Lavender in a latte? Absolutely — and delightfully so. This Lavender Tea Latte blends the calming floral scent of culinary lavender with robust black tea, finished with a creamy, frothy milk topping. The result is soothing and fragrant, a perfect way to unwind and enjoy a lightly floral twist on a classic latte.
I love chai lattes through the colder months, but when spring arrives I start craving floral flavors. Lavender brings a gentle, aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with black tea. This homemade lavender tea latte is an easy coffee-shop-style drink you can make with a handful of ingredients and a little patience. Lavender simple syrup infuses sweetness and aroma, while strong brewed black tea gives balance. Top everything with foamed milk and you have a comforting, elevated beverage.
Ingredient notes
This latte is meant to be simple and approachable. Below are the ingredients you’ll need and a few notes to help you choose the best options.
- Black tea – Select a mild, full-bodied black tea so the lavender can shine. English breakfast, Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, or Keemun all work well. Use loose leaf or tea bags, caffeinated or decaf, depending on your preference.
- Culinary lavender – Use food-grade lavender buds labeled for culinary use. They have a softer oil profile than non-culinary lavender and are intended for cooking and drinks. If you don’t have culinary lavender, look for dried lavender buds sold in the spice section or specialty grocers.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar is used to make the simple syrup that will carry the lavender flavor.
- Milk – Any milk you prefer will work. I use 2% cow’s milk for a good balance of creaminess and foam; higher-fat milk froths differently and non-dairy milks vary in how well they foam.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and serving size.
Equipment
A simple handheld milk frother or a frother attachment on an espresso machine is useful for creating a smooth foam. If you don’t own either, whisking vigorously by hand or shaking warmed milk in a sealed jar can produce acceptable foam in a pinch.
How to make a lavender tea latte
- Make a lavender simple syrup: combine equal parts water and sugar in a small pot, add lavender buds, bring to a gentle boil until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and steep, covered, for about 15 minutes. Strain out and discard the buds.
- Brew the tea: steep two tea bags (or the equivalent amount of loose tea) in boiling water for the time recommended on the tea packaging—usually 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and sweeten with 1–2 tablespoons of the lavender syrup to taste.
- Froth the milk: warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave, then froth using a handheld frother or other method until you have a creamy foam. Pour the milk over the tea, stir gently, and finish with a spoonful of foam on top. Garnish with a few lavender buds if desired.
Expert tips
- Steep carefully: follow the recommended steep time for your black tea (usually 3–5 minutes). Oversteeping can cause bitterness; using two tea bags gives a stronger base that stands up to the lavender flavor.
- Use culinary lavender: always choose food-grade lavender buds to avoid off flavors and excessive oils.
- Milk selection affects foam: milk with moderate fat (around 2%) generally creates a pleasant foam. Full-fat milk creates richer foam but may be heavier; plant-based milks vary—oat milk froths well, while others may not foam as easily.
Prepping and storing the lavender syrup
The lavender simple syrup stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when kept in a sealed glass container. The syrup yield from this recipe is about 4 ounces (½ cup). Use leftover syrup to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, or even to drizzle over ice cream for a floral finishing touch.
FAQ
Lavender has a floral, slightly herbaceous flavor with subtle hints of rosemary and mint. In large amounts it can become bitter, so use culinary lavender sparingly when cooking or making drinks.
Related recipes
Try other floral-inspired treats for a cohesive menu: lemon lavender shortbread, blueberry Earl Grey jam, strawberry mini pies with rose glaze, or ruby chocolate bark. These pair nicely with a lavender latte for brunch or afternoon tea.
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Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
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Blueberry Earl Grey Tea Jam
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Strawberry Mini Pies with Rose Glaze
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Ruby Chocolate Bark (Pink Chocolate Bark)
Made this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment on the recipe card, and tag @brunchandbatter on social media if you share a photo.
📖Recipe
Lavender Tea Latte
Equipment
- Milk frother (handheld or attachment) or an alternative frothing method
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds (plus more for topping, optional)
Lavender Tea Latte
- 2 black tea bags (or equivalent loose leaf)
- 8 oz boiling water
- 1–2 tablespoons lavender simple syrup, to taste
- ¼ cup milk, warmed and frothed
Instructions
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- Combine the sugar, water, and lavender buds in a small pot. Cover and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and let the lavender steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds and discard them. Set the syrup aside to cool.
Assembling the Latte
- Heat water to boiling and pour over the tea bags in a mug. Steep according to the tea’s directions (typically 3–5 minutes), then remove the tea bags.
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup, adjusting to your preferred sweetness and floral intensity.
- Warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave, then froth until foamy. Pour the frothed milk over the sweetened tea, gently stir to combine, and spoon foam on top. Garnish with a few lavender buds if desired.
Notes
The lavender syrup yields about 4 ounces (½ cup) and keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed glass container. Use it to flavor iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, or desserts.
Nutrition*
Serving: 1 | Calories: 99 kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.2 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 1.3 g | Sugar: 2.8 g
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and measurements.
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