Best Copycat Recipe for an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte

amandakaybradley

2 years ago

Is it just me, or does it seem like lavender is THE coffee trend of spring 2024?

Caribou and Starbucks have signature drinks this season featuring the delicate floral flavors of a plant known for its calming effects.

Although I love seeing new menu items from the major coffee chains, they’re only available for a limited time.

And I’m left craving those flavors long after disappearing from the menu.

If you fell in love with lavender drinks this spring but can no longer find them in stores, you’re in luck!

With a few simple ingredients, you can easily recreate the flavors of the new iced lavender oatmilk latte at home!

No drive-thru line required.

And if you’re a “skip to the good part” kind of person, click here to jump right to the recipe.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. Specific images on this page may be courtesy of Canva. Although I am a medical professional, I am not your medical professional, and the information on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. Please seek a qualified medical professional for questions or concerns about your health status.

What is an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte?

With its hint of lavender flavor, the new Starbucks iced latte features a subtle hint of floral that perfectly balances with the more robust flavor of espresso.

The iced lavender latte is further elevated by creamy oatmilk.

It’s refreshing, delightfully simple, and the perfect way to celebrate spring!

What’s in an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte?

Although specialty drinks from your local coffee shop can seem complicated, they all contain the same basic components: milk, coffee, and flavor syrup.

Milk

The original Starbucks lavender latte recipe uses oatmilk, but you can use whatever type of milk you have on hand.

Plant-based milk works well in this type of recipe; however, be aware that a potentially unpleasant mixing of flavors may occur.

For example, coconut milk might not mix favorably with the floral notes of lavender.

The same could be said for almond milk or even soy milk.

Although dairy milk doesn’t present the same flavor challenges as plant-based milk, milkfats produce drinks with different consistencies.

Whole milk gives you a whole-bodied mouthfeel and creaminess unmatched by other types of milk.

Skim milk produces the best bubbles when frothing; however, they don’t stick around very long!

And for a balance between the two, opt for 2%.

The beauty of being a home barista is that you can make the drink however you like!

Coffee

Regarding the coffee portion of this drink, you have so many options!

My favorite way to make coffee for specialty drinks is to put ground espresso in a French press.

This technique is essentially the same as brewing an extra-strong cup of coffee, but I find the espresso’s flavor mixes better than regular ground coffee.

But if you have an espresso machine, feel free to pull a couple of espresso to add to the drink for that authentic Starbucks flavor.

Although I haven’t tried it in this recipe, you could use cold brew for the coffee portion.

Cold brew naturally has a less bitter flavor than brewed coffee which would pair nicely with the floral overtones of the drink.

You could also use instant coffee in this drink. If you opt for instant, go with the Starbucks brand for the best flavor.

Make the coffee beforehand and give it time to chill before combining it with the other ingredients.

If you want to avoid that watered-down coffee flavor, pour your leftover morning brew into an ice cube tray. Use the coffee cubes in all your home coffee creations!

Lavender Simple Syrup

Starbucks uses lavender powder in its version of this drink, but I prefer a homemade simple syrup made with food-grade lavender flowers.

You could also buy lavender syrup if you want to simplify the recipe.

Amazon also carries lavender extract, and you could simply add a few drops along with unflavored simple syrup or honey for a substantially similar drink.

When adding anything to a recipe, ensure the product is food grade to avoid consuming harmful chemicals.

I prefer making my own version of flavor syrups because I can control the ingredients and avoid extra additives.

To ensure an icy experience, make the syrup in advance and chill it in the fridge before adding it to the recipe.

Copycat Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte

Soothing lavender, bold coffee, and a touch of sweetness make this latte irresistible!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Ingredients

1/2 cup turbinado cane sugar
1/2 cup water
1/8 cup food-grade lavender buds
1 cup oatmilk or milk of your choice
3.5 cups hot water
4 tbsp finely ground espresso
ice or coffee cubes

Instructions

Combine the turbinado cane sugar, water, and lavender buds in a small saucepan. Heat over medium low heat until the mixture begins to boil, then turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour the lavender syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove all the pieces of lavender and allow to cool. You can store the homemade lavender syrup in a small glass jar in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Combine the hot water and espresso in a French press and allow to sit for approximately 6 minutes. Push the plunger down and pour the coffee into an alternate container for storage. Coffee brewed with this method stays fresh stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fill a tall glass with iced, followed by approximately 1/4 cup of coffee or a couple of espresso shots if you have an espresso machine. Next, add 1 tablespoon of the lavender syrup, pour in the milk, and stir gently. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use lavender essential oil to make an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte?

Essential oils are highly concentrated and not intended for oral consumption. Opt for homemade lavender syrup using food-grade lavender flowers, commercially prepared lavender syrup, or lavender extract for an authentic lavender flavor without toxicity.

What are the health benefits of lavender?

Lavender has been used for centuries in alternative medicine, and it has a variety of uses. One of its better-known uses is reducing anxiety. One of my favorite Bath and Body Works scents features the calming undertones of lavender and vanilla. It’s the perfect addition to any sleep-promoting bedtime routine!

Lavender has also historically been used to relieve inflammation and fight bacterial infections.

More research is needed on the practical use of lavender in specific clinical situations, so when in doubt, always consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Can you buy an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte year-round?

Unfortunately, no. The lavender coffee graced the Starbucks coffee chain menu in spring 2024 and will not be part of their staple menu.

But you can easily recreate the drink at home with the above recipe!

Does an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte contain caffeine?

Yes, but you can request a decaf version. Making the drink at home allows you to easily control the amount of caffeine in it.

Final Thoughts

This simple recipe allows you to recreate the Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte in your kitchen. It’s easy, refreshing, and the best way to add a little sweetness to your life!

And by making the syrup and coffee ahead of time and storing them in the fridge, you can quickly mix up a fresh glass at any time of the day.

Easy drinks like this are a great way to switch up your boring home coffee routine and add new flavors to your life!

If you want more simple recipes, check out my previous posts.

And until next time, happy brewing!