Introducing the trendiest sip in town – the Lavender Latte! A milk coffee infused with soothing lavender flavor, offering a unique and aromatic twist to your daily coffee routine.
In this guide, we delve into its history, share delectable recipes, and explore all there is to know about this aromatic delight. Let’s brew some lavender magic!
What Is a Lavender Latte?
A lavender latte is a sweet and calming treat that refreshes your mind and body. Herbs like lavender, chamomile, and catnip are called “Nervine” due to their soothing effect on the nervous system without making you sleepy or drowsy- so it’s a win-win.
Lavender latte is trending in specialty coffee shops worldwide, and rightly so because it’s much healthier and tastier than a typical latte. And it’s one of those rare drinks that equally tastes good whether served cold or hot.
What Is a Lavender Latte Made of?
Lavender latte is a mouthwatering blend of strong coffee or espresso, steamed milk, and lavender syrup. Additional ingredients may include vanilla essence or honey for extra flavor. The lavender syrup can be store-bought or homemade.
What Kind Of Coffee Beans Or Grounds Are Used For A Good Lavender Latte?
We recommend using dark roast coffee beans for a strong coffee brew so that the flavor doesn’t drown in the sweetness, aroma, and taste of lavender and milk. As for the coffee grounds, use a coarser grind size for a moka pot or drip coffee and finer for espresso shots.
How Much Caffeine Is In A Lavender Latte?
A lavender latte typically has double shots of espresso or 6 oz (¾ of a cup) of strong coffee, which roughly has 72 mg to 126 mg of caffeine. Health professionals consider moderate caffeine intake of up to 400 mg per day healthy.
| Beverage | Caffeine Content (mg per 1 oz / 30 ml) |
| Espresso | 63 mg |
| Coffee (drip) | 12 mg |
| Coffee (brewed) | 9 mg |
| Coffee (instant) | 30 mg |
| Coffee (decaf) | 2 mg |
How Many Calories Are In A Lavender Latte?
A lavender latte with two tbsp of syrup, two shots of espresso, and 6 oz of steamed milk are estimated to have around 160-210 calories. However, replacing the regular ingredients with oat milk and stevia in the lavender latte reduces the calorie count to approximately 110-130 calories.
The History Of Lavender Latte
This lavender latte may be a 21st-century concoction, but the history of lavender used for consumption and medicinal purpose goes back thousands of years to the time of the Egyptians and Romans. It even played a role in healing wounded soldiers during WW2. However, it was in 1930 when René-Maurice Gattefossé first wrote about lavender’s healing powers and coined the term we now know as “Aromatherapy.”
The exact origin of the lavender latte is difficult to pinpoint, but it’s likely that artisanal coffee shops and cafes exploring various flavored syrups and creative coffee combinations played a significant role in its emergence.
Interestingly, the lavender latte has gained popularity within the LGBTQ+ community as the “Lavender Flower,” and more specifically, its signature “purple” color, holds significant cultural importance to the movement.
Who Invented The Lavender Latte?
The specific inventor of the lavender latte is unknown, as it likely emerged as a creative concoction in various artisanal coffee shops and cafes.
Where Is The Lavender Latte From?
The lavender latte became trendy in coffee shops all over the US, especially in coffee-loving cities like Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. But it’s still hard to pinpoint an exact city of origin.
How To Make A Lavender Latte?
Want to make your day amazing? Follow this easy-to-follow guide for crafting a delicious lavender latte!
Step 1: Gather All The Ingredients
You’ll need any kind of milk (whole, oat, almond), lavender syrup, and coffee of your choice.
No worries if you don’t have lavender syrup; we have an easy homemade lavender syrup recipe in the later section.
Step 2: Brew Coffee
For an intense flavor, go for dark roast and fresh coffee beans. Aim for a strong brew, like a French press or Moka pot, about 6 oz ( ¾ of a cup). Alternatively, a double espresso (2 oz) is even more suitable, offering a bolder flavor profile.
Grab a large cup and pour in 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup. Stir it into your coffee, and you’re all set!
Step 3: Steam Milk
To get that steamy and frothy milk for a smooth latte, you can use a regular whisk or an electric frother to froth the 4 oz (½ cup) of hot milk. Need more details? Check out the step-by-step guide in the later section.
Pour the hot milk into the lavender-infused coffee and stir the mixture. If you want some extra sweetness, drizzle honey on top. Voila! Your delicious lavender latte is ready.
What Lavender Blossoms To Use For A Lavender Latte?
It’s best to use fresh lavender blossoms right off the bat. However, if you want to save some for later, you can dry and store them; dried lavender blossoms (in an air-tight container) can last for up to 6 months. Alternatively, you can simply buy lavender buds from the store and keep them in a cool place.
How To Make The Espresso For A Lavender Latte?
Here’s a simple three-step guide for making espresso for a lavender latte:
- Measure 17 g of fine dark roast coffee grounds as a starting point for a double shot of espresso.
- Next, tamp the coffee grounds evenly in the portafilter and lock it into the machine.
- Brew the espresso, aiming for about two fl oz (60 ml) of rich and flavorful liquid. Your double shot of espresso is now ready to use in your lavender latte!
How to Make Lavender Syrup for a Lavender Latte?
To make a lavender simple syrup for your latte, follow these simple steps:
- In a saucepan, combine 60 g (1/4 cup) of dried lavender with 1/2 cup of water, completely suspending the lavender buds. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Strain the lavender water to remove the buds and let the liquid cool.
- Next, boil 1/2 cup of white sugar with the lavender water. Whisk occasionally and let it simmer for 4 minutes.
Your homemade lavender simple syrup is ready! Use it to add a delightful floral flavor to your lavender latte. Enjoy!
How to Froth Milk for a Lavender Latte?
Here’s the complete step-by-step guide for frothing milk for a lavender latte. Remember to always start with chilled milk, as it yields the best froth. Also, whole milk and oat milk are easier to froth.
- Pour 4 oz (½ cup) of your preferred milk into a small saucepan.
- Warm the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming hot but not boiling.
- If using a manual whisk: Vigorously whisk the hot milk in a back-and-forth motion until it becomes frothy. Or, if using an electric frother, immerse the frother’s whisk head into the hot milk and turn it on. Move the frother up and down to create creamy froth for your lavender latte.
Now, you have creamy and frothy milk ready to add to your lavender latte. Enjoy!
Lavender Latte Recipe
Equipment
- Espresso Machine or any coffee maker
- Whisk or electric frother
- Spoon
- Cup
Ingredients
- Double espresso shots or 6 fl oz (¾ cup) of strong coffee brew
- 2 tbsp levander syrup
- 1/2 cup steamed milk
Instructions
- Brew double shots of espresso. Or brew strong coffee.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of lavender syrup.
- Froth ½ cup of steamed milk.
- Pour frothy milk over lavender syrup and espresso. Optional: drizzle honey on top for extra sweetness.
Types Of Lavender Latte – Lavender Latte Flavors
You know what’s crazy about lattes? You can have many varieties with just a little tinkering with recipes, and they all taste amazing. Here are some popular lavender latte types for you to try.
| Type | Description |
| Lavender Vanilla Iced Latte | A refreshing iced latte infused with the sweet and floral flavors of lavender and vanilla. Perfect for warm days. |
| Vegan Lavender Latte with Oat Milk | A dairy-free option made with oat milk, combining the earthiness of lavender with the creaminess of oat milk for a delightful plant-based latte. |
| Honeycomb Lavender Latte | A popular lavender-infused latte often found at Starbucks, featuring the unique taste of lavender, honey and a smooth espresso base. |
| Iced Lavender Latte | A chilled version of the lavender latte, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days while enjoying the soothing lavender taste. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does A Lavender Latte Taste Like?
Lavender latte is a delightful mix of floral and coffee flavors, perfectly harmonizing. It's soothing, bringing a comforting essence of lavender. The creaminess and subtle sweetness create pure bliss in every sip.
Do Lavender Lattes Taste Like Coffee?
Yes, lavender lattes, usually made with espresso, retain the underlying coffee flavor. However, the taste of lavender adds a floral and aromatic dimension, which may slightly alter the overall coffee taste, making it a unique and delightful beverage.
Are Iced Lavender Lattes any Good?
Yes, iced lavender lattes are just as good as regular lattes, and they are perfect to beat the heat in summer.
What Kind Of Flavor Is Lavender?
Lavender is a floral flavor with herbal and slightly sweet notes. It's calming and soothing, reminiscent of fresh flowers with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Does Lavender Latte Make You Sleepy?
Lavender lattes can be a perfect nightcap drink due to their calm and soothing effects, making them a relaxing choice before bedtime. They also reduce “sleep latency,” the time it takes to fall asleep.
While lavender's calming properties may induce a sense of relaxation, it doesn't necessarily cause drowsiness or make you sleepy on its own.
Does Lavender Syrup Taste Good In Coffee?
Yes, even without milk, lavender syrup enhances coffee with delightful floral sweetness, adding a unique and aromatic twist to the beverage.
Does Lavender Calm The Stomach?
Yes, lavender is mostly used in traditional medicine for its calming effects on the stomach. While modern science lacks concrete evidence, its potential benefits have been valued for generations. Always seek medical advice for individual concerns.
Final Thoughts
We’ve discussed everything you need to know about Lavender Lattes, from its calorie content to delightful recipes. We hope it has inspired you to indulge in this delicious coffee delight. Whether you prefer it warm or iced, the Lavender Latte offers a delicious, calming, and aromatic experience to brighten your day.
So, go ahead and experiment with our recipe, make it your own, and let the magic of Lavender Lattes continue to delight your senses. Until next time, happy brewing!