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Author:
Tracy Nawara
One of the most refreshing and relaxing latte flavors is honey-lavender. When the local coffeehouse is offering this one, it sells like hotcakes. People love the light, floral notes from this flavor, even though honey is rarely enjoyed in coffee and is associated more often with tea. Coffee and honey go together beautifully!
All it takes to make a relaxing Honey-Lavender Latte is a homemade simple syrup. By combining fresh honey, dried lavender, water, and salt, you will have the perfect Lavender-Honey Simple Syrup for your coffee. This syrup is not only great in coffee, but it also makes a very refreshing addition to tea and cocktails!
It all starts with the syrup recipe. Since the recipe calls for dried lavender anyway, using good-quality lavender honey only adds to the floral aroma. Any honey that you have will work, but lavender honey adds an extra special touch to the syrup.
Combine the lavender, honey, water, and salt in a saucepan and allow it to bubble for a few minutes. This concentrates the flavor. Remove from the heat and strain the solids away from the syrup. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, if it lasts that long.
Once the syrup is made, then you can decide whether you prefer an iced latte or a cold latte. The ingredients and processes are the same, you will just want your espresso to cool down before making an iced beverage. This drink is relaxing and comforting when served either way.
The recipe as written calls for regular cow’s milk and heavy cream. You can certainly use plant-based alternatives to make this a dairy-free drink. The addition of 1 tablespoon of heavy cream makes this relaxing latte feel like a coffeehouse drink. Milk and heavy cream combine to keep the latte light, yet decadent.
Be sure to use a very strong espresso for this latte. Because there is so much milk and cream inside, the coffee needs to stand out and not be overpowered by all the dairy. If you do not have espresso, use a very strongly brewed coffee and adjust the amount of milk as necessary so that you can still taste the coffee.
When storing the leftover Honey-Lavender Syrup, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 2-3 weeks if kept at a cool temperature. The syrup gets better as it sits and is also great in many other drinks and dishes.
Adjust the amount of coffee and cream to fit your taste buds. If you like a deeper coffee flavor, add more and adjust the dairy ratios. Add more syrup if you like your coffee very sweet. You could even add some milk foam over the top if you like. No matter how you drink it, enjoy your latte while reading a good book or cozying up in front of the fireplace with your loved ones.
For the Lavender-Honey Simple Syrup:
For the Latte:
Start by making the simple syrup. In a saucepan, add the lavender, water, honey, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium heat. Allow to bubble for 3-4 minutes so that the honey concentrates.
Turn off the heat and strain the syrup of any solids. Add the simple syrup to a jar or lidded container. Store in the fridge whenever you need it, up to 3 weeks.
When you are ready to make your latte, add your espresso to a mug. Add your milk, heavy cream, and syrup to the cup.
Mix very well with a spoon and enjoy warm.
For an iced latte, allow the espresso to cool before adding it to a tall glass with ice. Top with milk, heavy cream, and syrup. Stir and serve cold.
