Lavender Syrup: Why I Changed My Mind On This Unique Flavor

Try This Lavender Syrup In My Perfect Latte Recipe

I didn’t understand the obsession with lavender that arose seemingly out of nowhere a few years ago.

Every time I watch any sort of baking show from “The Great British Bake Off” to “Spring Baking Championship”, it seems like half of the recipes contain this mysterious ingredient. And it usually doesn’t go over well.

The judges on these shows more often than not declare the recipe in question tastes like soap, which, forgive me, doesn’t sound all that appealing to me. I decided it was a trendy gimmick and have largely ignored lavender-infused offerings at bakeries and cafes since.

I don’t know what possessed me to give a lavender latte a fair chance one fateful day. Maybe it was the fact that it was in combination with other flavors, vanilla and cinnamon or white chocolate or something.

A sign at the register suggested Barista Khalese’s signature drink, I ordered it iced and instantly realized a unique and delicious flavor profile had been missing entirely from my life until this point.

If I sound dramatic it’s ’cause I am sometimes.

Barista Khalese, if you’re out there, thank you for your suggestion. You’re doing God’s work.

The only trouble now is that a good lavender latte isn’t all that easy to come by. It’s still not the staple ingredient it deserves to be at coffee houses. When it is offered, there’s only a 50/50 chance it will good, and not saccharine-sweet.

That’s not to even mention what it would cost to keep up the habit were I of an addictive disposition…

Fortunately for me (and my addictive disposition), lavender syrup is stupid-easy to make and very cost effective. Healthier too, which I’m all about.

How To Make Lavender Syrup

1. Stir together equal parts sugar and water over medium-low heat
2. Dissolve sugar, remove from heat
3. Steep lavender in simple syrup, covered, for about 5 minutes
4. Strain out lavender
5. Store in airtight container in fridge

What Do You Use Lavender Syrup For?

• Lattes (clearly I’m evangelical on the subject)
• Tea (try a London Fog if you don’t like coffee!)
• Baking
• Glaze for scones, Bundt cakes, etc.
• Cocktails (a lavender mojito on a hot day, no?)
• Moon milk
• Lavender whey soda
• Anything you’d use simple syrup for!

The process couldn’t be simpler so I won’t waste time walking through it. The pictures above will really tell you what you need to know. Honestly the only tricky thing about it could be finding the dried lavender, but if you shop online at all this won’t be a problem either.

You could also find it at tea shops and some health food stores.

I got mine organic dried lavender from Azure Standard. I got a large bag that will last for quite a while for an awesome price. Amazon works, too.

Perfect Lavender Latte

1. Have lavender syrup on hand
2. Make a double espresso shot with a machine or Moka pot
3. Add 1-2 Tbsp of lavender syrup to a mason jar
4. Pour hot espresso over syrup and stir
5. Add ice to glass, then 1 cup of milk (I prefer raw cow’s milk)
6. Add a straw and bask in your lavender bougie-ness

You of course could make this hot as well. I generally prefer my sweet drinks iced.

I could drink this latte year-round, but it’s especially wonderful in spring and summer. For a more seasonal spin in the cooler months, cinnamon or mint pair amazingly well (but not both, that’s just weird).

Grab the printable recipe cards below and please tell me how you like it. I’d also love to know if there’s been a recipe or flavor you were vehemently against but changed your mind?

Thanks so much for reading, and God bless Barista Khalese.