Honey Lavender Latte

There’s a moment when steam curls from a cup and the air fills with floral sweetness and warm honey — that’s the first sip of a honey lavender latte. The perfume of dried lavender, the gentle caramel notes of honey, and the creamy hush of steamed milk come together into a drink that feels like a soft blanket for your senses. Each mouthful balances delicate floral top notes with the grounded bitterness of espresso and the round sweetness of honey, finishing velvet-smooth on the tongue.

This latte is perfect for slow, cozy mornings when you want something a little indulgent but simple, or for welcoming guests with a fragrant choice that’s more elegant than plain coffee. It’s also a lovely seasonal treat in spring and early summer, when lavender’s floral memory feels especially appropriate. If you enjoy seasonal coffee creations, you may also like this comforting gingerbread latte recipe that pairs spice with cream for chilly days.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5–8 minutes (steeping + heating)
Total Time: 10–13 minutes
Servings: 1 (multiply as needed)
Difficulty Level: Easy — perfect for home baristas

Dietary Insights
Per serving (standard recipe: 1 cup whole milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp dried lavender):

Calories: ~215 kcal
Protein: ~7.7 g
Carbohydrates: ~29 g
- Sugars: ~29 g (primarily from milk lactose and honey)
Fat: ~7.9 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: ~99 mg

Notes on the numbers: milk and honey values are based on USDA FoodData Central standard entries for 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk and 1 tablespoon honey; espresso contributes negligible macronutrients. For leaner macros, use skim milk (~90 kcal per cup) or an unsweetened plant milk such as unsweetened almond (~30–40 kcal) or oat milk (~120 kcal) and substitute honey with a lower-calorie sweetener if desired. For guidance on sugar intake and general nutrition, reputable sources include the USDA FoodData Central and health resources such as the Mayo Clinic and CDC.

Why You’ll Love It

Aroma-first experience: the first thing you notice is the delicate floral lift from lavender, making each sip feel special.
Comfort with sophistication: it’s familiar (milk + coffee + sweetener) but elevated by the floral element—ideal for brunches, relaxed mornings, or a quiet afternoon treat.
Simple to customize: swap milks, adjust honey, or turn it iced without losing the core balance.
Small health-minded wins: honey provides antioxidants and a natural sweetener alternative when used sparingly; lavender is often used for its calming scent in aromatherapy (note: culinary lavender is for flavor, not medicinal dosing).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole, 2%, skim, or dairy-free alternative such as oat, almond, or soy)
1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (do not use ornamental lavender that may be treated with pesticides)
Optional: whipped cream for topping
Optional garnish: a small pinch of dried lavender flowers or a light dusting of ground cinnamon

Substitutions and optional ingredients

Vegan: use oat or soy milk and swap honey for maple syrup or agave (use ~1 tbsp, adjust to taste).
Less sweet: reduce honey to 1/2 tablespoon or skip altogether.
If you don’t have dried lavender: use 1/2 teaspoon pure lavender extract (add to milk off heat; extract is concentrated—start small).
If you don’t have espresso: use 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee.

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling (about 5 minutes). Watch closely—do not let it boil.
Stir in the dried lavender and remove from heat. Let the lavender steep in the hot milk for about 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
Strain the lavender out of the milk using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth; discard solids.
In a cup, combine the espresso and honey, stirring well until the honey dissolves. If the honey is cold and thick, warm it slightly or stir until fully incorporated.
Pour the warm lavender-infused milk over the espresso and honey mixture. If you like, froth a portion of the milk before pouring for a foamy top.
Optional: top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of dried lavender for a pretty finishing touch. Enjoy your cozy latte!

Practical tips

Avoid overheating milk: boiling causes a scalded flavor and destroys subtle sweetness.
Steep time is key: 4–6 minutes gives floral notes without bitterness; longer leads to a soapy taste.
If you prefer a stronger lavender presence, make a lavender simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water brought to a simmer with lavender, strained) — but reduce other sweeteners.
Use culinary-grade lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) to avoid bitter or medicinal flavors.

Best Pairings

A light, buttery scone or shortbread: the oatiness and crumb offset the latte’s floral notes.
A lemon or almond biscotti for dipping: adds texture and a citrus lift.
For a sweet-salty contrast, try small slices of toast with butter and a drizzle of honey.
For a cozy pairing that emphasizes honey flavors, serve alongside homemade honey cornbread cookies.
Serve in clear glass mugs to showcase the layered color and foam for an elegant presentation.

How to Store

Room temperature: Do not leave a milk-based latte at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if ambient temperature >90°F/32°C). Milk is perishable and can harbor bacterial growth.
Refrigeration: Store leftover brewed latte in a sealed container for up to 48 hours; best consumed within 24 hours for flavor and texture. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring to recombine.
Freezer: Freezing a prepared milk latte is not recommended—the milk separates and texture degrades. You can freeze milk (unsweetened) for up to 3 months, but thawed milk may have texture changes. For coffee, you can freeze brewed espresso in ice cube trays for up to 1 month for later iced drinks.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Choose culinary lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Avoid lavenders labeled for fragrance only.
Toast the lavender briefly in a dry pan for 10–20 seconds before steeping to coax a deeper, toasted note—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Warm the honey slightly (a few seconds in the microwave) to help it dissolve instantly into espresso.
If you like froth: use a small handheld frother or French press to aerate the milk after steeping (remove the lavender first).
For consistent flavor when making multiple servings, make a small batch of lavender-infused milk (2–3 cups), then keep refrigerated and reheat gently per cup.
If you notice a soapy or overly perfumed flavor, you likely steeped too long or used too much lavender—reduce steep time or lavender quantity next time.

Fun Flavor Ideas

Iced Honey Lavender Latte: Infuse cold-brewed coffee with a lavender simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water with lavender) and pour over ice with milk.
Vegan Lavender Honey Substitute: Oat milk + 1 tbsp maple syrup + 1/2 tsp culinary lavender; steep and strain the same way for a creamy plant-based version.
Matcha-Lavender Latte: Replace espresso with 1 tsp matcha whisked with a splash of hot water, then add lavender-infused milk and honey for a floral, grassy twist.
Spiced Lavender Latte: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or vanilla bean paste to the milk while heating for warmth and depth.
Boozy Afternoon Treat: Stir in 1/2 oz lavender-infused liqueur or a splash of amaretto for an adult version—serve in a small cup as an after-dinner delight.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh lavender?
A: Use fresh culinary lavender sparingly (about 1.5–2 tsp) and rinse it well. Fresh blossoms are more potent; reduce steeping time to avoid bitterness.

Q: How do I make this latte without espresso?
A: Use 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee or concentrate from a Moka pot. Adjust honey for bitterness.

Q: Is lavender safe to eat?
A: Culinary lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is generally safe in small amounts for flavoring. Avoid large medicinal doses without consulting a healthcare provider.

Q: Can I make lavender syrup ahead of time?
A: Yes — lavender simple syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1–2 tbsp lavender) keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and makes iced or hot lattes quick to sweeten.

Q: How can I reduce sugar but keep flavor?
A: Cut honey in half and rely on the milk’s natural sweetness, or use a natural low-calorie sweetener that tolerates heat (e.g., stevia blends), adjusting to taste.

Conclusion

Make a cup this weekend and savor how the floral perfume of lavender softens the espresso’s edge while honey adds a warm, natural sweetness. If you’d like a home-chosen starting point for lavender latte technique, this take on Honey Lavender Lattes offers helpful ideas and visuals. For a commercial-style reference and variation ideas, check out the Honey and Lavender Latte | Starbucks® at Home recipe. Share your photos and tweaks—there’s a whole community of home baristas who love turning simple ingredients into memorable cups.