Drinks, Recipes

Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte

This Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte, inspired by the Starbucks drink, is simple and easy to make homemade. Iced matcha and delicious lavender cream is the perfect way to step into spring!

Spring has sprung and with the new season Starbucks has created a new line of spring flavors using lavender. I know what you’re thinking: “Lavender in coffee and/or tea?” Stick with me here, it’s not the soapy flavor from your soaps and candles. Okay it could be if you don’t use a culinary grade lavender. However, lavender added to coffee, tea, or matcha brings a subtle earthy, yet floral hint to your drink. Add this Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte to your list of must tries!

One reason I set out to make copycat versions of Starbucks drinks is because, one, I can’t afford it and two, they add WAY too much added sugar! Sure, you can ask for less sugar/syrup and that’s doable, however, the cost?! Definitely considered to be the ‘coffee factor’ when it comes to saving money, going out to grab a coffee can add up. I’ve tried the coffees when they have a ‘BOGO’ day of the week and then head home to immediately try to replicate it. Try my other Starbucks copycats: Pumpkin Cold Brew, Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, Sweet Cream Cold Brew.

Ingredients: Iced Lavender Matcha

Lavender Simple Syrup: Head to my blog post on how to make a simple syrup. For the lavender simple syrup, I’ve tried it MANY times, so definitely read over the recommendations. It will not taste soapy but will be slightly earthy, yet floral.
Food Coloring: *optional* – This is optional if you don’t care about the color of the lavender foam. Lavender is naturally clear, however, if you do want a purple hue, food coloring is needed. I used the purple I had simply for the picture, but on a day-to-day basis I would not.
Heavy Cream/Half and Half: This is what I used to make the cold foam. A little fat provides the flavor and I do use a mix of heavy cream and half and half.
Matcha: Use a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha powder for the best flavor. High-quality coffee beans give you a superior cup and it’s the same with matcha. A little more on the pricier side, however, totally worth the investment. Read more about matcha here.
Water: You’ll be dissolving the matcha in water to create a paste and then adding in water to create the tea. Here in Miami I use bottled water as the water in my area is a tad too chlorinated.
Milk: Starbucks uses an oat milk in their version and that tends to taste sweeter naturally. Use whichever milk you prefer: soy, cow’s milk, almond milk, you do you!

ingredients for lavender simple syrup: water, sugar, culinary lavender

How To Make an Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte

Make Lavender Syrup: Check out my blog post for how to make your own homemade lavender syrup. And if you’re buying it, you’re ready to go!
Mix match: Add matcha powder to a bowl and/or mug and pour hot water over the top. Add sweetener in now if doing so! Whisk until fully dissolved.
Make lavender foam: In a small glass, combine cream, half and half, lavender syrup, and a drop of food coloring (if using). Froth until it reaches a foam *but not stiff peak* consistency.
Assemble: Add ice to a tall glass and pour milk of choice over the top. Pour in matcha and stir. Add your lavender foam over the top, stir, and sip. Enjoy!

Iced Cream Lavender Matcha Latte Front Shot

Iced Lavender Cream Matcha Latte 45 degree angle

How Can I Use Lavender Syrup?

Think of lavender syrup as just like any other flavored simple syrup. You can add it to any coffee and/or tea (check your local coffee shop the next time you go and you’ll see a slew of different flavored syrups!) Simple syrups can also be used in cocktails, mocktails, and any other beverage you care to sweeten.

Does this taste like Starbucks version?

With any ‘copycat’ recipe there will be some slight variations. The taste is different for one, because it has a ton less added sugar. As I’ve instructed here, it’s definitely not as sweet. Adjust based on your preferences, however, remember, the key is aiming to decrease our total added sugar throughout the day. I’m not drinking this latte every day. Starbucks uses oat milk and oat milk is typically sweeter in taste than other alternative milks.

Starbucks uses a lavender powder and not a syrup. The powder has sugar, salt, lavender flavor, and some ‘natural’ coloring. Additionally, they use a matcha powder and their matcha too has added sugar.

Starbucks was WAY too sweet for me and I asked for half the amount of sweetener (whether in the foam and/or matcha). Theirs tasted super fruity, subtle on the lavender side, but basically like a dessert in a drink. Try out my version and remember, you can always add more sugar if needed, however, you can’t take it out once added. See my other Starbuck’s copycat drinks below!