Lavender Matcha Latte – 3 Reasons It’s Better Than Café

by Nicole

Updated on:

Lavender matcha latte in a glass with layered foam and green tea

The first time I tasted lavender matcha, it was at a quiet café on a rainy afternoon. The floral aroma, creamy texture, and soft green hue were unforgettable but the price wasn’t. So I went home and made it better.

This recipe brings together the grassy richness of matcha, creamy milk, and subtle homemade lavender syrup. Whether served iced with dreamy foam or hot and cozy, it’s a café-level treat made simple.

Why this recipe is worth making:

  • Easy to customize: hot, iced, vegan, or sugar-free
  • Gorgeous natural layering with color tips included
  • Healthier than store-bought lattes less sugar, no additives
  • Lavender syrup from scratch (or quick store-bought swap)
  • Cheaper than Starbucks, with more flavor control
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Lavender Matcha Recipe


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  • Author: Nicole
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This lavender matcha latte combines earthy matcha, floral lavender syrup, and creamy milk for a café-style drink hot or iced made at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 grams matcha (½1 tsp)
  • 2 oz hot water (165–175°F)
  • 68 oz milk of choice
  • 1 Tbsp lavender syrup
  • 1 Tbsp milk + 3 Tbsp heavy cream (for foam)
  • Sweetener of choice (optional)
  • 1 drop red + 2 drops blue food coloring (optional)
  • Lavender Syrup:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ⅓ cup dried lavender buds (culinary-grade)
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla bean paste or extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the lavender syrup: boil sugar and water, then stir in lavender buds. Let steep, strain, and cool.
  2. Sift matcha into a bowl or mug. Add hot water and whisk until frothy and smooth.
  3. Add sweetener to matcha if desired.
  4. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the milk of choice.
  5. Pour whisked matcha gently over the milk.
  6. In a separate cup, mix heavy cream, milk, and lavender syrup. Froth until soft peaks form.
  7. Add optional food coloring to foam for lavender color.
  8. Top matcha latte with lavender cold foam and serve.
  9. For hot version: warm milk and pour over matcha and syrup mixture, then add foam.

Notes

  • Store homemade lavender syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3–4 weeks.
  • Use ceremonial-grade matcha for best flavor and color.
  • Froth cold foam just until it’s soft and pourable avoid stiff peaks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Whisked
  • Cuisine: Japanese-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Why You’ll Love This Lavender Matcha

If you’ve ever craved a lavender matcha from your favorite café but hesitated at the price or sugar content, this recipe changes everything. It’s not just beautiful it’s thoughtfully balanced for both flavor and feel.

The floral sweetness of lavender pairs surprisingly well with grassy, umami-rich matcha. Together, they create a layered drink that’s smooth, subtly sweet, and deeply comforting whether served cold with airy foam or warm for a cozy moment.

It’s also easy to adapt:

  • Want it dairy-free? Use oat or almond milk.
  • Watching sugar? Adjust sweetness levels by using either your own syrup or a sugar-free alternative.
  • Prefer café-style layers? I’ll show you how to pour it like a pro.

This isn’t just another copycat it’s better, because it’s built for your kitchen and your taste.

What You Need: Ingredients & Tools

You don’t need a fancy setup to make a stunning lavender matcha at home. Just a few pantry staples, one or two tools, and a little care in how you layer and froth.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the matcha latte:

IngredientPurpose
1–2 grams matcha (½–1 tsp)Earthy base flavor and antioxidants
2 oz hot water (165–175°F)To whisk the matcha smoothly
6–8 oz milk of choiceCreamy body and base for latte
1 Tbsp lavender syrupFloral sweetness and aroma
1 Tbsp milk + 3 Tbsp heavy creamTo make cold foam topping
Sweetener (optional)Customize sweetness to taste
1 drop red + 2 drops blue food coloring (optional)Creates natural-looking lavender hue
Ingredients for making a lavender matcha latte at home

Tools You’ll Find Helpful

  • Small whisk or matcha whisk (chasen) – for fully dissolving matcha
  • Hand frother or blender – to make silky foam
  • Fine mesh strainer – if you’re making the syrup from scratch
  • Tall glass or mug – to show off the layers (especially iced)

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a whisk, shake the matcha and water in a lidded jar until smooth. It works in a pinch!

How to Make Lavender Matcha Step-by-Step

Make Lavender Syrup (Optional but Worth It)

If you’ve got 10 minutes, you can make your own lavender syrup and it’s more flavorful than any store-bought version.

To make it:

  1. In a saucepan, mix equal parts water and sugar typically one cup each to begin your syrup base.
  2. Warm the mixture over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in ⅓ cup culinary-grade dried lavender buds.
  4. Optionally, mix in a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste or extract to enhance the floral flavor.
  5. Let steep and cool for 15–30 minutes.
  6. Strain through a fine mesh sieve (or coffee filter for clarity).
  7. Transfer the syrup to a sealed jar and refrigerate it will keep well for around 3 to 4 weeks.

Store-bought lavender syrup also works just check for natural ingredients.

Whisk the Matcha Base

This step is all about creating a smooth, lump-free matcha that blends beautifully into your drink.

Here’s how I do it best:

  1. Measure ½ to 1 teaspoon of matcha and sift it directly into a bowl or mug for clump-free blending. Sifting helps eliminate clumps and ensures a smooth pour.
  2. Pour in 2 oz hot water, between 165–175°F. Avoid boiling water it can scorch the matcha and turn it bitter.
  3. Whip vigorously in a zig-zag motion with a whisk or frother until a delicate foam appears on the surface.
  4. If you prefer sweetness, stir it in at this stage to allow it to dissolve fully.

No whisk? A clean jar with a tight lid works just shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Build the Iced Lavender Matcha (with Cold Foam)

Now comes the fun part: layering your drink for that signature café look and silky texture.

Step-by-step:

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice. Use clear glass for the best visual payoff.
  2. Add 6 to 8 ounces of your preferred milk into the glass for a smooth base.Oat milk and whole milk both create a rich, creamy base.
  3. Gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk. For neat layers, pour matcha over the back of a spoon so it floats.
  4. In a small cup, combine:
    • 3 Tbsp heavy cream
    • 1 Tbsp milk
    • 1 Tbsp lavender syrup
  5. Froth this mixture for 15–25 seconds until it’s light and pourable, but not stiff.
  6. Pour the foam gently on top of your iced matcha. Optional: Add 1 drop red + 2 drops blue food coloring for a pale lavender hue.
  7. Sip and enjoy the layered textures floral, earthy, creamy.

Make the Hot Lavender Matcha Version

For a warm, calming twist, this version keeps things simple while delivering deep flavor and comfort in every sip.

How to do it:

  1. Warm 6–8 oz of milk in a small saucepan or microwave. Heat gently just until steaming, not boiling.
  2. In your mug, pour in the freshly whisked matcha (from earlier). Matcha should be smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Stir in 1 Tbsp lavender syrup (or more to taste).
  4. Slowly add the warmed milk over the matcha. For extra foam, froth the milk first using a hand frother or whisk.
  5. Top with a spoonful of lavender cream foam (optional, but delicious).
  6. Sip slowly. The warmth brings out the sweetness of the lavender and the natural umami of matcha.

Tip: Finish with a light dusting of dried lavender or matcha powder for added aroma and presentation.

Layer Like a Pro: Foam, Color, and Texture Tips

Lavender matcha is all about the experience so let’s make sure it looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Foam Tips

  • Use cold heavy cream + milk for silky, pourable foam.
  • Froth just until soft peaks start forming. Too stiff? Add a splash of milk.
  • Pour foam last to keep layers clean.

Layering Trick

  • To keep layers clean, let the matcha flow slowly over the back of a spoon as you add it to the milk.
  • For the foam, tilt your glass slightly and pour gently over the matcha.

Color Boost (Optional)

  • Add 1 drop red + 2 drops blue food coloring to the foam mixture.
  • This gives a soft lavender hue without overpowering the drink.
  • Or for natural color: infuse your syrup with a few butterfly pea flowers for a pale purple tone.

Aesthetic tip: serve in a clear glass with a wide mouth and garnish with a pinch of dried lavender for a photo-ready moment.

Lavender syrup simmering in a saucepan

A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Perfect Hot or Iced Lavender Matcha Latte

Create a vibrant lavender matcha latte from scratch with matcha, floral syrup, and your favorite milk all in your own kitchen. Includes hot and iced versions with cold foam.

Make lavender syrup:

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cuCombine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Heat the sugar-water mixture until gently boiling, then stir, remove from heat, and steep with culinary lavender. Let it steep, strain, and cool.

Prepare the matcha:

Sift your matcha into a bowl or mug to eliminate clumps before whisking. Add hot water and whisk in a zig-zag motion until smooth and slightly foamy.

Sweeten:

Stir in sweetener if desired.

For iced version:

Fill a glass with ice. Start with your milk, then slowly add the matcha to create a beautiful layered effect. Froth the cream, milk, and lavender syrup until soft foam forms. Top the drink with foam.

For hot version:

Warm your milk. Combine matcha and lavender syrup in a mug. Pour in warm milk and finish with a spoonful of frothy cream if desired.

Serve:

Enjoy immediately while the layers are distinct and the aroma is fresh.

Estimated Cost: 2.00 USD

Lavender Matcha Variations to Try

Lavender matcha is versatile and with a few smart swaps, you can tailor it to fit your mood, dietary needs, or aesthetic goals.

1. Dairy-Free / Vegan Version

  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or Oatly Barista Edition.
  • Use almond, soy, or cashew milk for frothing.
  • Check that your lavender syrup is vegan (most are, but homemade is safest).

2. Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free

  • Make your syrup with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
  • Start with ½ Tbsp syrup per drink and increase if needed.

3. Naturally Colored Foam

  • For a natural lavender hue, steep butterfly pea flowers in your milk instead of using food dyes.
  • Strain before frothing to get a soft lilac hue.
  • You can also steep blackcurrant tea into the syrup for a purple-pink tone.

4. Lavender Vanilla Twist

  • Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to either the syrup or foam mixture for added flavor depth.
  • Pro tip: oat milk makes an excellent match with iced matcha and floral syrups like lavender.

Tip: Keep the matcha layer unsweetened and let the foam carry the floral notes for a balanced sip.

Is Lavender Matcha Healthy?

Yes and science backs it up. Here’s what trusted U.S. sources say:

With natural antioxidants and customizable sweetness, lavender matcha is a smarter sip.

Why It Beats Café Versions (Starbucks Who?)

Let’s be honest: lavender matcha from a café is rarely worth the hype or the $7 price tag. Here’s why making it at home wins every time.

Better Ingredients

  • Café versions often rely on artificial syrups and matcha that’s already sweetened limiting customization.
  • With this recipe, you control the quality from ceremonial-grade powder to homemade syrup.

Customizable to You

  • Want less sugar? A specific milk? Natural colors?
    You’re in charge here not a barista with preset pumps.

More Beautiful

  • Home layering gives you a more dramatic, photogenic look.
  • You can match foam, milk, and matcha shades for visual wow.

Cost Breakdown

VersionCost Per Serving
Homemade Lavender Matcha$1.60–$2.00
Starbucks Iced Lavender Matcha$6.95+

Homemade wins on price, flavor, flexibility, and feel without the wait.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Batch Prep Tips

Lavender matcha doesn’t need to be a one-off indulgence. With a little planning, you can enjoy it all week long no mess, no stress.

Lavender Syrup

  • Make a full batch and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge.
  • Keeps well for 3–4 weeks.
  • Give the syrup a quick shake before using, as natural separation may occur during storage.

Cold Foam Prep

  • Mix the cream, milk, and syrup in advance and refrigerate.
  • Froth just before serving for best texture.
  • Use within 3 days.

Matcha Base

  • Whisked matcha doesn’t hold well always prep fresh.
  • However, you can pre-sift matcha into individual containers or small jars to speed things up.

Batch Serving Tips

  • Hosting guests? Create a DIY matcha bar with milk, syrup, ice, foam, and a handheld frother for an interactive experience.
  • Offer flavor twists like rose, vanilla, or coconut.

Pro Tip: Label your syrup and foam jars with the prep date so they stay fresh and food-safe.

FAQs About Lavender Matcha

Is lavender good in matcha?

Yes, lavender pairs beautifully with matcha. Its floral notes soften matcha’s grassy edge, creating a calming, balanced drink. Just be sure to use culinary-grade lavender to avoid bitterness or a soapy aftertaste.

Is the matcha lavender drink healthy?

It can be! Matcha is rich in antioxidants like EGCG, which may support metabolism and focus. When made with unsweetened milk and light syrup, lavender matcha offers both flavor and wellness benefits. Control sugar and choose quality matcha for the healthiest version.

What should you not mix with matcha?

Avoid boiling water (over 175°F), which can turn matcha bitter. Also skip thick syrups or dairy alternatives that mask matcha’s flavor. Highly acidic ingredients, like citrus, clash with its earthy notes and may cause curdling in milk.

How is the lavender matcha made?

Start by whisking matcha powder with hot water. Start by filling a new glass with ice and milk, then carefully add the lavender syrup and matcha in layers. Top with cold lavender foam for texture and aroma. You can also make a hot version using steamed milk.

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