Homemade Lavender Latte (Healthier Than Starbucks!)

This recipe uses homemade Lavender syrup to make a delicious latte that is low in natural sugar. You’re going to love this healthier version of Starbucks’ seasonal Lavender Latte!

Sugar comparison: Coffee shop vs homemade

The fancy coffee at Starbucks almost always comes with a high sugar container. According to the Starbucks website, the Lavender Latte contains 20 grams of sugar. This isn’t the most sugary drink from Starbucks (a mocha contains 35 grams of sugar) but it still has enough to set you up for a huge blood sugar spike and crash! Especially if you order it as an oat milk latte like their menu suggests. If you want to have this latte from Starbucks, I recommend substituting the oat milk for regular milk for higher protein and fewer empty carbs. 

Compared to Starbucks, the syrup used in this Lavender Latte recipe is made with honey and only contains 9 grams of sugar per tablespoon of syrup. Not only does it have less sugar, but it is also naturally sweetened. 

Tools to make the Homemade Lavender Latte

• Stainer- The main tool you will need is a fine mesh strainer to remove the dried lavender after steeping. I like this strainer because it is the perfect size to use for tea or mocktails. 
• Espresso Machine – this Breville Espresso Machine is a bit of an investment, but it is well-loved in my house to make fresh espresso! It paid for itself quickly by saving me money from not buying coffee! It has a grinder for the beans and a milk frother attached too. 
• Glass mugs- I love these glass mugs for their pretty design! These are the mugs used in the photos. 

Ingredients to make this Homemade Lavender Latte

• Dried Lavender– it is important to use food-grade or culinary lavender buds for this recipe. I also recommend using organic to reduce your exposure to chemicals or pesticides. I used this brand of culinary grade lavender that I purchased off Amazon. It’s a large bag so you can get many uses and it’s third-party tested for chemicals. 
• Honey – I love using honey instead of white sugar because it is a natural sweetener and is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. If you are using raw honey, be sure to only gently heat the honey and do not let it come to a boil. The high heat will kill some of the beneficial properties. You can also use maple syrup for a vegan option. 
• Water- I prefer to use filtered water  
• Shot of Espresso – I use two shots of espresso to make a latte, but you can also use a regular coffee maker or French press to brew strong coffee. 
• Milk of choice – I like to use either whole milk or for dairy-free milk alternatives I like to use almond milk or coconut milk. 

How to make a Lavender Latte

First, make your own lavender syrup. Add water to a small saucepan over medium heat and heat until it is almost at a simmer. Add in dried lavender and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Covering while steeping is important to not lose any of the aromatic compounds. Steep for 5-10 minutes.

After 5-10 minutes, pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a cup or jar. Use a spatula to gently push down on the lavender to release all of the liquid. 

Add the tea back to the pot and add in honey. Gently heat until honey has dissolved and it is fully incorporated. If you are using raw honey only use low heat and only heat until just dissolved. High heat will kill some of the beneficial properties of raw honey. Pour into a jar a half-pint mason jar for storage. 

To make the latte, brew your espresso, and add it to a mug or glass of ice for an iced latte. Then add 1 tablespoon of Lavender Simple Syrup. (Or adjust the amount of syrup for your preferred sweetness level) Pour milk on top of the espresso and enjoy! Use steamed milk for a hot latte, or simply add the milk over the ice for a cold drink. 

How to store the simple syrup

Store the Lavender simple syrup in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks 

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes! Simply add the Lavender Simple Syrup to your regular cup of coffee and a splash of half and half for creaminess.

Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

The lavender syrup is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. When making your latte, opt for non-dairy milk to make it dairy-free.