It was a warm summer day in the south of France when I first stumbled upon a charming little cafe tucked away on a cobblestone street in Provence. As I stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed espresso and dried lavender instantly enveloped me, instantly transporting me to that idyllic setting. I had to try their signature Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte, and from the very first sip, I was hooked. The perfect balance of bold coffee, creamy oat milk, and floral lavender notes had me craving it again and again throughout my trip.
When I returned home, I was determined to recreate that same magical cafe experience in my own kitchen. After some experimentation, I landed on a Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte recipe that captures all the flavors I fell in love with in Provence. Now, it’s a staple in my morning routine and the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Once you give this recipe a try, I have a feeling it’ll become your new go-to as well.
Why This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
There are a few special techniques that set this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte recipe apart. First, I use a combination of freshly brewed espresso and oat milk to create an ultra-creamy, frothy base. The espresso provides the bold coffee flavor, while the oat milk lends a rich, velvety texture.
The real star of the show, though, is the dried lavender buds. By steeping the lavender in the oat milk before blending, I’m able to infuse the entire drink with a beautiful floral aroma and subtle sweetness. The result is a latte that’s complex, aromatic, and utterly craveable.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened oat milk – The oat milk provides a creamy, dairy-free base that complements the lavender flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds – This is the secret ingredient that gives the latte its signature floral notes. Make sure to use culinary-grade dried lavender for the best flavor.
- 2 shots (4 ounces) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee – The bold coffee flavor balances out the sweetness of the lavender.
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional) – A touch of sweetener enhances the lavender notes, but this is completely optional if you prefer your latte on the less sweet side.
Step-by-Step Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Instructions
Preparing Your Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte comes together quickly, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes of cook time for a total of 15 minutes. You’ll need a small saucepan, a high-powered blender, and a milk frother or whisk to make it.
1- Start by heating the oat milk and dried lavender buds in a small saucepan over medium heat. Gently simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the lavender to infuse the milk with its floral essence.
2- Once the lavender-infused oat milk is fragrant and warm, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it into a high-powered blender. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
3- While the oat milk is blending, brew 2 shots (4 ounces) of fresh espresso or strong coffee.
4- When the lavender oat milk is ready, pour it into 2 serving glasses. Top each with the freshly brewed espresso. The final latte should have distinct layers of creamy lavender-infused oat milk and rich, bold coffee.
5- If desired, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the latte to your taste.
6- To serve, top each latte with a light dusting of dried lavender buds. Enjoy immediately while the latte is hot and frothy.
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to help you master this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte:
- For the creamiest, most indulgent texture, use a high-powered blender to froth the lavender-infused oat milk. This incorporates air and creates a luxuriously thick, foam-topped latte.
- Don’t skip the step of simmering the oat milk and lavender together. This allows the floral notes to fully infuse the milk for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your personal sweetness preference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.
- If you prefer your latte on the stronger side, use 3 shots of espresso instead of 2.
- For a prettier presentation, top each serving with an extra sprinkle of dried lavender buds.
Serving and Storing Your Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
Perfect Pairings for Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. It makes 2 servings, so it’s great for sharing with a friend or enjoying on your own as an afternoon treat.
For breakfast, try pairing it with a fresh croissant or a seasonal fruit salad. The floral notes of the lavender complement sweet morning flavors beautifully. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to a light avocado toast or a savory breakfast sandwich.
In the afternoon, the Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is the perfect companion to a light snack like biscotti or shortbread cookies. It’s also delicious alongside a slice of lemon pound cake or a few pieces of dark chocolate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it up to 2 days in advance if needed. To store, simply keep the lavender-infused oat milk and the espresso in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the oat milk gently over low heat, then blend it again briefly to re-froth. Combine the warm oat milk with the chilled espresso and any desired sweetener.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the lavender-infused oat milk in an ice cube tray. Just pop out a few cubes, blend with freshly brewed espresso, and enjoy your latte anytime. The frozen cubes will keep for up to 3 months.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
Creative Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte, try out these fun variations:
- Iced Lavender Oat Milk Latte – Prepare the latte as directed, then pour it over ice. Top with a sprinkle of crushed lavender.
- Lavender White Chocolate Latte – Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of white chocolate sauce or syrup along with the honey or maple syrup.
- Lavender Chai Latte – Add 1 teaspoon of chai spice mix to the lavender-infused oat milk before blending.
- Lavender Vanilla Latte – Infuse the oat milk with a vanilla bean in addition to the dried lavender.
Making Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Diet-Friendly
This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is naturally dairy-free thanks to the use of oat milk. To make it even more diet-friendly, you can try these easy substitutions:
- For a vegan latte, swap the honey or maple syrup for 1-2 tablespoons of dates, agave nectar, or your favorite plant-based sweetener.
- For a keto-friendly version, use unsweetened almond milk instead of oat milk and skip the sweetener entirely. The lavender flavor will still shine through.
- To make it gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oat milk and espresso or coffee.
No matter which dietary adaptations you choose, this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is sure to be a delightful treat that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
A: While fresh lavender would work, I find that dried lavender buds provide a more concentrated floral flavor. Dried lavender also has a smoother, less grassy taste that blends beautifully into the latte.
Q: How long does it take to make this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte?
A: This recipe has a total time of 15 minutes – 10 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cook time. The quick prep and assembly make it an easy pick-me-up any time of day.
Q: Can I make this latte ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lavender-infused oat milk up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat the oat milk, blend again briefly, and combine with freshly brewed espresso.
Q: How much does this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 2 servings of the latte. It’s the perfect amount to enjoy on your own or share with a friend.
Q: What if I don’t have a milk frother – how can I get the latte foamy?
A: No problem! You can easily froth the lavender-infused oat milk by blending it on high speed in a high-powered blender for 1-2 minutes. This incorporates air to create a thick, creamy foam.
Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Indulge in the soothing, floral notes of a Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte – a dreamy, cozy coffee drink that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or relaxing moment.
Ingredients
– 2 cups unsweetened oat milk
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– 2 shots (4 ounces) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
– 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, heat the oat milk over medium heat until steaming and frothy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the dried lavender buds and whisk to combine.
2. Remove the oat milk mixture from heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
3. Strain the oat milk through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.
4. In a tall glass or mug, pour the espresso or strong coffee. Slowly pour the lavender-infused oat milk over the coffee, allowing the milk to float on top and create a layered effect.
5. If desired, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the latte.
6. Garnish with a fresh sprig of lavender.
Notes
For a colder version, chill the lavender-infused oat milk before adding it to the coffee. You can also experiment with different milk alternatives, such as almond or cashew milk. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Once you try this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte, I have a feeling it’ll become a fast favorite. The combination of bold espresso, creamy oat milk, and fragrant lavender is simply irresistible. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes for an easy, elevated treat anytime.
I hope this recipe transports you to a charming Provençal cafe, just like it did for me. Be sure to let me know how you enjoy it – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Bon appétit!
