The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in Texas the past couple of weeks. I have been spending as much time as possible outdoors, including going for runs outside and sitting on our backyard deck in the evenings instead of on the couch in front of the TV. I try to enjoy it now because once the summer heatwave comes, you will most likely find me inside with full blast A/C or in my swimsuit in the nearest body of water.
To further celebrate the spring feelings, I am upping my coffee game with this herby and floral latte. One of the best (and least expensive) purchases I have made for myself this year is a milk frother. While I have zero latte art skills yet, I do love making lattes at home and feel even fancier when I have my own simple syrup to add. It's the little things in life that make the daily things special, right!?
I can guess what you are thinking right now. Rosemary in coffee?? YES, girlfriend! Rosemary and lavender in coffee. Sounds so weird and intense but it is actually so good! It is such a fun twist to coffee besides the normal flavors like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.
Normally I sorta roll my eyes at fancy coffee drinks, and usually only take my coffee with milk or cream and sugar, or those hazelnut creamers that are probably pretty bad for you.
The other day though I was getting some work done at Revolucion and ordered their honey lavender latte. It was so unexpectedly refreshing! I also read somewhere that rosemary pairs really well with lavender and is (oddly) very good with coffee.
What I love about this simple syrup is that the woodsy taste normally from rosemary balances out the floral taste from the lavender, so you don't feel like you are drinking a bath bomb or a candle.
Bath Bomb Coffee = a terrible start to your day
If you want to up your coffee game and feel oh so fancy, make this rosemary lavender simple syrup and stir it into your coffee. It would also be really good in a cocktail!
Lavender and Rosemary Lattes
makes 2
Ingredients
for the lavender rosemary simple syrup
makes 1 cup (refrigerate leftovers for more lattes throughout the week!)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbl dried lavender flowers
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
for the lattes
- 1 cup steamed milk of choice
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 1 - 2 tsp simple syrup (or more to taste)
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lavender and rosemary. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally until all the sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let syrup come to room temperature. Strain the lavender and rosemary from the syrup.
Divide milk evenly between two mugs. Using a milk frother, blend the milk for 1 minute or until a thin layer of foam settles on top. Pour in the coffee evenly between both mugs. Sweeten with the rosemary lavender syrup (start with a little and add more to taste!). Serve immediately.
