Lavender Latte

Have you heard of a lavender latte before? This version is inspired by a London Fog, a tea-based latte made with Earl Grey and steamed milk, with a subtle floral note from culinary lavender.

I spotted it on a menu at a local coffee shop here in Seattle and loved the idea, but I knew it would be too sweet for my taste thanks to all the simple syrup. So I decided to make my own lavender latte at home, using less sugar and dairy-free milk. Seattle weather practically demands cozy drinks like this, and this lavender latte has quickly become a go-to on chilly, drizzly mornings.

What is a London Fog Lavender Latte?

London Fog is a popular tea-based latte that originated in Canada. It is made with Earl Grey tea, a splash of vanilla, and steamed milk. The “fog” is created by frothing the milk and pouring it over the tea, creating a decadent drink for a cozy winter morning. It’s often foggy here in Seattle, which makes this drink feel especially fitting. I don’t have a fancy frother, so I do the best I can by shaking up my non-dairy milk vigorously and giving it a little whisk.

If you like the idea of this beverage, I’ve got a couple others for you, too. I’ve got a lovely Vegan Golden Milk and a Blueberry Green Tea Smoothie as well.

Is a Lavender Latte Healthy?

“Is this drink healthy?” is a complex question. Just like with other aspects of nutrition… it depends. What kind of milk do you use? How much and what kind of syrup? What are your health goals and nutritional needs? I like this Lavender Latte because it’s perfect for people who are vegan or have a dairy allergy, it’s lighter in sugar than other recipes for this beverage, and it’s packed with anti-inflammatory, health-promoting ingredients like the tea and the lavender.

Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey is a flavored tea made of black tea and oil made from the rind of a bergamot orange. This combination gives Earl Grey tea its unique aroma and taste. Black teas have been shown to have many health benefits. They have natural blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects and can reduce the risk of heart disease. Black teas are also high in polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking tea also helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol, helping you to feel relaxed.  

Black tea has a touch of caffeine so this isn’t a natural fit for bedtime, though it is a relaxing drink. It could also be a bit stimulating. You can use a decaffeinated version or simply stick with enjoying this before noon each day.

Health Benefits of Culinary Lavender

Lavender has calming properties on the nervous system and can help to soothe anxiety and help to promote relaxation. Lavender is also effective for aiding with sleep. Being an herb, lavender also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  However, you can’t pick lavender straight from the garden and use it like you can some other herbs; it’s best to use actual ‘culinary’ lavender. It’s got a sweeter, more floral flavor so that even using a little goes a long way.  

How to Make a Lavender Latte at Home

Step 1: Steep the Tea

The first step in making this Lavender Latte inspired by a London Fog is to steep the tea. Start by bringing 3/4 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan on the stove top. Remove the boiling water from the heat and add 1 Earl Grey tea bag into the pot. Then add in ½ teaspoon of dried lavender.

The lavender is optional but adds a nice complexity of flavor. I had a very challenging time finding culinary lavender in the grocery store so you may need to order it online or seek out a specialty store. If you don’t have any, you can absolutely still make this recipe.

Cover the mug to keep the heat in and steep it for 5-8 minutes. If using an electric kettle to boil the water, simply steep the Earl Grey directly in a mug.

Step 2: Make the Foam

Use a frother, like this milk frother, to create the foam. You can also froth milk using a French press or a simple whisk. If you do not have any of the tools to froth the milk, simply heat up the milk on the stove top. It won’t create the foam but will still work well. Pour the milk into the mug and spoon the froth on top.

I love using soy or oat milk rather than coconut, rice, or almond as a dairy replacement. They both have higher protein and fat so the nutritional profile is more similar to milk. They may not froth quite as well but they taste amazing. If you want to use regular dairy milk, be my guest!

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

Finally, add your sweetener and vanilla extract to finish your Lavender Latte. Give it a little stir and you’re done! I love using agave and I like to start with just the 1/2 teaspoon for a touch of sweet and then add more if I want. At a coffee shop, you’ll often have multiple pumps of syrup so controlling the amount by making my own is one of my pro-tips.

Lavender Latte FAQs

What does a Lavender Latte taste like?

A lavender latte has a lightly floral flavor that’s subtle and calming, not perfumey. When paired with Earl Grey tea, it tastes cozy, slightly citrusy, and gently sweet.

Is lavender safe to drink?

Yes, as long as you use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for food use. A small amount goes a long way.

Can I make a Lavender Latte without sugar?

Absolutely. You can skip the sweetener entirely or use a small amount of agave, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative to taste.

Does a Lavender Latte have caffeine?

This Lavender Latte contains caffeine from Earl Grey tea. If you prefer a caffeine-free option, use decaffeinated Earl Grey or a caffeine-free black tea alternative.

I hope you try this recipe out, leave a comment if you do!

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