If you’re dreaming of a refreshing and floral twist on your everyday iced latte, the Iced Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe is here to brighten up your afternoons. This delightful blend combines the fragrant notes of lavender with classic Earl Grey tea and creamy dairy-free mylk, crafting a beverage that is both calming and invigorating. Perfect for warm days or when you simply need a soothing pick-me-up, this recipe is straightforward, naturally elegant, and bound to become a favorite in your drink rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of ingredients is all it takes to whip up this elegant iced treat. Each component plays a starring role, bringing balance to the drink’s aroma, creaminess, and gentle sweetness.
- Cold filtered water: The base for your lavender concentrate, ensuring pure flavor without any off-notes.
- Culinary lavender: Provides that signature floral fragrance and subtle herbal depth, essential for the latte’s unique character.
- Hot water: Used to steep your black or Earl Grey tea, extracting rich, bold flavors.
- Black or Earl Grey tea bags: Earl Grey’s bergamot perfectly complements the lavender, but black tea offers a robust alternative.
- Maple syrup or sweetener of choice: A touch of sweetness that enhances the lavender’s floral notes without overpowering.
- Lavender concentrate: The heart of the drink — you’ll make this fresh from your infused lavender water, or use prepared lavender tea in a pinch.
- Dairy-free mylk: Unsweetened almond or coconut milk adds creamy texture with subtle nutty or tropical undertones; coconut or tigernut milk is great for AIP diets.
- Ice: To chill your latte perfectly, making it instantly refreshing.
How to Make Iced Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe
Step 1: Make the Lavender Concentrate
Start by adding your culinary lavender to a large mason jar — enough to hold about 1 to 1.5 quarts. Pour the cold filtered water over the lavender and gently mix. Cover the jar and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour so the floral notes can infuse beautifully into the water. This step creates your lavender concentrate that will bring that delicate, fragrant essence to the latte.
Step 2: Strain and Store the Concentrate
Once infused, strain the lavender water through a fine mesh sieve to remove any petals and bits. Transfer the clear, aromatic lavender concentrate to a sealed container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy this latte anytime.
Step 3: Brew the Tea
Next, steep your tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes to extract rich flavors. Earl Grey is a classic choice due to its natural bergamot citrus aroma that pairs so well with lavender. Stir in the maple syrup or your sweetener of choice while the tea is still hot to ensure it dissolves completely, adding just the right hint of sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble Your Latte
Fill two large glasses generously with ice to keep your latte icy cold. Pour about one-third cup of your dairy-free mylk and one-third cup of the lavender concentrate into each glass. Top each off with approximately one-third cup of the brewed tea. Keep any extra tea on hand if you prefer a stronger flavor or want to prepare an additional serving later. Stir gently to combine and prepare to indulge.
How to Serve Iced Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, float a few fresh lavender sprigs or a thin slice of lemon on top. These not only elevate the visual charm but also gently boost the floral and citrus aroma as you sip. A sprinkle of edible flower petals can also make your latte look like a café masterpiece right at home.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs wonderfully with delicate pastries such as buttery scones, shortbread cookies, or a light almond biscotti. The mild sweetness and floral notes in the drink balance beautifully with these subtly flavored treats, creating an elegant teatime experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the components by pouring the lavender concentrate first, then ice, followed by the tea and mylk for a beautiful ombré effect. Serving in clear glassware allows the colors to shine and adds a touch of sophistication. You can also use reusable metal or glass straws for a sustainable and stylish drinking experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra lavender concentrate, keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to two weeks. The brewed tea can also be chilled and stored separately for a couple of days to maintain freshness. Assembling the latte fresh ensures the best flavor, but you can prepare components in advance for convenience.
Freezing
While freezing the full latte is not recommended due to changes in texture and separation, you can freeze the lavender concentrate in ice cube trays. This allows you to pop a lavender cube into iced tea or sparkling water for a quick floral boost anytime.
Reheating
This drink is best enjoyed cold, but if you’d prefer a warm version, heat the tea and mylk gently on the stove, then stir in warmed lavender concentrate. Avoid boiling to keep the delicate flavors intact. Adding the sweetener at this stage will ensure it blends smoothly.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of dairy-free mylk?
Absolutely! While the recipe highlights dairy-free options for a lighter, nutty flavor that pairs well with lavender, regular milk or cream can also work beautifully for a richer texture if you prefer.
Is it necessary to make lavender concentrate from scratch?
Making your own lavender concentrate fresh from culinary lavender offers the most vibrant and authentic flavor, but if you’re short on time, using high-quality lavender tea bags as a substitute can still yield a lovely drink.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Definitely! The maple syrup or sweetener is optional and can be adjusted based on your taste preference. Some enjoy the latte with just a hint of sweetness to let the tea and lavender shine, while others prefer it sweeter.
What’s the best type of tea to use?
Earl Grey tea is traditional and offers a distinctive citrus note from bergamot that pairs wonderfully with lavender. However, black tea is a fine alternative if that’s what you have on hand. Avoid herbal teas as they can compete with the lavender’s flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan and allergy-friendly?
Yes, using dairy-free mylks like almond, coconut, or tigernut milk keeps the latte vegan and suitable for many dietary restrictions, including the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet when opting for coconut or tigernut milk specifically.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Iced Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe that turns a simple drink into a moment of indulgence and calm. Whether you’re settling in with a good book or sharing a cozy afternoon chat with friends, this latte’s floral subtlety and creamy comfort will bring joy every single time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to refreshment for sunny days and gentle evenings alike.
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Iced Lavender London Fog Latte Recipe
This Iced Lavender London Fog Latte is a refreshing and aromatic iced beverage blending the delicate floral notes of lavender with classic Earl Grey tea, enhanced by a subtle sweetness and creamy dairy-free mylk. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat, this latte is naturally vegan, easy to prepare, and customizable with your preferred sweetener and plant-based milk.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Lavender Concentrate
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1/4 cup culinary lavender
Tea and Sweetener
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 black tea or Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice (optional)
Latte Assembly
- 2/3 cup lavender concentrate (from above)
- 2/3 cup dairy-free mylk of choice (unsweetened almond or coconut recommended, coconut or tigernut for AIP)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make Lavender Concentrate: Place the culinary lavender into a large mason jar or similar container (1 to 1.5 quarts). Pour the 4 cups of cold filtered water over the lavender, stir gently, then cover the jar and let it infuse at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Strain the Lavender Infusion: After the hour of infusion, strain the lavender concentrate through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Store the concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to two weeks.
- Steep the Tea: Place the black or Earl Grey tea bags in 1 cup of hot water and steep for 5 minutes until strong. Stir in the maple syrup or sweetener of choice until fully dissolved. This sweetened tea will serve as the latte’s tea base.
- Prepare Glasses with Ice: Fill two large glasses with ice cubes to chill the latte thoroughly.
- Assemble the Latte: In each glass, pour 1/3 cup of the dairy-free mylk followed by 1/3 cup of the lavender concentrate. Then gently add 1/3 cup of the steeped tea over the top. Any remaining tea can be reserved for a stronger drink or a future serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the iced lavender London Fog latte immediately, stirring gently if desired to combine the layers and enjoy a floral, creamy, and refreshing treat.
Notes
- The lavender concentrate can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Maple syrup is optional but enhances the floral flavor; adjust sweetness to taste or skip for a less sweet option.
- Choose dairy-free mylk such as almond or coconut for the best flavor; tigernut milk is a great option for Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diets.
- Adjust tea strength by increasing or decreasing steep time or tea bag quantity as preferred.
- This recipe serves 2 large iced lattes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British-inspired
- Diet: Vegan