Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte: The Ultimate Guide to Making It At Home

Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte: Prepare to be transported to a tranquil lavender field with every sip of this delightful and refreshing beverage! Imagine the soothing aroma of lavender mingling with the creamy richness of oat milk, all perfectly chilled for a blissful escape on a warm day. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of the lavender latte are somewhat modern, the use of lavender in food and drink dates back centuries. The Romans used it to scent their baths and flavor their dishes, and its calming properties have been recognized for generations. Today, this fragrant herb is experiencing a resurgence, finding its way into everything from baked goods to, of course, our star beverage.

What makes the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of floral sweetness and creamy comfort. The oat milk provides a naturally sweet and subtly nutty base that complements the lavender beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy a café-quality treat without ever leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine boost or a relaxing afternoon indulgence, this latte is sure to become your new favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (I prefer a dark roast for this!)
• 1 cup oat milk (barista blend recommended for best frothing)
• 2 tablespoons lavender simple syrup (recipe follows)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Dried lavender buds for garnish

Lavender Simple Syrup Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds

Instructions:

Making the Lavender Simple Syrup:

1. Combine sugar and water: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
2. Add lavender: Stir in the dried culinary lavender buds. Make sure they are culinary grade! You don’t want to use lavender that has been treated with pesticides.
3. Heat and dissolve: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You should no longer see any sugar granules at the bottom of the pan.
4. Simmer: Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the lavender flavor to infuse into the syrup. Don’t let it boil vigorously, as this can change the flavor.
5. Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a stronger lavender flavor. The longer it steeps, the more intense the lavender flavor will be. I usually go for about 45 minutes.
6. Strain: After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if you have it) to remove the lavender buds. This will ensure a smooth syrup. Discard the lavender buds.
7. Cool and store: Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle. The lavender simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to label it with the date you made it!

Preparing the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte:

1. Brew your coffee: Brew a cup of strong coffee. I find that a dark roast works best to stand up to the oat milk and lavender flavor. Let the coffee cool completely. You can brew it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for faster assembly.
2. Prepare your glass: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on the size of your glass and how cold you like your latte.
3. Add lavender syrup: Pour 2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup over the ice. You can adjust the amount of syrup to your liking, depending on how sweet and lavender-y you want your latte to be. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
4. Pour in the coffee: Gently pour the cooled coffee over the ice and lavender syrup. Try to pour it slowly so that it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
5. Froth the oat milk: This is where the barista blend oat milk really shines! Froth the oat milk using your preferred method. You can use a milk frother, a handheld frother, or even shake it vigorously in a jar with a lid. The goal is to create a light and airy foam. If you don’t have a frother, you can simply pour the oat milk directly into the glass, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
6. Pour the oat milk over the coffee: Gently pour the frothed oat milk over the coffee. If you have a good foam, it should sit on top of the coffee, creating a beautiful layered effect.
7. Garnish (optional): If desired, garnish your iced lavender oatmilk latte with a sprinkle of dried lavender buds. This adds a touch of visual appeal and enhances the lavender aroma.
8. Stir and enjoy: Give your latte a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious and refreshing iced lavender oatmilk latte!

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust sweetness: The amount of lavender simple syrup can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet latte, start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and add more as needed.
• Use different milk: While I highly recommend oat milk for its creamy texture and frothing ability, you can also use other types of milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or dairy milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the latte will vary depending on the type of milk you use.
• Add vanilla: For a more complex flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the latte. About 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract is usually enough.
• Make it a mocha: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the coffee for a lavender mocha latte.
• Use lavender extract: If you don’t have time to make lavender simple syrup, you can use a few drops of lavender extract instead. Be careful not to use too much, as lavender extract can be quite potent. Start with 1-2 drops and add more as needed.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the lavender simple syrup and brew the coffee ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the latte.
• Experiment with different coffee roasts: While I prefer a dark roast for this recipe, you can experiment with different coffee roasts to find your favorite flavor combination. A medium roast or even a light roast can also work well.
• Infuse the oat milk: For an even stronger lavender flavor, you can infuse the oat milk with lavender. Heat the oat milk in a saucepan over low heat and add a teaspoon of dried lavender buds. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes. Strain the oat milk before frothing.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan if you use oat milk. Just make sure that the sugar you use for the simple syrup is vegan-friendly (some granulated sugar is processed with bone char).
• Hot Lavender Oatmilk Latte: If you prefer a hot latte, simply heat the oat milk instead of frothing it and pour it over the hot coffee and lavender syrup.

Troubleshooting:

• Syrup is too thick: If your lavender simple syrup is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
• Syrup is not flavorful enough: If your lavender simple syrup is not flavorful enough, let the lavender steep for a longer period of time. You can also add more lavender buds to the syrup.
• Oat milk won’t froth: Make sure you are using barista blend oat milk, as it is specifically formulated to froth well. Also, make sure your oat milk is cold before frothing.
• Latte is too sweet: Reduce the amount of lavender simple syrup you use.
• Latte is not sweet enough: Add more lavender simple syrup or a touch of honey or agave nectar.

Health Benefits of Lavender:

Besides tasting delicious, lavender has several potential health benefits. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Lavender may also help to improve sleep quality and reduce headaches. However, it’s important to note that these benefits are based on anecdotal evidence and some scientific studies, and more research is needed to confirm them.

Choosing the Right Lavender:

When making lavender simple syrup or using lavender in any culinary application, it’s crucial to use culinary-grade lavender. This type of lavender is specifically grown for consumption and is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Avoid using lavender that is intended for aromatherapy or other non-culinary purposes, as it may not be safe to eat. You can find culinary-grade lavender at most specialty food stores or online.

Storing Leftover Lavender Simple Syrup:

Leftover lavender simple syrup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to label the container with the date you made it so you know when it’s time to discard it.

Serving Suggestions:

This iced lavender oatmilk latte is perfect for a refreshing afternoon treat or a relaxing start to your day. It pairs well with pastries, cookies, or even a light salad. You can also serve it as a dessert drink after a meal.

Why Oat Milk Works Best:

I’ve experimented with different types of milk for this latte, and I’ve found that oat milk consistently delivers the best results. Its naturally creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the lavender and coffee perfectly. Barista blend oat milk is specifically designed to froth well, creating a luxurious foam that elevates the entire experience. While other milk alternatives can be used, oat milk provides the closest approximation to the texture and richness of dairy milk

Conclusion:

This Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s a little bit of sunshine in a glass, a moment of calm in a hectic day, and a delicious way to treat yourself. The floral notes of lavender perfectly complement the creamy oat milk, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and comforting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I’m so obsessed! But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. While I adore it as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your own preferences. Feeling extra indulgent? Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of dried lavender buds. Want a richer flavor? Use a barista-blend oat milk for an even creamier texture. For a sweeter treat, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the lavender syrup. And if you’re not a fan of oat milk, feel free to substitute it with your favorite milk alternative – almond, soy, or even regular dairy milk will work just fine.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Iced Lavender Vanilla Latte: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the oat milk for an extra layer of flavor. * Hot Lavender Oatmilk Latte: Enjoy this recipe warm on a chilly day. Simply heat the oat milk and lavender syrup before combining. * Lavender Cold Brew: Combine the lavender syrup with cold brew coffee for a bolder, more caffeinated beverage. * Lavender Oatmilk Smoothie: Blend the latte with a frozen banana for a creamy and refreshing smoothie. * Lavender Infused Simple Syrup: Make a big batch of the lavender simple syrup and use it in cocktails, teas, or even drizzle it over pancakes. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s simple enough for a quick weekday treat, yet elegant enough to impress guests at your next brunch. The subtle floral aroma and the smooth, creamy texture make it a truly unforgettable drink. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, brew your espresso (or use strong coffee!), and prepare to be transported to a lavender field with every sip. I promise, this Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte will become a staple in your beverage rotation. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of lavender and oat milk together. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. Let’s create a community of lavender latte lovers! Don’t be shy – your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy sipping!

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