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The Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte has taken the coffeehouse scene by storm: Fresh, aromatic, and irresistibly earthy. Whether it’s the allure of springtime encapsulated in a cup or a refreshing take on a traditional favorite, this delectable concoction has become the go-to for matcha enthusiasts and adventurous coffee lovers. If you’re like me, having indulged in this fragrant masterpiece at your nearest Starbucks, you’ve likely wondered how you could recreate this magical elixir at home.
How to make Starbucks lavender matcha
Starbucks Lavender Matcha is a unique drink offered by Starbucks that combines matcha green tea with a hint of lavender flavor. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, known for its vibrant green color and slightly bitter taste. Lavender adds a floral note to the matcha, creating a refreshing and aromatic beverage.
Ingredients
To recreate the Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte, you’ll need:
- Matcha Powder: 2 teaspoons (Use a high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor.)
- Water: 2 tablespoons hot (not boiling) water
- Lavender Syrup: 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on your sweetness preference
- Milk: 1 cup (You can use any milk you prefer; almond, soy, oat, or cow’s milk work great.)
- Dried Lavender Flowers: Optional for garnish
- Ice: Optional (if you prefer your latte cold)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Matcha
- Start by sifting your matcha powder into a small bowl or cup to remove clumps. This ensures a smooth texture in your latte.
- Add 2 tablespoons of hot water to the matcha. The water should be just under a boil (about 175°F or 80°C) to avoid burning the matcha, which can make it taste bitter.
- Whisk the matcha and water vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk or a small regular whisk until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Adding Lavender Syrup
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup to your matcha mixture. Adjust the amount based on how sweet or floral you like your latte.
Step 3: Mixing with Milk
- Heat your milk until it is warm but not boiling, or use cold milk if you prefer a cold latte.
- If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk until it’s nice and creamy with a good amount of foam.
- Slowly pour the milk into your matcha mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
- If serving hot, pour the latte into your favorite mug.
- If you’d like a cold beverage, pour the combined mixture over ice in a tall glass.
- Optionally, sprinkle a few dried lavender flowers on top for an extra touch of elegance and fragrance.
Tips for Making the Perfect Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte
- Quality Matters: The quality of matcha you use will greatly affect the taste. Ceremonial-grade matcha is best for its fine texture and superior flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Lavender syrup can be quite sweet. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste.
- Temperature Control: Pay attention to the temperature of the water used to mix with matcha. Too hot, and the matcha will become bitter.
- Experiment with Milk: The type of milk used can change your latte’s flavor profile and texture. Experiment with different kinds to find your favorite.
- Homemade Lavender Syrup: For a DIY approach, you can make your own lavender syrup by simmering water, sugar, and dried lavender flowers. This allows you to control the sweetness and intensity of the lavender.
What to serve with
Pairing your homemade Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte with the right delicacies can significantly enhance your tasting experience. There are several delicious options, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a savory snack, or a light complement to your flavorful beverage.
Sweet Complements
- Lemon Pound Cake: The zesty tang of lemon contrasts the creamy earthiness of the matcha, and the sweetness balances the floral notes of lavender beautifully.
- Vanilla Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, these cookies are subtle enough not to overpower the latte’s delicate flavors while offering a satisfying crunch.
- Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-quality dark chocolate can be a perfect accompaniment, especially if you enjoy the bitter notes of dark chocolate alongside your Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte.
- Fruit Tart: With its creamy custard and selection of fresh fruit, a fruit tart is a visually appealing, refreshing option that pairs well with the complexity of the lavender matcha latte.
Savory Pairings
- Quiche: The savory custardy filling and flaky crust of a quiche, possibly with spinach and feta or ham and cheese, balances out the latte’s sweetness.
- Crostini with Goat Cheese and Honey: The creaminess of goat cheese paired with a drizzle of honey on a crisp piece of crostini complements the floral and sweet dimensions of the latte.
- Avocado Toast: For a healthier pairing, avocado toast, especially with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon, can be delicious and nutritious alongside your beverage.
Light and Healthy Options
- Mixed Nuts: A handful of roasted mixed nuts will add crunch and an array of flavors that won’t overpower your Lavender Matcha Latte.
- Yoghurt and Granola Parfait: Layer some Greek yogurt with granola and a drizzle of honey for a light and wholesome option.
- Fresh Berries: A simple bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can be delightful, and their natural sweetness and acidity can enhance the experience.
Scrumptious Brunch Ideas
- Scones: A classic pairing for any coffeehouse drink, scones – be it blueberry, cranberry, or clotted cream – are a perfect complement to your lavender matcha latte.
- Almond Croissant: Indulge in a flaky almond croissant, which adds nuttiness, echoing the earthy notes of the matcha.
Dessert Finale
- Matcha Cheesecake: Why not double down on the green tea flavors with a slice of creamy cheesecake for matcha lovers?
- Lavender Cupcakes: Embrace the floral theme and serve your beverage with lavender-infused cupcakes, topped with a light whipped frosting.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte at home can be an enjoyable and customizable experience. If you need to substitute any ingredients due to dietary needs, allergies, or simple preference, there are multiple options available.
Matcha Powder
- Green Tea Bags: If you don’t have matcha powder, you can substitute it with strong brewed green tea. It won’t provide the same rich earthiness or intensity as matcha, but it’s a good alternative in a pinch.
- Green Tea Leaves: Similar to using tea bags, you can steep loose-leaf green tea to create a concentrate that can be used as a latte base.
Lavender Syrup
- Homemade Lavender Syrup: If you don’t have store-bought lavender syrup, you can make your own by simmering water, sugar (or a sugar substitute like honey or stevia), and dried lavender flowers until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is infused with lavender flavor.
- Vanilla Syrup with Lavender Essence: Another alternative is using vanilla syrup mixed with a few drops of lavender essence or edible lavender oil. This combination replicates a very close flavor profile to the original lavender syrup.
Milk
- Dairy-Free Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk) can serve as an excellent substitute for cow’s milk, not only for lactose intolerant individuals but also to add a different flavor profile.
- Lactose-Free Milk: If you are lactose intolerant but prefer dairy taste, lactose-free milk is an excellent alternative.
Hot Water
- Hot Almond or Soy Milk: If you prefer your latte to be richer, you can mix the matcha powder with a small amount of hot almond or soy milk instead of water.
Sweeteners
- Honey or Agave Syrup: If you wish to avoid refined sugars, natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup work well both to sweeten your matcha and as an ingredient in homemade lavender syrup.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a calorie-free alternative, stevia or monk fruit sweeteners can be suitable substitutes, although you may need to adjust the quantities, as these can be significantly sweeter than regular sugar.
Ice (for Iced Lavender Matcha Latte)
- Frozen Milk Cubes: For an iced version, instead of regular ice cubes that can dilute the flavor as they melt, try freezing your chosen milk into ice cubes. This will keep your latte creamy and rich even as it cools down.
Garnishes
- Edible Dried Flowers: Aside from lavender flowers, consider garnishing with other edible dried flowers like rose petals or hibiscus for a different aromatic experience.
- Mint Leaves: A fresh mint leaf or two can add a refreshing finish to your latte without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
Choosing what to serve with your Starbucks Lavender Matcha Latte depends largely on the time of day, the occasion, and your taste preferences. Whether opting for light and healthy or indulgently sweet, the key is choosing items that will complement the complex flavors of the lavender matcha without overpowering them.
More Starbucks Recipes:
Ingredients
- Matcha Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Water: 2 tablespoons hot (not boiling) water
- Lavender Syrup: 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 1 cup
- Dried Lavender Flowers: Optional for garnish
- Ice: Optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Matcha
- Start by sifting your matcha powder into a small bowl or cup to remove clumps. This ensures a smooth texture in your latte.
- Add 2 tablespoons of hot water to the matcha. The water should be just under a boil (about 175°F or 80°C) to avoid burning the matcha, which can make it taste bitter.
- Whisk the matcha and water vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk or a small regular whisk until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Adding Lavender Syrup
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup to your matcha mixture. Adjust the amount based on how sweet or floral you like your latte.
Step 3: Mixing with Milk
- Heat your milk until it is warm but not boiling, or use cold milk if you prefer a cold latte.
- If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk until it's nice and creamy with a good amount of foam.
- Slowly pour the milk into your matcha mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
- If serving hot, pour the latte into your favorite mug.
- If you'd like a cold beverage, pour the combined mixture over ice in a tall glass.
- Optionally, sprinkle a few dried lavender flowers on top for an extra touch of elegance and fragrance.
