Lavender Latte

Frolic & Fare takes the classic latte to new heights with a touch of floral magic. We use real lavender, carefully sourced and culinary-grade, to infuse our milk with a subtle, calming essence.

This incredibly easy recipe turns your morning caffeine fix into a tranquil experience that's both delicious and soothing. Forget complicated ingredients and barista skills. This latte needs just a few simple staples and a touch of lavender magic. We're talking rich espresso, optional honey lavender simple syrup or lavender infused sugar for extra sweetness, and creamy, lavender-infused milk (frothed or not, your choice!). Enjoy it hot for a cozy hug or iced for a refreshing pick-me-up that surprisingly calms you down. To me, lavender signals that the day will be relaxed and ready for frolics!

Adding culinary grade lavender to anything instantly makes it a little more fancy and gourmet. Lavender coffee drinks are popping up everywhere and if you're anything like me - you simply can not resist treating yourself to a delicious drink made my favorite way - full of floral splendor.

What is a latte?

in English, a traditional latte is a classic Italian drink made with espresso and frothed milk. Traditionally, the espresso is brewed in a stovetop Moka pot and poured into a cut containing warm milk. Outside of Italy, a latte is traditionally served in an 8 oz glass with a single 30 ML or double 60 ML shot of espresso, and a layer of foamed milk (approximately ½ inch thick)

Variation inspiration:

Iced lavender latte: For an iced lavender latte, you will want to add an extra shot of espresso. You can simply add your lavender milk to the latte, frothed or not. For an iced latte, I like to add my espresso, syrup, and ice into a mason jar and shake it before pouring into my tall espresso glass.

Iced lattes generally come with more espresso due to being served in a tall glass, and often come sweetened. You can use lavender infused honey, lavender infused sugar cubes, or  homemade lavender honey syrup to sweeten. And of course, serve it over ice.

Tools you'll need for making lattes at home:

• espresso machine or mocha pot
• milk frother

Before you make your lavender latte, you'll want to make some lavender simple syrup. The syrup is where the beautiful lavender flavors comes from. You can pick some up or make some from home. This is my preferred option, as lavender syrups are often artificially colored and are so simple to make your own syrups at home.

How to make the syrup:

Gather your ingredients:

• Fresh or dried culinary lavender buds- we use this brand
• Raw honey (any honey of choice will do) we love our flower infused honey
• Water
• Sugar

The process:

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the water, sugar, and lavender until it comes to a simmer.
2. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the liquid cool. 
4. Lastly, strain into a jar with a fine mesh sieve into a jar with an airtight lid.

Grab the full recipe for lavender simple syrup here!

If you don't want to make your own simple syrup, you can surely buy some. I like this brand because it isn't artificially purple colored like many others. Furthermore, if you don't want to make or buy simple syrup at all - simply add lavender-infused honey for a healthier, sweetened iced coffee. 

Step by step how to prepare:

• If you want your latte sweetened, add in your desired sweetener first. Whether it's honey, lavender syrup or sugar cubes. Add as much as you typically like.
• Make your espresso using your espresso maker or in a mocha pot.
• Add in your shot of espresso, cold or hot into your glass of choice. Add two espresso shots for an iced lattes.
• Finally, add in your lavender frothed milk to the top. Use a milk frother (this is the one we use at home) or hand held milk frother to froth your milk.
• Garnish with some organic lavender if you have it.

Enjoy this latte with:

• Peach lavender pie
• Lavender shortbread cookie with lemon curd
• Candied edible flower lemon sugar cookies

I hope this recipe works beautifully for you and is enjoyed for many years to come. Thank you so much for reading.

Sending love, fresh baked cookies, and a bouquet of your favorite flowers.