Lavender in a latte? Yes- please! This Lavender Tea Latte is made with the relaxing aroma of lavender, and black tea, then topped with a frothy milk foam. Its scent is intoxicating and calming all at once, and who doesn't need some destressing right about now?
I'm obsessed with chai tea lattes. I drink them all winter long. But as the cold weather starts to fade, I crave the floral notes of lavender. This latte is the perfect choice for breaking you out of your latte rut.
With just a few ingredients, you can easily make this coffee shop specialty at home. Simple syrup is infused with lavender and then mixed into a strong brewed black tea and topped with a milky foam. You fancy now!
Ingredient notes
You will love this tea because of its simplicity. Below are the ingredients you will need.
- Black tea- Choose a mild tea since the lavender will be the star. Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, and Keemun are a few of the most well-known. I used a simple English breakfast tea because I always have it on hand. You can't go wrong with that or a plain ol' Lipton black tea. You can choose caffeine or decaffeinated, loose tea or packed.
- Culinary Lavender- You won't regret buying this as there are so many uses for lavender in cooking. Did someone say cocktails? When buying lavender, look for culinary or food grade as it has fewer oils than lavender that is used for product making. You can find lavender buds in the spice section of some grocery and specialty stores. It can also be purchased online.
- Sugar- White granulated sugar to make the lavender syrup.
- Milk- Milk of your choice. I use 2% milk.
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
You will need a frother to make the milk foam. If you don't have a fancy coffee maker with the steam frother attachment (neither do I) you can use a handheld frother. It's the best little device that actually works! No barista experience is required.
How to make a lavender tea latte
- First you will make a lavender simple syrup by mixing 1 part water with 1 part sugar and adding your lavendar buds. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then discard the buds.
- Next, you will brew your tea. Add boiling water to a mug with 2 tea bags and let it steep. Add 1- 2 tablespoons of syrup to sweeten to taste.
- Lastly, you will heat your milk. You can simmer it on the stove or use a microwave. Using a handheld frother, whip the heated milk until frothy. Pour the milk into your latte and stir gently to mix. Top with additional lavender buds if using.
Prepping and storing the lavender syrup
The lavender simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Store the syrup in a glass container to avoid any odors left from plastic containers. The lavender syrup will yield 4 ounces (½ cup).
Leftover lavender syrup can be used for sweetening lemonade, iced tea, or mixed into your favorite cocktail. You can even try it on ice cream for an elevated dessert.
Top tips
- Follow the directions for steeping your black tea. It usually ranges from 3-5 minutes depending on the brand. Steeping tea longer does not make it stronger, rather it produces a bitter taste. This recipe calls for 2 tea bags, for a stronger black tea flavor.
- Make sure your lavender is food or culinary grade.
- You can use any milk you like, just note that all milks do not froth the same. I use a 2% cow's milk, which I find gives the perfect foam. The more fat in the milk, the better the foam.
FAQ
Lavender is thought to help with anxiety, skin health, and sleep. Drinking lavender tea can ease stress and calm nerves, which may lead to a more restful sleep.
On it's own, lavender has a floral taste with hints of rosemary and mint. In large quantities, lavender can taste bitter, so it's essential to only add it in small amounts to cooking, baking or cocktails.
Lavender Tea Latte
Equipment
- milk frother handheld or attachment
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon lavender buds, plus more for topping (optional) food grade (see post)
Lavender Tea Latte
- 2 black tea bags of your choice
- 8 oz water
- 1-2 tablespoon lavender simple syrup
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- In a small pot, combine the sugar, water, and lavender buds. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar is dissolved about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and let the lavender buds steep for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, strain the lavender buds and discard them. Set the syrup aside.½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, 2 tablespoon lavender buds, plus more for topping (optional)
Assembling the Latte
- Heat the water for tea in a kettle or microwave. To a mug, add the tea bags and water and let steep according to the directions, usually 3-5 minutes. Discard the tea bags. Add 1-2 tablespoon of the lavender simple syrup to sweeten to taste.2 black tea bags of your choice, 8 oz water, 1-2 tablespoon lavender simple syrup
- Heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave. Using a handheld frother or frother attachment, whip until foamy. Add the frothed milk to the tea, and stir to combine. Top with additional lavender buds if using.¼ cup milk
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!