It was a chilly Monday morning, and I was rushing to get out the door for work. I needed something to warm me up and give me that extra boost of energy to power through the day. That’s when I remembered the homemade Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte I had stumbled upon on Instagram a few weeks prior. I quickly whipped one up, and oh my goodness, it was love at first sip.
The combination of creamy, fragrant lavender-infused oat milk and a shot of strong espresso was absolutely heavenly. It felt like a comforting hug in a mug, and the floral notes were simply divine. From that day on, the Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte became a staple in my daily routine. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to start the day, and I can’t imagine my mornings without it.
Why This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte recipe is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, floral, and rich. The key is in the technique – gently heating the oat milk with dried culinary lavender buds to infuse it with that incredible aroma and flavor, then blending it with a shot of freshly brewed espresso. The result is a beautifully layered latte that’s simultaneously soothing and invigorating.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality, carefully curated ingredients. The unsweetened oat milk provides a creamy, dairy-free base, while the lavender buds lend a delicate floral note that’s not overpowering. The vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor, and the optional honey can be used to sweeten the drink to your liking. With just a few simple steps, you can create a café-worthy Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte in the comfort of your own home.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups unsweetened oat milk: The foundation of this latte, oat milk provides a rich, creamy texture without any dairy. It has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the lavender.
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds: This is the star ingredient that gives the latte its signature floral aroma and taste. Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as it’s safe for consumption.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a comforting, aromatic element that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 shot (2 ounces) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee: The shot of espresso or coffee provides a boost of caffeine and a bold, robust counterpoint to the delicate lavender.
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional): A touch of honey can be used to sweeten the latte to your personal preference.
Step-by-Step Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Instructions
Preparing Your Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
Prep time for this recipe is just 5 minutes, and cook time is another 5 minutes, for a total time of 10 minutes. All you’ll need is a small saucepan, a whisk or milk frother, and a spoon.
1- In a small saucepan, combine the 2 cups of unsweetened oat milk and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds. Gently heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it starts to steam and small bubbles begin to form around the edges.
2- Reduce the heat to low and let the oat milk and lavender steep for about 3-4 minutes, continuing to whisk occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is fragrant and the lavender has infused the oat milk with a beautiful purple hue.
3- Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a milk frother or whisk to froth the lavender-infused oat milk until it’s light and airy.
4- Pour the frothed lavender oat milk into a mug, then add 1 shot (2 ounces) of freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee. The layers of creamy lavender and robust coffee should be clearly visible.
5- If desired, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey to sweeten the latte to your taste.
6- Give the Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte a gentle stir to combine the layers, then enjoy it immediately while it’s hot and frothy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use high-quality, culinary-grade dried lavender buds for the best flavor. Avoid using essential oils or perfume-grade lavender, as they can taste bitter.
- Be careful not to overheat the oat milk, as that can cause it to curdle or separate. Keep the heat on low and whisk frequently.
- Froth the lavender-infused oat milk thoroughly to create a light, airy texture that complements the espresso.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your personal sweetness preference. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if desired.
Serving and Storing Your Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
Perfect Pairings for Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
This Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is a wonderful standalone treat, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of breakfast or brunch items. Consider serving it with a flaky croissant, a slice of lemon pound cake, or a seasonal fruit salad. The floral notes of the lavender complement sweet baked goods and fresh produce exceptionally well.
As for beverages, the Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte pairs nicely with a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a cup of herbal tea. It’s the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a midafternoon pick-me-up.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Since this recipe only yields 1 serving, you’ll likely want to make it fresh each time. However, you can certainly make the lavender-infused oat milk ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte, simply reheat the infused oat milk, froth it, and combine it with a freshly brewed shot of espresso or coffee. This makes for a quick and easy assembly process in the mornings.
If you want to make a larger batch, the recipe can be easily scaled up. Just be sure to use a bigger saucepan and adjust the steeping time accordingly. The lavender-infused oat milk can be frozen for up to 3 months, then thawed and reheated when needed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
Creative Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Variations
- Iced Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte: Prepare the latte as directed, then pour it over ice for a refreshing, chilled version.
- Lavender Oat Milk Chai Latte: Replace the espresso with a shot of strong brewed chai tea for a cozy, spiced twist.
- Lavender Oat Milk Matcha Latte: Swap the espresso for a scoop of high-quality matcha powder for a calming, antioxidant-rich variation.
- Pumpkin Spice Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte: Stir in a tablespoon of pumpkin purée and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal spin.
Making Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan, simply use unsweetened oat milk as the base and swap the honey for your preferred vegan sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the oat milk with unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk. You can also omit the honey altogether or use a sugar-free alternative like liquid stevia.
Those following a gluten-free diet can enjoy this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte as-is, as all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
A: Fresh lavender can work, but it may not provide as strong of a flavor as the dried culinary lavender buds. If using fresh, you’ll need to use about 4 tablespoons to achieve a similar level of infusion.
Q: How can I make the latte extra frothy?
A: To get an extra creamy, frothy texture, use a milk frother or electric hand mixer to vigorously froth the lavender-infused oat milk before adding the espresso. You can also chill the oat milk in the fridge for 30 minutes before frothing for maximum airiness.
Q: Can I make this latte ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lavender-infused oat milk in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the oat milk, froth it, and combine with fresh espresso.
Q: How much caffeine is in this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte?
A: This recipe calls for 1 shot (2 ounces) of espresso or strong coffee, which typically contains around 60-100mg of caffeine. The exact amount can vary depending on the coffee you use.
Q: What if I don’t have an espresso machine?
A: No problem! You can easily substitute a shot of strong brewed coffee in place of the espresso. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still result in a delicious Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte.
Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
Indulge in the soothing and aromatic flavors of a Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte, a cozy and caffeinated pick-me-up that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
– 2 cups unsweetened oat milk
– 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 shot (2 ounces) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
– 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, heat the oat milk over medium heat until steaming and frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the dried lavender buds and vanilla extract. Let the mixture steep for 2-3 minutes.
3. Strain the lavender-infused oat milk through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.
4. Pour the espresso or strong coffee into a serving glass or mug.
5. Slowly pour the lavender-infused oat milk over the coffee, creating a layered effect.
6. Drizzle with honey, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a more intense lavender flavor, you can steep the oat milk and lavender for 5-10 minutes before straining. You can also use a milk frother to create an extra-creamy foam. This latte can be served hot or over ice.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Salads and Bowls
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
The Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte is a true delight for the senses – the fragrant floral notes, the creamy texture, and the invigorating caffeine kick all come together in perfect harmony. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their morning routine or enjoy a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
I hope you’ll give this Lavender Oat Milk Draft Latte a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media. Cheers to a delicious day ahead!
