We’ve discovered the perfect way to elevate your afternoon tea ritual with this dreamy lavender milk tea. This floral-infused beverage combines the calming properties of dried lavender buds with creamy milk and robust black tea, creating a sophisticated drink that’s both soothing and indulgent.
Originally inspired by French and English tea traditions, lavender milk tea has become a beloved favorite among tea enthusiasts seeking something beyond ordinary chai or matcha. The delicate purple flowers add a subtle floral note that transforms regular milk tea into an aromatic escape that’ll transport you to a peaceful garden café.
We’ll show you how to create this Instagram-worthy beverage at home using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a moment of tranquility, this homemade lavender milk tea delivers café-quality results without the hefty price tag.
Ingredients
We carefully selected premium ingredients to create this aromatic lavender milk tea that balances floral notes with creamy richness. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the drink’s signature flavor profile.
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Tea Base
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or 4 teaspoons loose leaf black tea)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2-3 tablespoons lavender simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
- Honey (optional for additional sweetness)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Equipment Needed
Creating our lavender milk tea requires minimal equipment that most home cooks already have in their kitchen. We’ll walk you through each essential tool needed to create this aromatic beverage perfectly.
Small Saucepan or Teapot serves as our primary vessel for heating milk and steeping the lavender. We recommend using a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching the delicate milk base.
Tea Strainer or Mesh Strainer becomes crucial for filtering out lavender buds and tea leaves from our finished beverage. Fine mesh strainers work best to catch even the smallest particles and ensure a smooth drinking experience.
Milk Frother offers an optional enhancement for those who want to create professional-looking frothed milk garnish. While not essential for the basic recipe, this tool elevates the presentation and adds luxurious texture to our lavender milk tea.
Mug or Cup provides the serving vessel for our finished creation. We suggest using heat-resistant mugs that can handle hot liquids without cracking or becoming too hot to hold comfortably.
Spoon allows us to stir ingredients thoroughly during preparation. A long-handled spoon works particularly well for reaching the bottom of deeper saucepans and ensuring proper mixing.
| Equipment | Purpose | Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Small Saucepan or Teapot | Heating milk and steeping lavender | Yes |
| Tea Strainer or Mesh Strainer | Filtering lavender buds and tea leaves | Yes |
| Milk Frother | Creating frothed milk garnish | Optional |
| Mug or Cup | Serving the finished tea | Yes |
| Spoon | Stirring ingredients | Yes |
No sophisticated equipment is required for this recipe, making lavender milk tea accessible for home preparation regardless of your kitchen setup. These basic tools ensure we can create a perfectly strained and beautifully presented beverage every time.
Instructions
We’ll guide you through creating this aromatic lavender milk tea in three simple steps that build upon each other to create the perfect floral beverage. The process involves preparing a fragrant lavender syrup, brewing a strong tea base, and combining everything into a delightful drink.
Prep the Lavender Syrup
We start by combining 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid begins to simmer. Add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds to the saucepan and reduce heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes while the lavender infuses its floral essence into the syrup.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let the lavender syrup steep for an additional 10-15 minutes to develop deeper flavor notes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove all lavender buds and set aside to cool slightly.
Brew the Tea
We prepare a strong tea base by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in our teapot or saucepan. Add 4 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea to the hot water. Steep the tea for 5-7 minutes to extract robust flavors that will complement the delicate lavender notes.
Remove the tea bags or strain out loose tea leaves completely. Allow the brewed tea to cool for 2-3 minutes before proceeding to the assembly step.
Assemble the Lavender Milk Tea
We begin assembly by adding 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream to a small saucepan over low heat. Warm the milk mixture until steam begins to rise but avoid bringing it to a boil. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of our prepared lavender syrup along with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Pour the warm lavender milk mixture into the brewed tea and stir gently to combine all flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more lavender syrup if desired. Serve immediately in warmed mugs and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
Directions for Hot Lavender Milk Tea
Creating the perfect hot lavender milk tea requires careful attention to temperature and timing to achieve that ideal balance of floral aroma and creamy richness. We begin by gathering our pre-made lavender simple syrup and freshly brewed black tea from the previous steps.
Heat the Milk Mixture
We pour the whole milk and heavy cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, ensuring even heat distribution. The mixture should be heated over medium heat until it reaches a gentle scald—look for small bubbles forming around the edges but avoid a full boil. Boiling the milk can cause curdling and destroy the silky texture we want in our lavender milk tea.
Combine the Components
Once our milk reaches the proper temperature, we remove it from heat and immediately stir in 2-3 tablespoons of our prepared lavender simple syrup. The warm milk helps the syrup dissolve completely while preserving the delicate lavender essence. We add a splash of vanilla extract at this stage to enhance the floral notes.
Incorporate the Tea Base
We slowly pour the hot milk mixture into our freshly brewed black tea, stirring gently to combine all elements. This gradual combining prevents temperature shock and maintains the smooth consistency throughout our lavender milk tea.
Final Adjustments and Serving
Taste testing allows us to adjust the sweetness by adding more lavender syrup or honey if desired. We strain the finished lavender milk tea through a fine mesh strainer to ensure no tea leaves or undissolved particles remain. Pour the hot beverage into warmed mugs for the best serving experience.
Temperature and Safety Guidelines
| Step | Temperature | Time | Safety Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Milk | Medium heat | 3-4 minutes | Scald, don’t boil |
| Steep Lavender | Off heat | 2-5 minutes | Strain before serving |
| Final Serve | Hot | Immediate | Warm mugs recommended |
We garnish each mug with a fresh lavender sprig or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an elegant presentation. The finished hot lavender milk tea should have a creamy pale purple hue and release an enchanting floral aroma that signals our successful creation.
Directions for Iced Lavender Milk Tea
Creating the perfect iced version of our beloved lavender milk tea requires a slightly different approach than the hot preparation. We begin by allowing our freshly prepared lavender simple syrup to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Tea Base
We start by brewing our black tea concentrate using double the amount of tea bags or loose leaf tea. Steep 4 tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes to create a strong base that won’t become diluted when poured over ice. Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves and set the concentrated tea aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Chill the Milk Mixture
While our tea base cools we combine 1 cup of whole milk with ½ cup of heavy cream in a separate container. Add 2 tablespoons of our cooled lavender simple syrup and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Serving Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes leaving about 2 inches of space at the top. The generous amount of ice ensures our lavender milk tea stays perfectly chilled throughout the drinking experience.
Step 4: Assemble the Iced Lavender Milk Tea
Pour the cooled tea concentrate over the ice filling the glass about one third full. Slowly add the chilled milk mixture pouring it gently to create beautiful layers if desired. The contrast between the darker tea base and lighter milk creates an appealing visual effect.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
Stir the drink gently with a long spoon to combine all flavors or leave layered for presentation. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more lavender syrup if needed. Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig and serve immediately with a wide straw for the best drinking experience.
Our iced lavender milk tea delivers the same enchanting floral notes as the hot version while providing the refreshing coolness perfect for warm weather enjoyment.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning your lavender milk tea preparation in advance saves time and enhances the overall flavor profile. We recommend preparing components separately to maintain optimal freshness and taste quality.
Lavender Simple Syrup Storage
Prepare your lavender simple syrup up to one week ahead of serving. Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum flavor retention. The syrup actually improves with time as the lavender notes develop and meld with the vanilla extract.
Tea Base Preparation
Brew your black tea concentrate up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. We suggest using a slightly stronger tea ratio when making ahead since the flavors will mellow during storage. Cool the tea completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from diluting the strength.
Batch Preparation Strategy
| Component | Advance Prep Time | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender Simple Syrup | 1 week ahead | Refrigerated airtight container | 7 days |
| Tea Concentrate | 24 hours ahead | Refrigerated covered container | 2 days |
| Mixed Drink | 3 days ahead | Refrigerated sealed container | 3 days |
Assembly Timing
Combine all ingredients except ice and garnish up to three days before serving. Store the mixed lavender milk tea in individual serving containers or one large pitcher with tight fitting lid. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat for hot servings or pour directly over ice for cold versions.
Fresh Garnish Preparation
Prepare fresh lavender sprigs by washing and drying them thoroughly up to two days ahead. Store the cleaned sprigs between damp paper towels in the refrigerator to maintain their vibrant appearance and aromatic qualities until serving time.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage ensures we can enjoy our lavender milk tea at its best quality while maintaining food safety standards. We recommend storing leftover lavender milk tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days maximum.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Our prepared lavender milk tea maintains optimal flavor and safety when stored at 40°F or below. We always use clean, airtight containers to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors and maintain the delicate lavender aroma. Glass containers work exceptionally well for preserving the tea’s floral notes.
Reheating Methods
We can reheat our stored lavender milk tea using several effective methods. A saucepan over medium-low heat provides the most control, allowing us to warm the tea gently without compromising its creamy texture. A heated milk frother offers another excellent option for reheating while adding a luxurious foam layer. Microwave reheating works in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating cycle. The key principle remains avoiding boiling, which can cause the milk to separate and diminish the lavender’s delicate flavor profile.
Storage Limitations
We strongly advise against freezing lavender milk tea. The milk and cream components undergo undesirable texture changes during the freezing and thawing process, resulting in a grainy, separated consistency that cannot be restored. Fresh preparation or refrigerated storage provides the best quality experience for our lavender milk tea.
Component Storage Tips
Our lavender simple syrup stores separately for up to one week in the refrigerator, maintaining its potency and sweetness. We can prepare larger batches of the syrup for multiple servings throughout the week. The brewed tea concentrate keeps well for 24 hours when stored separately from the milk components.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving lavender milk tea hot in elegant mugs for the most luxurious experience. The warm beverage showcases the delicate lavender aroma while providing maximum comfort during cooler evenings or as part of your bedtime routine. Consider topping your hot lavender milk tea with a small amount of foamed milk using a milk frother to create café-style presentation that enhances both visual appeal and creamy texture.
For refreshing summer enjoyment, we suggest pouring the chilled lavender milk tea over ice cubes in tall glasses. The iced version delivers the same enchanting floral notes while providing cooling relief on warm days. Stir the iced beverage well before serving to ensure proper flavor distribution throughout the drink.
Garnishing elevates the presentation and adds aromatic appeal to your lavender milk tea. We place fresh lavender sprigs directly into each serving for both visual beauty and continued fragrance release. For special occasions like baby showers or bridal gatherings, consider adding edible flowers around the rim of the glass or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for enhanced aroma.
Perfect food pairings complement the floral profile of lavender milk tea beautifully. We serve lemon cookies alongside the beverage to balance the floral sweetness with bright citrus notes. Date scones provide rich texture contrast while maintaining the elegant afternoon tea aesthetic. Light pastries such as shortbread or madeleines offer delicate accompaniments that won’t overpower the subtle lavender flavor.
Timing your service enhances the wellness benefits of lavender milk tea significantly. We recommend serving this calming beverage 30 minutes before bedtime to take advantage of lavender’s natural relaxing properties. The warm milk combined with lavender creates an ideal pre-sleep ritual that promotes restful nights.
For wellness retreats or meditation sessions, we serve lavender milk tea at slightly cooler temperatures to avoid disrupting mindful practices. The gentle floral notes support relaxation without being overstimulating during peaceful activities.
Recipe Variations
We’ve developed several delicious alternatives to our classic lavender milk tea that cater to different taste preferences and dietary needs. Each variation maintains the signature floral essence while offering unique flavor profiles and textures.
Lavender Earl Grey Milk Tea
This sophisticated variation combines the bergamot notes of Earl Grey with our beloved lavender infusion. We bring 2 cups of milk (dairy, oat, or almond) to a gentle simmer with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dried lavender buds and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Once the milk reaches the perfect temperature, we add 1 tablespoon of loose Earl Grey tea or 1 tea bag to the hot milk mixture. The tea should steep for 3 to 5 minutes to extract the optimal bergamot and black tea flavors without becoming bitter.
We remove the tea bag or strain out loose tea leaves, then filter out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer. The result delivers a complex flavor profile where citrusy bergamot beautifully complements the floral lavender notes.
Dairy-Free Lavender Milk Tea
Plant-based milk alternatives create an equally creamy and satisfying lavender milk tea experience. We combine 2 cups of almond, oat, or any preferred plant-based milk with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of lavender buds, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ tablespoon of maple syrup in a saucepan.
The mixture should be gently heated while we prepare the tea base separately. We steep 1 bag of black tea in hot water for 5 minutes in a separate mug, creating a concentrated tea base.
After straining the lavender-infused plant milk, we mix it with the prepared black tea. This method ensures the delicate plant milk doesn’t curdle while maintaining the full-bodied tea flavor we desire.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Version
Our richest variation uses sweetened condensed milk to create an indulgent treat with enhanced creaminess. We prepare the lavender-infused milk using our standard method, then substitute honey or maple syrup with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
The sweetened condensed milk should be stirred thoroughly into the warm lavender milk to ensure complete dissolution. We heat the mixture gently to blend all components without causing separation.
This version creates a luxuriously thick texture with intensified sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lavender’s floral notes. We can add a splash of vanilla extract for additional depth, then strain before serving to achieve the smoothest possible consistency.
Conclusion
We’ve shared everything you need to create this enchanting floral beverage that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re brewing the hot version for cozy evenings or preparing the iced variation for summer afternoons, lavender milk tea offers a sophisticated twist on traditional tea drinks.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. You can customize it with different tea bases, explore dairy-free alternatives, or prepare components ahead of time for effortless entertaining.
We encourage you to experiment with our suggested variations and make this recipe your own. With proper storage techniques and serving suggestions at your fingertips, you’re ready to enjoy this calming and aromatic drink whenever the mood strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lavender milk tea?
Lavender milk tea is a floral-infused beverage that combines dried culinary lavender buds, creamy milk, and robust black tea. This aromatic drink has roots in French and English tea traditions and offers calming properties. It features a delicate purple hue and enchanting floral aroma, making it perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests.
What ingredients do I need to make lavender milk tea?
For lavender simple syrup, you’ll need granulated sugar, water, dried culinary lavender buds, and vanilla extract. The tea base requires water, black tea bags or loose leaf tea, whole milk, heavy cream, lavender simple syrup, and vanilla extract. Optional ingredients include ice cubes, fresh lavender sprigs, honey, or whipped cream for garnish.
What equipment is required to make lavender milk tea?
You’ll need basic kitchen tools: a small saucepan or teapot for heating, a tea strainer or mesh strainer for filtering, and a mug for serving. A spoon for stirring is essential, while a milk frother is optional for creating frothed milk. No sophisticated equipment is required, making this recipe accessible for home preparation.
How do I make hot lavender milk tea?
First, prepare lavender syrup by dissolving sugar in water and infusing with lavender. Brew strong black tea separately. Heat milk and cream to a gentle scald, then combine with lavender syrup and brewed tea. Adjust sweetness to taste and serve warm, garnished with fresh lavender sprigs or whipped cream.
Can I make iced lavender milk tea?
Yes! Cool the lavender simple syrup and prepare concentrated black tea. Chill the milk mixture separately, then assemble over ice. Layer the tea and milk for visual appeal, adjust sweetness, and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs. The iced version maintains the same enchanting floral notes as the hot version.
How long can I store lavender milk tea?
Store leftover lavender milk tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days at 40°F or below. Use glass containers to preserve the delicate lavender aroma. The lavender simple syrup can be prepared up to a week in advance, and black tea concentrate can be brewed 24 hours ahead.
What are some variations of lavender milk tea?
Popular variations include Lavender Earl Grey Milk Tea (combining bergamot with lavender), Dairy-Free Lavender Milk Tea (using plant-based milk alternatives), and Sweetened Condensed Milk Version (for extra richness). Each variation maintains the signature floral essence while offering unique flavor profiles and textures.
When is the best time to drink lavender milk tea?
Lavender milk tea is perfect for cooler evenings or as part of a bedtime routine due to its calming properties. Enjoy it 30 minutes before bedtime for relaxation benefits. The iced version is ideal for warm weather, while the hot version complements wellness retreats and cozy moments throughout the day.
