Lavender Milk Tea Recipe: A Soothing and Flavorful Drink

Lavender Milk Tea is a calming, slightly sweet drink that blends the creamy richness of milk tea with the gentle, floral notes of lavender. Perfect for a cozy afternoon, a relaxing evening, or a unique treat for guests, this tea is easy to make and customizable. Below, you’ll find a simple recipe, practical tips to perfect it, and ideas for serving it to make any moment special.

How to Make Lavender Milk Tea

This recipe is straightforward and uses basic ingredients to create a comforting drink. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

• Black tea: 1 tea bag or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea (like Assam or English Breakfast)
• Dried culinary lavender: 1 tsp (food-grade, not ornamental)
• Milk: ½ cup (whole, oat, or almond milk, warmed)
• Water: 1 cup (boiling)
• Sweetener: 1–2 tsp honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• Ice: 1 cup (optional, for iced version)
• Garnish: Fresh lavender sprig or lemon slice (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil water: Heat 1 cup of water to a boil in a small pot or kettle.
2. Steep the tea and lavender: Place 1 tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf tea) and 1 tsp dried culinary lavender in a heatproof cup or teapot. Pour the boiling water over them and steep for 4–5 minutes. Don’t steep longer to avoid bitterness.
3. Strain: Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea and lavender using a fine mesh strainer.
4. Add milk and sweetener: Stir in ½ cup warmed milk and 1–2 tsp honey or sugar, if using. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
5. Serve hot or iced: For hot tea, serve immediately in a mug. For iced tea, let the tea cool slightly, pour over 1 cup of ice, and add the milk. Garnish with a lavender sprig or lemon slice, if desired. This recipe makes one serving.

The process takes about 10 minutes, delivering a soothing drink with minimal effort.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lavender Milk Tea

To make your Lavender Milk Tea delicious and balanced, follow these practical tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes.

Choose Quality Ingredients

• Tea: Use a robust black tea like Assam or English Breakfast for a strong base that pairs well with milk and lavender. Avoid flavored teas, as they can clash with the lavender.
• Lavender: Use food-grade dried culinary lavender, available at grocery stores or online. Ornamental lavender from gardens may not be safe to consume.
• Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but oat or almond milk works well for dairy-free options. Warm the milk slightly to blend smoothly without curdling.

Balance the Flavors

The tea should be creamy, slightly floral, and not too sweet. Taste after adding the milk and sweetener. If the lavender flavor is too strong, dilute with a splash more milk or water. If too mild, steep an extra pinch of lavender next time.

Control the Lavender

• Steeping time: Steep lavender for no more than 5 minutes to avoid a bitter or overly floral taste.
• Amount: Start with 1 tsp of lavender. Too much can make the tea taste soapy. Adjust in small increments if you want more flavor.
• Storage: Store dried lavender in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

Perfect the Milk

Warm the milk gently (don’t boil) to avoid curdling or scorching. For a frothy texture, use a milk frother or shake the warmed milk in a jar before adding. For iced tea, ensure the tea base cools slightly before adding milk to prevent separation.

Customize to Taste

• Tea base: Swap black tea for green tea or earl grey for a different flavor profile. Green tea offers a lighter taste, while earl grey enhances the floral notes.
• Sweetener options: Try maple syrup or agave for a unique sweetness. Skip sweetener entirely if you prefer a more savory tea.
• Add-ins: Add a pinch of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra warmth.

Prep in Advance

Steep the tea and lavender base ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat or chill when ready to serve, then add milk and sweetener fresh for the best taste.

How to Serve Lavender Milk Tea

Serving this tea with a touch of style can make it feel special. Here are ideas to present it beautifully and keep your guests happy.

Glassware Choices

• Mug: A ceramic mug is cozy for hot tea, perfect for relaxing at home.
• Glass cup: Use a clear glass for iced tea to show off the creamy color.
• Teacup: A delicate teacup adds elegance for brunches or tea parties.

Garnishing Ideas

• Lavender sprig: A fresh, food-grade lavender sprig adds aroma and a pretty touch.
• Lemon slice: A thin slice on the rim or floating in the tea adds a citrusy contrast.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top enhances warmth for hot tea.
• Honey drizzle: A tiny drizzle on the rim (for hot tea) adds a sweet, decorative flourish.

Serving for a Crowd

For gatherings, make a large batch by steeping multiple tea bags and lavender (use 1 tsp lavender per cup of water) in a teapot or pitcher. Strain and store the tea base in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When serving, pour into individual cups, add warmed milk and sweetener, and stir. For iced tea, serve over ice with cold milk. Offer garnishes on the side for guests to customize.

Pairing Suggestions

Lavender Milk Tea pairs well with light, sweet, or savory foods:

• Snacks: Serve with scones, shortbread cookies, or fruit tarts.
• Main dishes: Pair with quiche, cucumber sandwiches, or a cheese platter.
• Desserts: Try with lavender cupcakes, lemon bars, or vanilla ice cream.

Non-Dairy Option

For dairy-free guests, use oat, almond, or coconut milk. Oat milk mimics the creaminess of whole milk, while coconut milk adds a tropical note. Ensure the milk is warmed or chilled to match the tea’s temperature for a smooth blend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lavender Milk Tea is a comforting, versatile drink that’s easy to make and perfect for unwinding or sharing with friends. The floral lavender complements the creamy tea, creating a unique flavor that’s both soothing and refreshing. With simple ingredients and plenty of customization options, it’s a great addition to any tea lover’s repertoire.

Storing and Prepping Ahead

• Prepping: Make the tea and lavender base up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Add milk and sweetener just before serving.
• Storing leftovers: Keep the tea base (without milk) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat or chill, then add fresh milk and sweetener.
• Freezing tip: Freeze extra tea base in ice cube trays for quick iced tea later. Thaw slightly before adding milk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using non-culinary lavender: Ornamental lavender can be unsafe or bitter. Always use food-grade lavender.
• Over-steeping: Steeping too long makes the tea or lavender bitter. Stick to 4–5 minutes.
• Cold milk in hot tea: Adding cold milk to hot tea can cause curdling. Warm the milk first.
• Too much sweetener: Add honey or sugar gradually to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.

This Lavender Milk Tea recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a calming, flavorful drink. Whether served hot for a cozy moment or iced for a refreshing treat, it’s sure to impress with its unique taste and simple prep. Brew it, garnish with care, and savor a cup of pure relaxation!