aromatic drink is versatile enough to fit into different parts of your day.
It’s an ideal choice for enhancing your morning routine with a gentle caffeine boost or adding a calming touch to your afternoon break.
Storing and Using Leftover Lavender Syrup
To keep your lavender syrup fresh, store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator.
Properly sealed, it will maintain its flavor and quality for up to two weeks.
Always use a clean spoon or pour directly from the container to avoid contamination, which can shorten its shelf life.
Beyond lattes, lavender syrup is a versatile ingredient that can elevate other drinks and recipes.
Stir it into hot or iced teas for a soothing floral twist, or add it to lemonade for a refreshing, fragrant upgrade.
It also works well in cocktails, like a lavender gin fizz or vodka spritz, adding complexity and aroma.
You can even drizzle it over desserts such as pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream for a sweet and floral finish.
Conclusion
Making a lavender latte at home is easier than you might think and offers endless ways to customize it.
Experiment with flavors, milk choices, and syrups to create your perfect version.
Whether hot or iced, this soothing drink is sure to become a favorite.
Give it a try and share your experience!
We’d love to hear about any unique twists or variations you’ve created.
