HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT LAVENDER LATTE AT HOME (EASY RECIPE)

Whether served hot or cold, a lavender-infused latte is a lovely way to introduce sweet summer vibes to your morning coffee.

Lavender can be a tricky ingredient. Use it wrong, and it can feel like you’re drinking perfume. But do it right, and you’re rewarded with a beautiful floral flavor that pairs perfectly with warm milk and strong coffee.

I made and tested this easy homemade lavender latte recipe to ensure you end up with the latter result, and I’m confident you’re going to love it!

How to Make a Homemade Lavender-Infused Latte

Making a lavender latte at home is simple, especially if you have an espresso machine. Once you make lavender syrup – using the same procedure as any DIY coffee syrup – you’re just minutes away from a sweet and creamy treat.

What is the best coffee for a lavender latte? 

Many recipes for lavender lattes call for brewed coffee, but I highly recommend espresso as the foundation for your latte. Its body and intensity of flavor won’t get lost when combined with steamed milk. However, if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute 3 ounces of strong brewed coffee. Check out this article on how to make a latte without a proper machine for suggestions.

I generally like to use a medium or dark roast espresso bean when making this latte. The sweet milk and floral lavender can easily overpower a more delicate light roast. That said, feel free to try it with your favorite coffee beans.

What type of milk should you use?

Cow’s milk is the best choice for a traditional latte. Whole milk and 2% are the easiest to froth to the proper texture, but you can use 1% or skim milk for a lower-fat version. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer a vegan option, look for a non-dairy milk alternative that is mildly flavored and unsweetened, like almond milk or oat milk (1).

How to Make Latte with Lavender in 5 Easy Steps

A lavender latte might be an expensive item at your local coffee shop, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to prepare at home. In this recipe, I’ll break it down step by step – plus provide some helpful tips along the way.

Anyone can brew up a delicious lavender latte, and that includes you! 

Step 1: Make the lavender syrup

Put the dried lavender buds and water in a small saucepan, bring it to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then cool the mixture before straining out the lavender.

Put the now lavender-flavored water back in the saucepan, add the half cup sugar, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly to a thin syrup consistency.

Step 2: Make espresso

Prepare a double shot in an 8-ounce mug using your home espresso machine.

Extra-strong brewed coffee is an acceptable substitute for espresso if you don’t have a machine. You can use a Moka pot, Aeropress, French press, Nespresso machine, or even instant coffee.

Step 3: Steam the milk

There are many different ways to froth the milk. The best option is an espresso machine or latte machine with a steam wand. The high steam pressure generated by these machines is the only way to get the silky microfoam of a classic latte – especially if you want to pour latte art. 

To master your steam wand, give our article on how to make a latte a read.

Using a milk frother is the next best choice, either manual or automatic. Barring that, you can froth milk in a French press. It’s as simple as heating the milk in the microwave, adding it to the French press, and moving the plunger vigorously up and down to aerate.

Step 4: Assemble your latte

Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the homemade lavender syrup to your double shot of espresso – depending on your tolerance for sweetness and lavender flavor. I’d suggest starting with 1 tablespoon, especially if you typically drink unsweetened coffee. Stir to combine.

Top with the steamed milk. To do this, I tilt the cup slightly and pour the steamed milk in a circular motion, which ensures it is thoroughly mixed. Pour more gently as you reach the end to keep a thin layer of foam on top.

Step 5: Garnish your latte

This step is optional, but I think it’s a worthwhile opportunity to add taste, aroma, or texture to the drink, while also making it more pleasing to the eye.

Great topping options include a dash of nutmeg or ginger, a few leftover lavender flowers, a candied violet, a drizzle of honey, or — trust me on this — a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Now inhale deeply to enjoy the sweet, floral aroma of lavender, then sit back and enjoy.

A Bonus Recipe: Iced Lavender Latte

I love a warm lavender latte as a way to bring the aroma of summer to a cold winter day, but an iced lavender latte is a refreshing way to jump start a summer morning. 

Make the espresso and lavender syrup recipe as above – or replace the espresso with cold brew concentrate.

Make cold frothed milk by pouring cold milk into a jar with a lid and shaking it vigorously.

Assemble the drink by adding the lavender syrup to the espresso and pouring the mixture over iced cubes in a chilled glass. Pour the milk on top and enjoy the fruits (or, in this case, florals) of your labor. 

Looking for more ideas for iced coffee drinks? Try our recipes for a vanilla iced latte or an iced coconut latte, both of which you can easily update with the addition of lavender syrup.

Final Thoughts

That’s all there is to it. Simpler than you thought, right? Just because a drink graces the menu at a fancy coffee shop doesn’t mean it isn’t easy to make at home, provided you have the right tools and a fantastic recipe like this one.