LATTESLavender Latte
The quick answer
A lavender latte uses 2 oz of espresso or moka pot coffee, 1-2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup, and 6 oz of steamed milk. Make lavender syrup by simmering 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tablespoons of culinary-grade dried lavender for 10 minutes. No espresso machine needed -- a moka pot works great.
Lavender lattes became one of the most searched cafe drinks in 2023, but they're surprisingly easy to make at home once you have a jar of lavender simple syrup in the fridge.
Lavender simple syrup is the only special ingredient you need, and it takes about 12 minutes to make. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tablespoons of food-grade dried lavender in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let the lavender steep for 10-15 minutes more. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and cool before using. The syrup keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks and makes 10-12 lattes.
Culinary-grade lavender is important. Craft store lavender and garden lavender may be treated with pesticides and are not safe to ingest. Look for food-grade dried lavender at Whole Foods, specialty spice shops, or online. True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has the mildest, sweetest flavor and works best in drinks. French lavender can taste soapy if over-steeped.
The lavender flavor is delicate and can be overwhelmed by bitter or over-extracted espresso. Use a medium roast espresso and make sure not to over-extract your moka pot or AeroPress. The floral note pairs best with milk that doesn't compete -- whole milk is ideal, and barista oat milk's neutral grain sweetness also works well.
Iced lavender lattes are beautiful and very popular. Pour cooled lavender syrup and cooled espresso into a glass full of ice, then add cold milk. The lavender syrup has a faint purple tint that creates a subtle color gradient with the milk. For a more dramatic visual effect, add 1-2 drops of purple food coloring to the syrup when making it.
Dial it in before you make it
Match your espresso dose and yield before you pull the shot.
Espresso Ratio Calculator
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose (in) | 18 g |
| Ratio | 1:2 |
| Yield (out) | 36 g |
| Yield (fl oz ref.) | 1.2 fl oz |
| Shot time guide | Aim 25–32 seconds |
fl oz reference uses 30 g per fl oz (espresso is denser than water). Dial in grind size to hit your target yield in 25–32 s.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We made lavender syrup with three different lavender varieties -- Grosso, Vera, and Hidcote. The Vera variety (true lavender, Lavandula angustifolia) produced the most elegant, lightly floral syrup without any soapy notes. Grosso is more intense and works well if you want a bolder lavender flavor.
Pro tips
- Use only culinary-grade food-safe lavender -- not craft or garden lavender which may have pesticides.
- True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) gives the sweetest, least soapy flavor for drinks.
- Don't steep lavender for more than 20 minutes -- it can turn bitter and soapy.
- Medium roast espresso pairs better with lavender than dark roast -- the lighter flavor lets the floral notes through.
- Lavender syrup keeps up to 2 weeks in the fridge -- make a full batch and use it all week.
Frequently asked questions
What does a lavender latte taste like?
A lavender latte tastes floral, lightly sweet, and slightly herbal -- like a regular latte with a subtle perfumed note layered in. The espresso and milk provide the familiar coffee-cream backbone while the lavender syrup adds a delicate fragrance. It's not overpowering when made correctly; the lavender should hint rather than dominate.
Where can I buy lavender syrup for lattes?
Monin and Torani both make lavender syrups available at most grocery stores, online, and at restaurant supply stores. Starbucks sells their lavender syrup only in stores as part of seasonal drinks, not retail. Homemade lavender syrup is easy to make and tastes fresher than any commercial option.
Is lavender safe to put in coffee?
Yes, culinary-grade food-safe lavender is perfectly safe to consume. The key word is culinary-grade -- buy from spice shops or food retailers, not craft stores. Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender) is the safest and best-tasting variety for edible use. Always confirm the lavender you buy is explicitly labeled as food-grade.
Can I make a lavender latte without lavender syrup?
Not easily. Lavender extract can be used in tiny amounts (1-2 drops max), but it's highly concentrated and easy to over-dose, making the drink taste like soap. Dried lavender steeped in the hot milk for 2-3 minutes before frothing is another option, though it requires straining. Lavender syrup gives the most consistent, pleasant result.
Can I make an iced lavender latte?
Yes, and it's excellent. Stir lavender syrup into cooled espresso, pour over a glass full of ice, then add cold whole milk or barista oat milk. The slight purple tint of the lavender syrup creates a pretty visual effect in the glass. Stir gently before drinking to combine the layers.
