DIY Caribou Honey Lavender Shaker: Easy Recipe for a Perfect Spring Sip

Spring is almost here, which means a host of fresh new handcrafted beverages in coffee shops everywhere.

And if you’re like me — a busy mom balancing work, family, and trying to squeeze in a moment of “me time” — you know a good coffee can feel like a mini vacation in a cup.

Since I mentioned vacation, now is the perfect time to add that we are not traveling for spring break this year.

This is not a change from previous years as we have NEVER taken a spring break vacay.

But my kids are getting to the age where they notice when their friends take fabulous vacations to Florida, Hawaii, or the Caribbean. Meanwhile, I’m trying to convince them that playing basketball on a deserted playground is the most awesome activity they could ever partake in.

Bribing them with food and fun coffee shop drinks is helpful in these situations, which brings me to the point of this post. 

One of my favorite items on the spring menu this year is Caribou’s signature honey lavender shaker.

The worst part about trying a new menu item (other than dragging my kids out in public) is that I fall in love with it only to have it stripped from the menu a few weeks later.

But thanks to this recipe, you can recreate the real lavender and sweet honey flavors in your kitchen at home.

Stick with me as we break down one of my favorite Caribou coffee beverages!

Ready? Let’s get to it!

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What is a Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker?

The honey lavender espresso shaker combines real honey with rich espresso and just the right hint of soothing lavender.

A splash of oatmilk then gives this drink its harmonious silkiness.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring break, even if the highlight of your day is sipping this brew while watching your kids dominate an otherwise empty playground.

What’s in a Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker?

This drink is quick to make and uses a few simple ingredients, most of which you already have in your kitchen.

Espresso

This drink kicks off with fresh espresso.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a French press to make a very similar brew.

Combine 4 tablespoons of finely ground espresso with 3.5 cups of hot water in a French press.

Allow to steep for 6 minutes, then pour out your “espresso.”

My new favorite way to make espresso is an Aeropress.

The Aeropress is simple to use and a breeze to clean.

It’s way easier than using an espresso machine!

Milk

I’m sensitive to dairy and prefer non-dairy milk in all my recipes.

And of all the non-dairy milk options out there, far and away, my favorite is oat milk.

If you buy the “creamy” or “barista” versions, oat milk foams almost as well as dairy milk for recipes that need a bit more body. 

But feel free to use whatever type of milk you have in your fridge.

​This blog is all about making custom coffee drinks at home more approachable.

You do you, and there is no judgment from me.

Flavorings

The hint of sweetness in this drink comes from honey.

Honey is a natural source of antioxidants and other healthy nutrients, meaning you get a health boost while satisfying your coffee craving.

Despite the health benefits, it is a source of sugar, and your body will metabolize it similarly.

In addition to the sweetness of the honey, a delightful hint of spring flavor comes from a whiff of lavender extract. 

The lavender extract gives the drink a sweet, smoky finish.

Lavender tends to have a stronger flavor, so adding just a hint is ideal rather than going overboard with the flavor.

The honey and lavender perfectly complement the smooth body of the espresso, creating an unforgettable combination!

In fact, you may forget that you’re covering all your co-workers back in the frozen tundra while they enjoy a warm beach vacay.

Just kidding about that last part.

But you can block out your kids’ fighting, at least for a few minutes!

Mom Life Pro Tips:

• Morning Rush Hack: Prep your espresso shot ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just shake, pour, and go!
• Sweetness Control: Adjust the honey to suit your taste. A little less honey can make it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up without a sugar crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sugar is in a honey lavender espresso shaker?

Following the above recipe, this drink has about 20 grams of sugar. 

In contrast, you’ll consume around 30 grams of sugar for a medium-sized drink from Caribou.

If you’d like to learn more about the best ways to sweeten your coffee drinks, check out my previous post about the best sweeteners.

Is the honey lavender espresso shaker a seasonal drink from Caribou?

Yes. Sadly, you can only order this one from the Caribou coffee app in the spring (as if there were any better ways to order coffee!?).

But with this recipe, you can enjoy the drink any time of year from the comfort of your kitchen. 

Can you make a honey lavender-flavored cold-brewed coffee drink?

Absolutely! Simply combine 1/4 cup cold brew coffee concentrate with 3/4 cup water and pour the mixture over ice. 

Sweetening cold drinks directly with honey requires one extra step to ensure a smooth process.

Combine 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon warm water and stir until mixed. Then, add the “honey syrup” along with 3 drops lavender extract to the cold brew. Enjoy!

How do you make lavender cold foam?

Simply combine 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon skim milk, 1 tablespoon honey, and 3 drops lavender extract.

Combine in a milk frother or use a hand mixture until it reaches your desired texture.

Pour over your coffee and enjoy!

How do you recreate the new iced honey lavender latte at home?

Combine 2 shots of espresso with 1 cup of milk and pour over a glass filled with ice.

As above, combine 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon warm water and stir until combined.

Add the honey mixture and 3 drops of lavender extract to the espresso with milk, and enjoy!

Check out this previous recipe if you’re interested in a Starbucks version of a lavender latte. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await the new seasonal offerings at your local coffee shop.

You’re also probably enjoying a staycation rather than a legit spring break experience.

But regardless of your lack of travel plans, you deserve a moment to yourself.

​It may not be Cabo, but there are plenty of exciting perks to enjoy in your life!

And if you’re looking for more spring-inspired flavors to sweep you away to an exotic place, try my recipes for a refreshing mint chocolate chip cold brew or a dreamy caramel cold brew with chocolate cream.

As always, I’d love to hear from you!

Did you travel for spring break this year? If so, spill the deets because I want to live vicariously through you!

Until next time, happy sipping!