Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]
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Okay, picture this: you’re craving something fresh and a bit fancy, but also cozy enough to sip slowly while catching up with a friend or diving into a good book. Enter the Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte – a beautifully balanced concoction blending the earthy vibrancy of matcha with the delicate floral notes of lavender. This drink is basically a spa day in a cup.
- Why it’s special: Unlike your usual coffee order, the lavender matcha latte is all about layers of flavor and aroma. The matcha delivers a smooth, slightly grassy undertone packed with antioxidants and a gentle caffeine kick, while the lavender adds that calming, floral twist that feels like a hug.
- Popularity: Over the past few years, Starbucks has elevated tea lattes into something magical, and the lavender matcha is a standout for people who want a little zen with their caffeine fix.
- Perfect for any time: Morning pick-me-up or afternoon refresher – this drink adapts to your mood and moment.
Ingredients For Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte Recipe
If you want to recreate this Starbucks gem at home (which I totally recommend), here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need. I’ll include both the classic Starbucks staples and easy home-friendly swaps:
- Matcha powder: The star of the show! Use a high-quality, finely ground Japanese matcha. Ceremonial grade is ideal for the best flavor and smoothness.
- Lavender syrup: This adds the floral sweetness. You can find pre-made lavender syrup online or in specialty stores, or make your own at home (I’ll share how later).
- Milk: Traditionally, whole milk is used for creaminess, but you can swap in almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk for different flavors or dietary preferences.
- Hot water: To whisk the matcha powder and activate its flavors before adding milk.
- Sweetener (optional): If your lavender syrup isn’t sweet enough, you can add a touch of honey, agave, or simple syrup.
- Ice (optional): For those who prefer an iced lavender matcha latte.
How To Make Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte?
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – making it! I’ll give you a step-by-step method that mirrors the Starbucks technique but is easy enough to do in your kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare The Lavender Syrup (if Making Homemade)
- Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
- Strain out the lavender buds and cool the syrup. Store in a jar in the fridge.
Step 2: Whisk The Matcha
- Sift 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to avoid clumps.
- Add 2 ounces of hot (not boiling) water – around 175°F (80°C) – to preserve delicate flavors.
- Use a bamboo whisk or a small frother to whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until you get a frothy, vibrant green mixture.
Step 3: Combine The Drink
- Pour 6 to 8 ounces of warmed milk into a cup.
- Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of your lavender syrup (adjust to taste).
- Slowly add the whisked matcha on top, stirring gently to combine.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
- If you like it iced, fill your glass with ice first, then pour the lavender syrup, milk, and matcha mixture over the ice.
- Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender or matcha powder for that extra wow factor.
Expert Tips
Want to elevate your lavender matcha latte game? Here are some insider nuggets you’ll love:
- Use fresh, high-quality matcha: The flavor depends heavily on the matcha quality. Ditch the cheap stuff; it can taste bitter or dull.
- Temperature matters: Water that’s too hot will scorch the matcha, making it bitter and losing that delicate flavor. Aim for 175°F (80°C) for the best balance.
- Perfect syrup balance: Lavender can be overpowering, so start with less syrup and add more gradually. You want that floral hint, not a perfume bomb.
- Froth your milk: If you have a milk frother, use it to get creamy microfoam, just like Starbucks. It adds a dreamy texture.
- Experiment with sweetness: Some people like their latte sweeter, others prefer it more herbal and dry. Adjust lavender syrup and add honey or sugar if needed.
Recipe Variations
Here’s where things get really fun. Want to put your own spin on this Starbucks classic? Try these tasty twists:
- Iced Lavender Matcha Latte: Perfect for hot days – use cold milk and ice, plus cold water to whisk your matcha.
- Vegan Version: Swap out dairy for oat milk or almond milk – both bring a nice creaminess and subtle flavors.
- Lavender Vanilla Matcha Latte: Add a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup alongside the lavender for a warm, cozy aroma.
- Citrus Twist: Add a small splash of fresh lemon juice for a bright zing that complements the floral and grassy notes.
- Lavender Matcha Smoothie: Blend your latte with a frozen banana and a handful of spinach for a nutritious and refreshing smoothie.
Final Words
Making a Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte at home is honestly one of those ’treat yourself’ moments you can recreate anytime. It’s a balance of art and science – from whisking that perfect cup of matcha to crafting the ideal lavender syrup. The floral aroma combined with the vibrant green tea is just so uniquely soothing and satisfying.
Once you nail this recipe, you’re not just making a drink – you’re crafting a moment of calm, a sip of luxury that feels both fresh and timeless.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make A Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte At Home?
To make a Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte, you need matcha green tea powder, steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy), lavender syrup, and optionally sweetener like honey or simple syrup.
How Much Matcha Powder Is Used In A Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte?
Typically, Starbucks uses about 2 teaspoons of matcha powder for a standard 16 oz (grande) Lavender Matcha Tea Latte.
What Type Of Milk Works Best For A Lavender Matcha Tea Latte?
You can use any milk you prefer, including whole milk, 2%, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk is a popular choice for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
How Is The Lavender Flavor Added To The Matcha Latte?
Lavender flavor is added using a lavender syrup, which is a simple syrup infused with dried lavender flowers. This syrup is mixed into the matcha and milk blend.
Can I Make A Lavender Matcha Tea Latte Without A Milk Frother?
Yes, you can heat the milk on the stove or microwave and whisk vigorously with a spoon or use a handheld frother to create foam, although it may not be as creamy as a professional frother.
Is Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte Sweetened By Default?
Yes, Starbucks’ version is sweetened with lavender syrup, which contains sugar, giving the drink a balanced floral sweetness.
How Can I Make A Vegan Lavender Matcha Tea Latte?
Use plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or soy milk and ensure the lavender syrup is vegan-friendly. Starbucks’ lavender syrup is typically vegan.
What Is The Best Way To Prepare Matcha Powder For This Latte?
Sift the matcha powder to remove clumps, then whisk it with a small amount of hot water (not boiling, about 175°F/80°C) using a bamboo whisk or electric frother until smooth and frothy before mixing with milk and syrup.
Can I Adjust The Strength Of The Lavender Flavor In The Latte?
Yes, you can customize the amount of lavender syrup added depending on your taste preference, adding more for stronger floral notes or less for a subtler hint.
What Is The Nutritional Content Of A Typical Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte?
A grande (16 oz) Starbucks Lavender Matcha Tea Latte with 2% milk contains approximately 230 calories, 8 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates (including sugar), and 8 grams of protein, though values vary with milk choice and syrup amount.