My dear friend Sara, who I’ve known since kindergarten and happens to have an AMAZING blog (click here: glitterandgrace.com), recently introduced me to the most delicious drink from a place called MILK & HONEY in Costa Mesa- the lavender latte. The second I tasted it I was hooked. So comforting and sweet… so knowing me, I had to figure out a way to recreate it. And I did! … well, my version of it at least..
Now, let me explain that making this can range from super easy to more time consuming depending on the ingredients you buy. I chose a middle of the road level of difficulty, but will explain how to make it easier if you choose to go that route.
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You will need:
4 cups water (boiling)
*1 Tbs black tea (I used English Breakfast)
*2 Tbs loose dried lavender)
1/4 cup Organic sweetened condensed milk (TJ’s has it, also I know it sounds weird but it’s so good)
1/2 cup non-fat 1/2 and 1/2 (or any kind of milk you like to use)
*You can make the above easier by finding a pre-blended mixture of black tea and lavender in tea bags. They do exist, I saw one at Mother’s Market. I would use 3 tea bags for this recipe. You can make it more difficult, but fun by drying your own lavender.)
[makes 5 cups, about 3 servings depending]
First I like to run my knife through the loose lavender a few times to release more flavor. Next, place your black tea and lavender in a tea ball or whatever device you use to brew your loose leaf tea. Place your tea ball into your boiling water and let simmer for about a minute. Turn off heat and let infuse for another 3-4 minutes or so. I like to stir it a little every now and again. Once the tea has developed a nice color, remove your tea ball and set aside.
Pour your tea into a pitcher large enough to fit 4 cups plus the milk and condensed milk. Pour your sweetened condensed milk into the hot tea and stir to dissolve. Add your milk or half and half and stir.
Taste it, you may like things sweeter, and if so add more condensed milk or honey if you like! You can enjoy hot or over ice!
