Starbucks Iced Lavender Cream Chai Copycat Recipe (Spring Floral Review)
This spring chai latte stole my heart! The floral lavender notes blend beautifully with warm chai spices, creating a sophisticated and calming drink. Topped with creamy vanilla sweet cream cold foam, it's perfectly balanced between aromatic and indulgent.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Tazo chai tea concentrate 3 oz
- 2% milk 3 oz
- Ice 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
- Homemade lavender syrup 1 tbsp
- Vanilla syrup 1 tbsp
- Heavy cream 2 oz
- 2% milk (for cold foam) 1 oz
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
38 g
63%
Protein
7 g
12%
Fat
7 g
25%
Cooking steps
-
1
Make Lavender Syrup: Combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tsp dried culinary lavender in a small saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves, strain out flowers, and cool. (Keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated.)
-
2
Prepare the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam: In a frothing pitcher or French press, froth 2 oz heavy cream, 1 oz 2% milk, and 1 tbsp vanilla syrup cold until thick, velvety foam forms. Barista tip: Using a French press gives you that signature thick Starbucks cold foam.
-
3
Build the Drink: Fill a 16 oz glass halfway with ice (about 1 cup). Pour 3 oz Tazo chai concentrate and 3 oz 2% milk over the ice. Add 1 tbsp homemade lavender syrup and gently swirl to combine.
-
4
Top with Cold Foam: Slowly spoon the vanilla sweet cream cold foam over the chai base to create a defined, creamy top layer. Pour gently for a picture-perfect, marbled effect.
-
5
Garnish & Serve: Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of dried lavender or a dusting of cinnamon on top for visual flair. Enjoy immediately with a straw and snap that Insta-worthy shot!
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this actually taste like Starbucks?
Absolutely! This recipe uses Tazo chai concentrate—Starbucks' closest match—and a homemade lavender syrup plus thick vanilla sweet cream cold foam made just like the baristas do. These techniques, frothed cold foam and careful layering, give you that authentic Starbucks floral chai experience at home.
Q. Do I need an espresso machine for this?
No espresso machine is required! You only need basic kitchen tools—a saucepan for syrup, a French press or handheld frother for the cold foam, and a glass for assembly. Unlike espresso drinks, chai-based recipes rely on concentrate, so no espresso shot is necessary.
Q. Can I make this with oat milk or reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can substitute 2% milk with oat, almond, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. For less sweetness, add less lavender or vanilla syrup to taste, or use a sugar-free vanilla syrup in both the cold foam and the chai base.
Q. How many calories are in the homemade Starbucks Iced Lavender Cream Chai?
One serving (about 475 grams/grande size) is approximately 240 kcal, with 38g carbs (63% of calories), 7g protein (12%), and 7g fat (25%). This closely matches the Starbucks version, but you can reduce calories by using nonfat milk and lighter cream.
Q. Is making this at home much cheaper than Starbucks?
Absolutely—a homemade serving averages $1.50–$2.00, compared to $5–$6 at Starbucks. Since you can batch the lavender syrup and cold foam, making multiple drinks saves even more per cup.
