This Iced Lavender Chai Latte with Espresso puts a twist on your classic dirty chai latte! Easy to make with lavender chai simple syrup, espresso, and milk, it’s the best floral, well-spiced pick-me-up.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
Lavender + chai = 💜 This combo is surprisingly dreamy! The warm mix of cinnamon, clove, and ginger perfectly balances the sweet, floral notes of lavender.
Coffee shop quality at home – Making specialty coffee at home is so fun and surprisingly easy. Just like my iced vanilla rosemary latte and this pumpkin cream cold brew, this lavender dirty chai latte has ‘fancy coffee shop’ written all over it.
Easy to customize – Put your own spin on this latte by using your favorite milk, adjusting the sweetness, or making a decaf version.
Lavender and chai? Together? In an iced latte? Yes, please!
This Iced Lavender Dirty Chai Latte brings fancy coffee shop vibes right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make with espresso and a homemade lavender chai syrup infused with culinary lavender, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, and whole cloves. Served over ice with the milk of your choice, it’s a well-balanced, floral-meets-spiced treat you’ll love as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Lavender Chai Latte Ingredients
Lavender chai simple syrup – This is where the iced latte gets its spiced flavors and light floral notes. Instead of using chai tea bags or chai concentrate, I infused a lavender simple syrup with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh ginger. The lavender isn’t overpowering, and the chai flavors shine through.
Espresso – Brew the espresso yourself or pick up a couple shots from your local coffee shop. 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee works, too!
Milk – I’m a big fan of oat milk in lavender lattes, but any milk works here.
This list is to provide further clarification on a few of the ingredients. See recipe card below for the full ingredient list.
Variations
- Cold brew swap – Make this drink with 1/2 cup of homemade cold brew coffee instead of espresso.
- For a decaf lavender dirty chai latte, swap the classic espresso for decaf espresso or coffee.
- Chai concentrate version – Make the lavender simple syrup without the chai spices, then assemble the latte with 1 shot of chai concentrate (or brewed chai) along with the espresso and milk.
- Hot chai lavender latte – You can enjoy this drink hot, too! Just add the syrup to a warm cup of coffee, stir, and enjoy.
How to Make an Iced Lavender Dirty Chai Latte
Step 1: Make the syrup. Simmer the syrup ingredients together in a small saucepan for a few minutes. Strain, then set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Assemble. Pour 1 tablespoon of syrup over a glass filled with ice. Add the espresso, then the milk.
Step 3: Serve. Taste the latte and add more syrup as needed. Enjoy!
Erin’s Tips and Tricks
- You can increase the lavender buds to 2 teaspoons if you love the flavor.
- You can make the simple syrup with 2 chai tea bags instead of the fresh spices if you’d prefer.
- Use a maximum of 2 tablespoons of syrup in each latte to keep all of the flavors well balanced.
- The lavender chai simple syrup will keep for up to 1 month. I keep mine in a sealed glass jar in the fridge so I have it on hand for iced lattes, to drizzle over my lavender coffee cake, and to stir into cocktails.
My Pro Tip
Want to Skip the Espresso?
Go ahead and skip the espresso if you’re craving a regular iced chai infused with lavender flavor. Up to you—both versions are delicious!
Lavender Chai Latte FAQs
A dirty chai latte is similar to a classic chai latte (chai tea or concentrate, warm spices, and milk), but it’s made with a shot of espresso for a boost of caffeine.
I got mine from a tea shop here in Pittsburgh. If you can’t find any locally, do a search for “culinary lavender” and buy some online. You can use the extras in my simple lavender margarita or these lavender espresso pancakes.
More Latte Recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Lavender chai simple syrup:
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Add all syrup ingredients to a small saucepan then bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer, then allow syrup to cool before using it.
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For the drink, fill a glass with ice, then add one tablespoon of the syrup. Pour the espresso over top, then add milk. Taste and add more syrup if you’d like. Enjoy!
*Store leftover lavender chai simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month
*Calories are per serving and are an estimation
Calories: 812kcal | Carbohydrates: 207g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 200g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 1mg
