Okay, I have to tell you about my latest obsession: the Dreamy Iced Honey Lavender Matcha. You know those drinks you spot on Pinterest and think, “There’s no way that tastes as good as it looks”? Well, this one totally lives up to the hype. I first tried a lavender matcha at a tiny café while on a spring break road trip, and honestly, it was love at first sip. The pastel layers, the gentle floral aroma, the creamy matcha – I was completely hooked. And now, after some trial and (not-so-terrible) error, I’ve finally nailed my own version at home. If you’re into pretty drinks that are also insanely tasty, you’re going to want to save this recipe ASAP.
This iced honey lavender matcha is perfect for days when you want something special but don’t want to spend ages making it. The pastel green from the matcha, the soft purple hint from the lavender syrup, and that sweet swirl of honey just make this drink look almost too pretty to drink. But trust me – you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re chilling by the window with a book or want something fun to serve at brunch, this floral latte is about to become your new favorite treat.
Where Did This Dreamy Drink Come From?
So, let’s talk inspiration. The whole honey lavender matcha thing started for me after I stumbled onto a Pinterest board filled with pastel drinks. You know, the ones with cloud-like foam and those gorgeous ombre layers? I just had to try making one myself. Turns out, the combo of matcha and lavender is actually a bit of a hidden gem in the tea world. Lavender lattes have been a cozy café staple for years, and matcha – well, that’s a classic. But put them together? Seriously, magic happens.
Lavender’s floral vibes bring out this unexpected softness in the earthy matcha, and the honey ties everything together with a mellow sweetness. I love making this iced latte when I want something refreshing but still comforting. It’s especially perfect for spring and summer, but honestly, I crave it year-round. There’s something about sipping a pastel drink that just makes any day feel a little more special. Plus, it’s a total showstopper for brunches, baby showers, or even as a mid-afternoon treat when you need a mood boost. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself, the honey lavender matcha is where it’s at.
What Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They’re Awesome)
Let’s break down what makes this iced honey lavender matcha so irresistible:
- Matcha Powder: The star of the show! Go for ceremonial grade if you can – it’s smoother and less bitter, which really matters when the flavor is front and center. If you only have culinary grade, don’t stress – just sift it well to avoid lumps. I usually grab mine from a local Asian market, but you can find good matcha online, too.
- Dried Culinary Lavender: This is what gives the drink its soft, floral aroma. Make sure you get lavender that’s safe for eating (not the stuff meant for sachets). If you can’t find it locally, it’s super easy to order online. A little goes a long way – too much and things start tasting like soap (speaking from experience here!).
- Honey: This adds a gentle sweetness that’s way more interesting than plain sugar. I love using wildflower honey for its floral notes, but honestly, whatever honey you have will work. If you’re vegan, agave syrup is a great swap.
- Milk: For that creamy, dreamy texture. I’m a big fan of oat milk in this latte because it’s super smooth and lets the other flavors shine. But almond, soy, or regular dairy milk all work just fine. Even coconut milk if you want a little extra richness.
- Water: You’ll need hot water for making the matcha and steeping the lavender syrup. Nothing fancy here – just filtered water if you have it.
- Ice Cubes: Can’t have an iced latte without ice! I usually use bigger cubes so the drink doesn’t get watered down too fast.
What I love most is how customizable these ingredients are. If you’re out of something, you can usually find a swap in your pantry. And honestly, finding the right balance for your taste is half the fun. Just don’t go overboard with the lavender at first – trust me, less is more!
Equipment & Tools You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you don’t need any fancy barista gadgets to make this iced honey lavender matcha at home. Here’s what I use:
- Small saucepan: For making the lavender honey syrup.
- Fine mesh strainer: To strain out the lavender buds from the syrup (a tea strainer or even a coffee filter works in a pinch).
- Matcha whisk (chasen) or milk frother: For blending the matcha powder into a smooth liquid. If you don’t have either, a regular kitchen whisk or a jar with a tight lid (for shaking) will do the trick.
- Measuring spoons/cups: For getting the ratios just right.
- Glass or tall cup: The prettier, the better, honestly – those pastel layers deserve to shine!
That’s it! If you’re missing something, don’t stress – I’ve made this with just a mug, a fork, and some determination, and it still turned out great.
How to Make Dreamy Iced Honey Lavender Matcha (5 Easy Steps!)
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Make the Lavender Honey Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the lavender and let the syrup cool. (You’ll have extra syrup for more drinks!) -
Prepare the Matcha:
In a small bowl or cup, sift 1 teaspoon matcha powder to get rid of lumps. Add 2 tablespoons hot (not boiling!) water. Whisk with a bamboo matcha whisk, milk frother, or even a fork until smooth and frothy. You want it to be bright green and lump-free. -
Layer the Drink:
Fill your glass with ice cubes. Pour in 3/4 cup of milk over the ice. Next, add 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade lavender honey syrup (depending on how sweet and floral you want it). Give it a gentle swirl with a spoon. -
Add the Matcha:
Slowly pour the prepared matcha over the back of a spoon onto the milk. This helps the matcha float on top and gives you those gorgeous green and purple layers. Don’t stress if it mixes a little – it’ll still look pretty! -
Finishing Touches:
Drizzle a little extra honey on top if you like. Garnish with a few lavender buds or edible flowers for that Pinterest-worthy look. Grab a straw, give it a gentle stir, and enjoy your dreamy iced honey lavender matcha!
Pro tip: If your matcha doesn’t want to layer perfectly, don’t sweat it! Swirly colors are just as beautiful, and the taste is still incredible. Sometimes I get a perfect ombre, sometimes it’s a green and purple marble – either way, it’s a win.
Troubleshooting & Tips from My Kitchen
- Matcha Clumps? Sift your matcha first, and use hot (not boiling) water. If it’s still lumpy, try shaking it in a jar with a tight lid. Works like magic.
- Lavender Overload? Trust me, I’ve done it. Start with less syrup and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take it out!
- Not Sweet Enough? Give your drink a quick taste before layering the matcha. Add another drizzle of honey or syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Layering Not Working? Pour the matcha super slowly over the back of a spoon, and make sure your milk is really cold with plenty of ice. The colder, the better the layers.
- Short on Time? Make the lavender honey syrup in advance – it keeps in the fridge for a week. That way, you can whip up an iced honey lavender matcha in minutes.
- Milk Froth: If you love foam, froth your milk before pouring it over ice for a cloud-like top layer.
I’ve definitely had a few “oops” moments (like not sifting my matcha and ending up with green clumps), but honestly, every version has been delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
Fun Variations & Customizations
- Vegan/Veggie-Friendly: Use agave or maple syrup instead of honey, and plant-based milk like oat or almond.
- Extra Floral: Add a dash of rosewater to the syrup for a rose-lavender twist. Just use a light hand with floral flavors!
- Make It Stronger: Use 1.5 teaspoons matcha for a bigger caffeine kick, or double the syrup for a bolder lavender punch.
- Less Sweet: Use just 1 tablespoon syrup, or skip the drizzle of honey on top.
- Iced Honey Lavender Matcha Latte on the Go: Mix everything in a shaker bottle (ice last!), shake, and pour – super easy for busy mornings.
- Allergy-Friendly: Make sure your matcha is gluten-free (most are), and swap honey for your favorite sweetener if needed.
One of my favorite spins is adding a splash of vanilla extract to the milk. It gives the drink this cozy, almost dessert-like vibe – highly recommend if you’re feeling extra.
Serving & Storage Tips
This iced honey lavender matcha is best served fresh and icy cold. I love using a tall glass so you can see all those pretty layers – it’s half the fun! Top with a few lavender buds or even a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. Stainless steel or glass straws work great (and are eco-friendly, too!).
If you want to prep ahead, make the lavender honey syrup in advance and store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. The rest of the latte comes together in just a few minutes. Not gonna lie, it doesn’t keep super well once mixed (the ice melts, the layers blend), so make what you’ll drink. If you have leftover syrup, it’s also amazing in lemonade or drizzled over yogurt!
Health Benefits (Just the Good Stuff!)
Matcha is packed with antioxidants and gives a gentle energy boost without the jitters you might get from coffee. Lavender is famous for its calming properties – perfect for a chill afternoon pick-me-up. Honey adds a natural sweetness and even a little antibacterial goodness. Plus, if you use oat or almond milk, this latte is dairy-free and easy on the tummy. Just remember, it’s still a treat – but definitely one you can feel good about sipping!
FAQs About Iced Honey Lavender Matcha
Can I use store-bought lavender syrup?
Yep, if you’re short on time, store-bought lavender syrup works! Just check the label for real ingredients and adjust the amount for your taste.
What if I don’t have a matcha whisk?
No problem! A small regular whisk, a milk frother, or even shaking the matcha in a jar with a tight lid will get it nice and smooth.
Can I make this drink hot?
Absolutely! Just skip the ice, heat your milk (froth it if you want), and pour everything into your favorite mug. It’s cozy and super soothing.
Is this drink caffeine-free?
Nope, matcha does have caffeine, but it’s usually less than coffee and gives a smoother, longer-lasting boost. If you’re sensitive, use less matcha or try a caffeine-free green tea powder.
How do I make sure my drink layers look pretty?
Pour the matcha slowly over the back of a spoon onto the cold milk and ice. The colder your milk, the better the layers! But honestly, even if it all blends together, it’ll still taste amazing.
If you try this dreamy iced honey lavender matcha, let me know how it turns out! Tag me in your pastel drink pics or drop a comment with your favorite twist on the recipe. Happy sipping!
Iced Honey Lavender Matcha
A dreamy, pastel-hued iced latte featuring earthy matcha, homemade honey lavender syrup, and creamy milk. This floral, refreshing drink is perfect for spring and summer or whenever you want a special treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Latte
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (ceremonial or culinary grade, sifted)
- 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling)
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup honey (or agave for vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
- 3/4 cup milk (oat, almond, soy, or dairy)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: extra honey for drizzling
- Optional: lavender buds or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Lavender Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the lavender and let the syrup cool.
- Prepare the Matcha: Sift 1 teaspoon matcha powder into a small bowl or cup. Add 2 tablespoons hot (not boiling) water. Whisk with a matcha whisk, milk frother, or fork until smooth and frothy.
- Layer the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 3/4 cup milk over the ice. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the lavender honey syrup, adjusting to taste. Swirl gently.
- Add the Matcha: Slowly pour the prepared matcha over the back of a spoon onto the milk to create layered colors.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle extra honey on top if desired. Garnish with lavender buds or edible flowers. Stir gently and enjoy!
Notes
Start with less lavender syrup and add more to taste to avoid overpowering floral notes. Make the syrup ahead for quick assembly. For vegan, use agave or maple syrup and plant-based milk. For best layers, use very cold milk and pour matcha slowly over a spoon. Store extra syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tall glass (about 12-14 oz)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: iced matcha, honey lavender matcha, floral latte, spring drinks, summer drinks, matcha latte, lavender syrup, pastel drinks, dairy-free latte, vegan matcha