I still remember the first time I tried the mesmerizing Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte at Starbucks; it was like a symphony of flavors playing harmoniously with each visit sip. The soft, floral notes of lavender mingling with the rich, creamy oat milk left me in awe, and I knew I had to find a way to enjoy this blissful experience from the comfort of my home. That’s when my quest to recreate the Starbucks Lavender Powder began.
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How to make Starbucks Lavender Powder
Starbucks lavender powder is a proprietary blend introduced to infuse beverages with a subtle floral and slightly sweet flavor. This powder is used in drinks like the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha and Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade lavender buds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (optional for added depth)
Instructions:
- Blend Lavender and Sugar: Place the granulated sugar and culinary-grade lavender buds in a high-speed blender or food processor. If you’re including vanilla bean powder, add it at this step.
- Pulse to a Fine Powder: Pulse the mixture several times until you get a fine, powdery consistency. The goal is to fully incorporate the lavender into the sugar and break down any large pieces.
- Sieve the Mixture: After pulsing, run the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large lavender pieces that could provide an overly intense flavor or texture.
- Dry the Powder: Spread the sieved lavender powder on a baking sheet and let it air-dry for a few hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but drying can help prevent clumping.
- Store Correctly: Transfer the lavender powder to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the flavor and prevent it from clumping due to moisture.
Tips:
- Culinary-Grade Lavender: Ensure you’re using culinary-grade lavender, which is safe for consumption and has a milder taste suitable for cooking and baking.
- Intensity of Flavor: Adjust the amount of lavender buds to suit your taste. The flavor of lavender can be quite strong, so start with a small quantity and increase it according to your preference.
- Vanilla Bean Powder Substitute: If you can’t find vanilla bean powder, you can use pure vanilla extract. Add a few drops to the sugar before blending for a hint of vanilla.
- Usage in Drinks: Use your homemade lavender powder sparingly. Start with 1/4 teaspoon stirred into your latte or sprinkled over the foam and adjust according to taste.
- Beyond Beverages: Remember, this lavender powder can also be used in baking or as a topping for desserts, giving cookies, cakes, or pastries a lovely lavender twist.
Ingredients Substitutes
When creating a homemade version of Starbucks Lavender Powder, you might not have all the specific ingredients on hand or may want to tailor the recipe to meet dietary preferences or availability.
1. Granulated Sugar
- Coconut Sugar: If you’re looking for a less refined alternative, coconut sugar is a great substitute. It has a slight caramel-like flavor which adds an interesting note to the lavender powder.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: For those watching their sugar intake, monk fruit sweetener is a natural, zero-calorie alternative that blends well in the recipe without altering the flavor too heavily.
- Maple Sugar: Maple sugar can offer a robust flavor with hints of maple, which pairs nicely with vanilla and lavender.
2. Culinary-Grade Lavender Buds
- Dried Lavender Flowers: If you can only find lavender flowers at your local herbal store, ensure they are food-grade before using them as a substitute for culinary-grade lavender buds.
- Lavender Extract/Oil: In a pinch, you could use a few drops of lavender extract or oil mixed with the sugar. Start with a small amount, as these can be quite potent compared to dried buds.
3. Vanilla Bean Powder
- Vanilla Extract: If vanilla bean powder isn’t available, use pure vanilla extract. Since extracts are liquid, mix a few drops with the sugar before processing to ensure it disperses evenly without clumping.
- Vanilla Sugar: Another option is to use vanilla-flavored sugar directly. If using vanilla sugar, you might want to omit or reduce the additional sugar in the recipe depending on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Starbucks Lavender Powder recipe is versatile and can be adjusted according to personal taste. Although it may not be identical to the Starbucks version, it’s a delightful way to add a unique twist to your homemade beverages and treats, embodying the spirit of Starbucks’ popular ingredient.
More Powder Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade lavender buds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
Instructions
- Blend Lavender and Sugar: Place the granulated sugar and culinary-grade lavender buds in a high-speed blender or food processor. If you're including vanilla bean powder, add it at this step.
- Pulse to a Fine Powder: Pulse the mixture several times until you get a fine, powdery consistency. The goal is to fully incorporate the lavender into the sugar and break down any large pieces.
- Sieve the Mixture: After pulsing, run the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large lavender pieces that could provide an overly intense flavor or texture.
- Dry the Powder: Spread the sieved lavender powder on a baking sheet and let it air-dry for a few hours. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but drying can help prevent clumping.
- Store Correctly: Transfer the lavender powder to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the flavor and prevent it from clumping due to moisture.
