Lavender Chai Latte #Recipe by Mia P. Manansala @MPMtheWriter

Way back in August, I shared a recipe for lavender simple syrup, saying I was inspired to make it due to the amazing lavender chai latte at Brewpoint Craft Oak Park. I went on to share a lavender lemonade recipe, but then over a month passed and still no lavender chai latte recipe? What gives?!

In my defense, Chicago was fairly hot and sticky for most of September, and I couldn't bring myself to prepare a drink that was obviously meant for the coziness of cooler weather. And yes, I could've just made an iced version, but the combination of lavender + hot drink before bedtime just can't be beat. As such, I used a decaf chai, but this drink is delicious enough to be served all day, every day. The weather this week (though still humid) has been dull and grey and incredibly bleh. The perfect time for a pick-me-up!

Cast of characters: full fat milk, loose leaf masala chai, lavender simple syrup

Lavender Chai Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp loose leaf chai OR 2 chai tea bags
• 6 oz boiling water
• 2-4 oz milk*
• 1 tsp lavender simple syrup (more to taste)

*Use a milk with a good amount of fat in it--you need the fat to help disperse the full flavor of the spices throughout the drink.

Directions:

1. Steep the tea in the boiling water according to the time on the package (usually 4-6 minutes). Make sure it's nice and strong since you'll be adding milk.
2. Optional: While the tea is steeping, steam and froth the milk (see below for my simple method).
3. Strain the tea into a clean mug, stir in the lavender syrup, and top with the frothed milk.
4. Enjoy!

How to froth milk without fancy equipment:

1. Pour the milk into a microwavable glass jar with lid. Make sure the jar is big enough that the milk only fills it halfway.
2. Close the jar tightly and shake the jar vigorously for about a minute. The milk should almost double in size inside the jar and be very frothy.
3. REMOVE THE LID (very important) and microwave the milk for about a minute, until steaming hot.
4. Carefully pour the hot, frothed milk on top of your tea.
5. Enjoy!

Steep the chai in 6 oz of boiling water for 4-6 minutes.

If you'd like to froth your milk, put it in microwaveable jar with lid and shake vigorously for a minute.

Remove lid and microwave milk for about a minute.

Strain tea into clean mug (or remove tea bags)

Add lavender simple syrup to taste. I did about a tsp and a half.

Add milk. I heated it too early and by the time I got to this stage, quite a few of the bubbles were gone.

Even without the froth or fancy pattern, the lavender chai latte was still delicious and comforting!

What's your favorite cozy drink? I have plans to share another one in my next recipe post, but let me know your faves in the comments.

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