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This Iced Lavender Dirty Chai Latte uses a simple and sweet lavender chai syrup to sweetened a traditional latte. Chai flavors plus lavender and coffee makes for one tasty drink!Â
Iced coffee? In March when it’s only 30 some degrees out? Uhhh yes. Iced coffee ALWAYS.Â
Also, I planned this recipe going live during that really warm week we had recently, sort of forgetting that it’s not actually springtime yet. But it IS March, and March is practically spring, right? Mmmm yeah, let’s go with that. Also, I realize that when I talk about weather I’m referring to Pittsburgh weather—for all I know, you live in California where it’s practically always warm, and for that, I am jealous.Â
Can I also just say how excited I am for the weekend? I’m always excited, but this weekend in particular should be extra fun because Miguel and I are headed to Columbus to visit my friend Candice. Woop wool! Candice’s sister lives in Pittsburgh, so most of the time she comes to visit me, so I’m excited for a change of pace and getting to explore Columbus; I think it’s been at least three years since I’ve been! Craziness.Â
So let’s talk about my lavender obsession, shall we? It’s real and it’s strong and pretty much anytime a local bakery/ice cream shop offers lavender flavored anything, I HAVE to try it. Are you like that with any particular flavors?Â
I figured lavender and chai would be good together, but then I decided to be WILD and add a shot of espresso for reasons that don’t need explaining. You can enjoy this chai latte as a dirty chai OR as a regular chai infused with lavender flavor. Up to you—they’re both delicious!Â
For this dirty chai latte, you’ll start by making the lavender chai syrup, which is essentially lavender buds+natural chai flavors like cinnamon, ginger and whole cloves. You’ll bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to absorb in the water before removing it from the heat and straining everything through a fine mesh strainer. Wait until the syrup reaches room temperature and then add it to a glass, add your coffee, milk and ice and viola—you have a perfectly sweet lavender dirty chai latte!Â
Whatever your plans are this weekend, you need to make some lavender syrup and enjoy it in a chai latte! Oh and YES you can enjoy this drink hot too. Just add the syrup to your warm cup ‘o joe, stir and enjoy!Â
Iced Lavender Dirty Chai Latte
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cold brew coffee OR 1 shot of espresso
- ½ cup milk of choice
- Ice
- For the simple syrup:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 " piece of fresh ginger sliced
- ½ teaspoon lavender buds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- For the syrup: heat all simple syrup ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove saucepan from heat and allow flavors to sit for 30 seconds before straining everything through a fine mesh strainer. Wait until syrup has cooled before using.
- For the latte: combine 2-4 tablespoon simple syrup (you can decide how sweet you want your drink to be), coffee, milk, and ice in a glass and stir.
- Enjoy!
Chauncia says
Would love to try this recipe! What are the whole cloves? Whole cloves of what? Help!
-Newbie lol
Erin says
Cloves are a spice, but you can either buy ground cloves or whole cloves, and you'll need whole cloves for this recipe. Hope that helps!
Toni says
Question, will the syrup be thin and basically watery? Mine is, and I don’t know if it’s because of my pot or if it is actually supposed to be this liquid consistency.
Erin says
It'll be pretty thin but not watery.. the sugar should combined with the water should create a syrup when heated, though it will thicken a bit when it cools.
Sharon Schantz says
How long does this last in the refrigerator? We made it this weekend and it great !!
Erin says
Hi! The syrup itself will last awhile -- at least a month. Glad you like it!
Arro says
This sounds delicious, and can't wait to try it!
Kelsy says
This sounds fantastic! Where do you purchase lavender buds at?
Erin says
I actually bought them from a local tea shop here in Pittsburgh. If you can't find them in person, just google "culinary lavender" and you can buy them online 🙂
Annie says
Oh my. Absolute perfection in a cup. This sounds wonderful!
jess larson | plays well with butter says
SOOOOOOOO beyond obsessed with this combo, erin! i am a total sucker for lavender + honey lattes, & chai is basically my favorite flavor ever. this is springtime perfection, seriously. have fun in columbus this weekend!! xx
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
Like why do I even bother going to starbucks to spend $5 on a specialty drink when I can make this incredible chai latte? It's gourmet style at home!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
This looks absolutely DREAMY. I've had a lavender cold brew before and it was life-changing. Can't wait to try this at home!
Carlos At Spoonabilities says
Chai is my favorite drink, and with your recipe, I can do it even better. Thank you,
Georgie @ The Home Cooks Kitchen says
your photos are just too good 🙂 I used to make this a lot in a cafe I was working at. I always thought the lavendar would be over powering but it adds a lovely touch to it!
Allyson (Considering The Radish) says
Lavender chai sounds killer. Coffee doesn't like me, but I bet that this would still be delicious without the coffee.
Mary says
Lovely, lovely lovely!!!! I swoon whenever lavender is involved!