This Lavender Latte is a game changer! Homemade lavender syrup plus your favorite espresso and steamed milk make this recipe a coffee lover's dream!
If you're worried that this would be too complicated to make - trust me it's not! It's only those three ingredients previously listed (espresso, milk and the homemade lavender syrup). The syrup is just water, sugar and culinary lavender buds, so super easy!
I first fell in love with lavender lattes going to brunch with friends a few years back. I had no clue this concoction existed! I love lavender in all forms - food, lavender farm tours, essential oils, so trying it my coffee was a no brainer!
Although I will admit, I thought it sounded a bit strange at first......floral coffee? But once I had my first sip I was sold! I decided I had to learn how to make this at home, so here we are now with this recipe!
How to Make a Latte
Ever wondered what a traditional latte even is? Same. There's a million and one coffee drink options out there and they seem to vary from place to place in the world. After some internet snooping, I found traditionally, a latte is a 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk.
Although, in the States, we tend to add more milk and sugar. I personally love the strong coffee flavor, so this recipe is made following that 1:3 ratio. However, if you're more of a milk coffee person, change up the ratio as you see fit!
How to Make Lavender Syrup
My favorite part of the recipe! And easy peasy. Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar and comes together in 4 easy steps.
- Add the water and culinary lavender buds to a small saucepan or pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and then reduce heat and allow the lavender to infuse the water for 5 minutes.
- The water will turn golden brown....sadly, not a pretty purple color, but know that's expected. We're essentially making tea! Once 5 minutes have passed, add the sugar and stir to help it dissolve. If needed, turn the heat up a notch to help the sugar melt. The important thing is to make sure the water isn't so hot that it's boiling and the sugar crystallizes.
- Once all the sugar is melted. Drain the syrup into a container over a colander to remove the lavender buds.
- Done! You got homemade lavender syrup to use in coffee or other yummy eats!
How to Make a Latte Without a Milk Frother
If you don't have an espresso machine or milk frother, you can still make lattes! How? I'll show you!
Ironically, our milk steamer broke the week when this recipe was planned, so I had to figure out a way around steaming milk without a milk frother. Although, if you have a hand held frother, use it! They do a good job!
But if you're like me this week with no frother or steamer, I gotchu! All you need is a microwave and little whisk.
Microwave your milk until it's hot but not boiling. For me, 1 - 1.5 minutes on high is enough. Then whisk the milk until it gets a bit frothy.
It may not be the same as a steamer or frother, but it gets you a little foam! Gently and slowly pour it over your espresso so that the foam sits on top, and you're good to go!
Recipe Tips and FAQs
You can buy it online on Amazon or Walmart or get it at specialty food stores like Whole Foods.
Absolutely! Use whatever milk or milk alternative you prefer. I find whole milk gives it a rich, creamy flavor, but you can use any type of milk.
You sure can! There's always a way around problems! Just use your favorite strong, bold coffee instead.
Lavender Latte
Ingredients
Lavender Latte
- 2 oz espresso or strong coffee of choice
- 6 oz steamed milk
- 2 teaspoons or to taste lavender simple syrup
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup lavender buds
Instructions
For the Lavender Latte
- Pour the espresso or coffee into a mug and stir in the lavender simple syrup (start with 2 teaspoons and adjust based on taste).
- Pour the steamed or frothed milk on top, garnish with lavender buds and enjoy!
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- Add the water to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once the water is gently boiling, take it off the heat and add the lavender. Allow the lavender to infuse the water for 5 minutes. The water should turn a purple hue.
- Next, add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Put the pan back on the burner and turn the heat up to low heat. Stir to help the sugar dissolve.
- Once all the sugar is dissolved, strain the syrup in a colander to remove the lavender buds and enjoy!
Notes
- When adding the sugar to the lavender and water, be careful to not turn the heat so high that the water boils. Otherwise, the sugar will crystalize.
- To steam the milk without a milk steamer, microwave the milk until it's hot but not boiling (about 1-1.5 minutes on high) and then use a whisk or handheld frother to create a foamy texture.
- If you don't have an espresso machine, try using your favorite strong, bold coffee instead.
- I love the strong coffee flavor, so I like the 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk. However, if you prefer your lattes more on the milk side, add more milk as needed.
Nutrition
(Nutrition values are calculated by third-party software and an estimate that can vary based on product brands and cooking methods.)
Sandi J says
I am excited to make this - but wondering how much it yields as the finished product? (Guessing about 9 oz….?)
I am the only one that is going to try this and thinking I might halve the recipe for my first taste of this!
Always wanted to try a lavender latte!
Monica Nedeff says
Hi Sandi! I haven't measured the total latte amount with the syrup. Since it depends how much syrup you want to add it may vary, but I think 9oz is a very safe bet! Hope you enjoy!
miroslav slodki says
to make lavender syrup
how much water, sugar, lavender buds
looks like 1 tbsp buds
Monica Nedeff says
Hello, the portion of ingredients with instructions is listed in the recipe card at the end of the post. It's 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup lavender buds. Enjoy!
Cora Taylor says
How long is the expiration for the syrup thanks 😊
Monica Nedeff says
1-3 months! Depends on how well it's stored. If you don't cross contaminate and store it in the fridge tightly sealed, it'll last longer. Hope you enjoy!
Caitlyn says
Oh my gosh I cannot wait to try this recipe!! I have been looking for ways to change up my morning coffee and adding lavender sounds like the perfect way to do it!! Thank you so much for this awesome recipe!! 🙂
Monica Nedeff says
Hi, Caitlyn - absolutely! It really is a fun way to change it up! So delish!! Enjoy 😊