We love coffee in our house, and iced lattes are a favorite during the hotter months. But, a regular iced latte or iced coffee can become monotonous day after day.
This is where homemade flavored syrup comes in. Since I love growing lavender in our herb garden, I’m always looking for ways to use it in our home and kitchen.
The floral notes of lavender blend beautifully with the richness of espresso and the creaminess of milk. It’s an indulgent yet easy-to-make drink.
Lavender lattes have become popular in many coffee shops, but it’s actually very easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this drink right in your own kitchen!
In this post, I’ll walk you through making your own lavender syrup, brewing the coffee, and assembling a perfectly balanced lavender latte worthy of any café.
Why You’ll Love Making Lavender Lattes at Home
Making your own lavender latte isn’t just fun—it’s also incredibly rewarding. Instead of paying premium prices at a coffee shop, you can enjoy this luxurious drink any time you want from the comfort of your home. And because you’re making it yourself, you can fully control the sweetness, strength, and even the type of milk you use.
Many people are surprised by how approachable this recipe is. You don’t need fancy equipment or barista-level skills—just a little time and a few pantry staples.
Once you make your first batch of homemade lavender syrup, you’ll find endless ways to use it in coffee, tea, lemonade, and desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make your lavender latte at home:
For the Lavender Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or substitute honey if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender (or 3–4 tablespoons fresh lavender)
For the Latte:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup of steamed milk (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or your favorite option)
- 1–2 tablespoons of lavender syrup (add more or less depending on your preference)
Optional Garnishes:
- A small sprinkle of dried lavender buds for presentation
- A splash of vanilla extract for extra depth
- Extra milk foam for a true café-style finish
Step 1: Make the Lavender Syrup
The homemade lavender syrup is what gives this drink its signature flavor. It’s incredibly simple to make and can be stored in your refrigerator to use whenever you’re ready for your next latte.
Start by combining one cup of water and one cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. This will create a simple syrup base.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add in your dried or fresh culinary lavender. Gently simmer the mixture for about five minutes to help infuse the syrup with the floral notes of the lavender.
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to steep for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the lavender flavor will be.
If you’re making this for the first time, you might want to start on the shorter side and adjust in future batches based on your taste preference.
When the syrup has finished steeping, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the lavender buds. Transfer the finished syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. Your homemade lavender syrup will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Step 2: Brew Your Espresso or Coffee
Now that your syrup is ready, it’s time to prepare your coffee. The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need expensive equipment.
While a traditional lavender latte uses espresso, you can easily substitute strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
Brew 1–2 shots of espresso if you have the equipment, or prepare about ½ cup of very strong coffee using a moka pot, French press, or drip coffee maker. Either option will pair perfectly with the lavender syrup.
Step 3: Steam and Froth Your Milk
The steamed milk is what gives your lavender latte its creamy, luxurious texture. If you have a steam wand or milk frother, use that to heat and froth your milk to a smooth consistency with a bit of foam on top.
If you don’t have a frother, you can easily warm your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave and whisk it vigorously to create some froth.
Many handheld milk frothers are also inexpensive and easy to use if you’re planning to make lattes regularly at home.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lavender Latte
With all your components ready, assembling your latte is simple.
Start by pouring your brewed espresso or coffee into your favorite mug. Next, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of your homemade lavender syrup, adjusting the amount to suit your preferred level of sweetness and floral flavor.
Slowly pour your steamed milk over the coffee and syrup mixture. If you have any milk foam, gently spoon it on top for a coffeehouse-style presentation.
For a final touch, you can sprinkle a few dried lavender buds on top as a pretty garnish.
Tips for a Perfect Lavender Latte Every Time
- Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure a pleasant, edible flavor. Non-culinary lavender can taste bitter or soapy.
- Be mindful of steeping time. Over-steeping the syrup can create an overly intense flavor. Start with 15 minutes and adjust based on your taste.
- Customize your flavor. A small splash of vanilla extract can add a warm, cozy note that pairs beautifully with the lavender.
- Make extra syrup. Since the lavender syrup keeps well in the fridge, consider making a double batch so you always have some on hand.
Lavender Latte Variations to Try
One of the best parts about learning how to make a lavender latte at home is the ability to experiment with different variations:
Iced Lavender Latte: Prepare your coffee and syrup as usual, but allow them to cool. Pour over ice and add cold milk for a refreshing iced version.
Honey Lavender Latte: Replace the sugar in your syrup recipe with honey for a naturally sweet twist that beautifully complements the lavender.
Vanilla Lavender Latte: For an extra layer of flavor, add ¼ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to your syrup or directly into the latte.
Dairy-Free Lavender Latte: For a delicious non-dairy version, substitute your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat, almond, or coconut.
The Added Benefit: Lavender’s Calming Properties
In addition to its beautiful flavor and aroma, lavender has long been associated with calming and soothing properties. Many people enjoy lavender for its potential to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even support better sleep.
While a lavender latte is first and foremost a delicious treat, it’s nice to know that it may offer a little extra comfort on busy days. As always, check with your healthcare provider if you have questions about using herbs medicinally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought lavender syrup?
Yes, you can—but homemade syrup gives you better control over the flavor and allows you to avoid artificial ingredients.
Where can I buy culinary lavender?
Culinary lavender can be found online, at specialty food stores, or at farmers markets. Always make sure it’s labeled as food-grade.
Can I make this without espresso?
Absolutely. Strong brewed coffee works very well in place of espresso for a slightly lighter version.
How long does homemade lavender syrup last?
Stored properly in a sealed container in the refrigerator, homemade lavender syrup will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Once you make your first lavender latte at home, you may find it quickly becoming one of your favorite drinks to enjoy year-round. Whether serving it hot on a chilly morning or icing on a warm afternoon, the blend of floral, rich, and creamy flavors feels elegant and comforting.
I hope you give this recipe a try and find your perfect version. If you do, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment below or share your latte photos with me on Instagram.
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