In the Kitchen: Lavender Chai Latte

My absolute favorite coffee (ish) drink is a dirty chai latte. It has chai tea, steamed milk and a shot of espresso to help me pretend I’m drinking coffee. Well, after making this lavender chai latte, I think I’ve found a new favorite!

It all boils down to an easy-to-make lavender simple syrup. Whip up a pot of this and you can add a delicious hint of lavender to your coffee – whether you like it hot or iced.

Lavender Chai Latte – Ingredients

To make this lavender simple syrup, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp lavender buds
• 1/2 cup water

To make this chai latte (hot or iced), you’ll need:

• Milk
• Ice
• Cold brew coffee
• Chai tea bag

How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup

Add all your ingredients to a small saucepan over low heat and mix until the sugar has dissolved. Turn the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to simmer for about five minutes.

Watch to make sure it doesn’t boil or burn – you’ll know the syrup is ready when it has thickened slightly and could coat the back of a spoon.

Take your saucepan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Use a strainer to separate out the lavender buds and transfer your syrup to an airtight container.

Easy, huh? I guess that’s why they call it “simple” syrup. Okay, okay, I’ll show myself out.

 

How to Prepare Your Lavender Chai Latte

Instructions to make an iced latte:

Start by heating 1/3 part milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Steep a chai tea bag in the milk until the milk has turned a caramel color.

Fill a glass with ice and – in lieu of an espresso maker – pour in 1/3 part of the cold brew concentrate. Once the chai milk has cooled, add it to the coffee. Stir to combine and drizzle in 1 tbsp of the lavender simple syrup (or more if you prefer!).

Instructions to make a hot latte:

Just like with the iced latte, heat the milk hot enough to steep a chai tea bag in and let sit until the milk turns a caramel color.

Pour the chai latte into a mug and add 1/3 part cold brew (unless you’re lucky enough to own an espresso maker – in which case, add as many shots as you like!). Drizzle 1 tbsp of lavender syrup into your latte and enjoy!
Good, right? I’ve always been an iced coffee kind of girl personally but I still find both of these recipes delicious. The lavender syrup is subtle enough to mix well but vibrant enough to add a really interesting flavor. If you like a floral taste, this is perfect for your coffee or tea.

Admittedly, we’ve been on a bit of a simple syrup kick lately. If you’re as into it as we are, check out our flavored iced tea syrups or – my favorite – our rose syrup!

We’d love to see your lavender lattes! Show us on Instagram with #lilyandvalliving and, as always, pin the above image if you liked this post!