Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte — smooth & mellow

Ever been caught in that sticky, muggy afternoon where coffee cravings kick in, but hot stuff just sounds… wrong? The Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte might just be my happy place. When you mix cold brew with floral lavender and sweet vanilla bean, whoa, you get this smooth & mellow taste that is nothing like your average iced latte from the shop. I used to think only cafes nailed these flavors, but honestly, it’s way easier than it sounds. Actually—if you love playing with coffee flavors, check my absolute favorite Vanilla Chai Oatmilk Latte or, if lavender’s your jam, you gotta see this Iced Lavender Haze Latte too. Let’s talk about making your afternoon coffee way more fun (and less expensive).

Making lavender vanilla bean simple syrup

Ok—so, simple syrup should not be complicated. Whenever I make a Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte, I start with the homemade syrup. It’s just water, sugar, a touch of dried lavender, and actual vanilla bean. Nothing weird—just simmer until it smells like dessert in your kitchen.

If you’ve never made syrup before, don’t panic. I totally messed up the first time and dumped in way too much lavender (accidental cough syrup vibes—don’t recommend). The real trick here is to use just enough so the lavender whispers, not yells.

Let that syrup cool all the way. Don’t rush it. I dunk mine in the fridge, then forget it’s in there for a bit, oops. When ready, it’s a dreamy, lightly purple liquid that makes this drink, honestly, five-star restaurant material.

I make a small jar so it lasts about a week—perfect for all your cold brew adventures.

“This syrup is next-level. I add it to sparkling water too. Total summer move!” – Hannah K.

What type of lavender to use

Okay, listen, this is important. Not all lavender should go in your coffee (or your mouth in general, for that matter). You gotta get culinary-grade lavender. It should say that right on the bag or jar.

I once grabbed random lavender from a craft store—huge mistake. Tasted like perfume, and not in a chic way. Culinary lavender is way gentler, a bit sweeter, not soapy.

So, check the ingredient list. If it says “not for food use,” run! Look for it online or at fancy grocery stores. Some farmer’s markets have it, tucked near the fancy teas.

Also: a little goes a long way. Seriously. If you overdo it, you’ll know (been there, regretted it, drank it anyway).

What type of vanilla bean to use

Here’s the deal—real vanilla bean changes everything. Ok, yes, those pods cost more than the fake stuff, but dang, you do taste the difference. If all you’ve got is vanilla extract, sure, your Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte will still taste good. But, if you can, slice a pod, scrape those tiny seeds, and swirl them into your syrup.

I prefer Madagascar vanilla beans. They’ve got this deep, creamy vibe. Mexican vanilla’s a little spicier, also yum. If you hate waste (hi, me), you can tuck the scraped pod in your sugar jar to make vanilla sugar for later.

Can you use vanilla paste? Absolutely. Use half a teaspoon, give it a good stir. Either way, vanilla + lavender = magic.

More iced coffee recipes

Obsessed with cold coffee like I am? Trust me, once you nail this Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte, you’ll want more variations. I’m big on switching things up when the weather’s weird or my taste buds want something fancy.

Here are a few wild favorites:

• Dreamy Iced Lavender Haze Latte: If you’re loving the floral vibes, make this next. It’s super soothing for busy afternoons!
• Toasted Coconut Cold Brew: Ok, this one? Tastes like a beach trip in a cup.
• Ginger Snap Cold Brew: It’s zingy, spicy, so good for a rainy day or when you’re just bored with classic flavors.
• Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew: Dessert-in-a-cup alert. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

You’ll find all these gems, including some five-star lattes worth skipping the coffee shop for, over on Alexandra’s page.

Ingredients and substitutions

Let me just break it down so you’re not running all over town for random stuff. Here’s what you need for a killer Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte:

• Cold Brew: Homemade or store-bought. I go store-bought if I’m feeling lazy.
• Milk: Dairy, oat, almond, whatever you like best.
• Culinary Lavender: Not the craft kind! Check details in the lavender section above.
• Vanilla Bean: Trust me on this, but extract works in a pinch.
• Sugar: White or cane sugar works best for the syrup.
• Ice: Because room-temp coffee with flowers in it? Weird.

Not into dairy? Oat milk makes a creamy, sweet swap. If you want to lighten it up, try almond or soy. If you’re off sugar, monk fruit sweetener does the trick, just mix it a little longer.

If you’re curious, pair your latte with Cafe-Style Lemon Lavender Scones for an afternoon treat that’ll blow your mind.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use lavender oil instead of dried lavender?
A: Nope, don’t do it. Oils can be way too strong (and sometimes not safe to eat). Culinary-grade dried lavender is best.

Q: What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
A: Vanilla extract or paste works! It won’t be as fancy, but still delicious.

Q: How long does the syrup last?
A: About a week in the fridge. If it smells funky before then, toss it.

Q: What’s the best coffee for cold brew?
A: Medium or dark roast works best, but honestly, use your fave. Don’t overthink it.

Q: Can I reheat this latte if cold brew isn’t what I want?
A: You can, but it’s meant to be cold. Reheating might muddle the floral notes.

Sip & Enjoy Your Floral Cafe Vibes

So, now you’ve got the basics for crafting a super smooth Vanilla Bean Lavender Cold Brew Latte at home. Turns out, all you need is a few simple ingredients and, honestly, just a pinch of patience. Whether you’re into quirky lattes or just want a break from the usual, this one’s a game-changer. You’ll join the ranks of folks over on Iced Lavender Cold Brew Latte + How To Make Cold Brew In A … or picking up crowd-favorite ideas from Any good lavender drink suggestions? : r/starbucks. Just play around, add your twist, and don’t let perfection stand in your way (trust me, no one will care if your syrup’s a little wonky). Get ready for some serious at-home coffee shop vibes.

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