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Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake is pure afternoon magic in a glass. The soft floral notes from lavender blend seamlessly with citrusy Earl Grey and creamy vanilla to create something both elegant and nostalgic. This is the drink I crave on sun-dappled spring afternoons or whenever I want a little edible daydream.
My sister called these clouds in a glass the first time I made them While elegant enough for guests this quickly became my solo treat for winding down after busy days
Ingredients
- Milk: brings creaminess and helps carry the tea and floral flavors Choose whole milk for richness
- Earl Grey tea: adds iconic citrusy and bergamot notes Opt for loose-leaf for a more vivid aroma or your favorite bags
- Dried culinary lavender: provides gentle floral character Make sure to buy lavender labeled edible
- Vanilla ice cream: creates the classic milkshake foundation Go for real vanilla if possible for depth
- Honey: gently sweetens and rounds out the flavors Use local honey for extra floral complexity
- Fresh orange juice: brightens everything and amps up the Earl Grey’s citrus
- Fresh orange slices and culinary lavender (for garnish): make it extra inviting and provide subtle aromatics
Instructions
- Infuse the Milk:
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over gentle heat until you see wisps of steam swirling up from the edges but not bubbling Let the low heat pull out the natural sweetness
- Steep Tea and Lavender:
- Scatter the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender into your steaming milk Cover the pan and let the milk steep for about five minutes so all those aromatic oils have time to bloom
- Strain and Cool:
- Pour the infused milk through a fine mesh strainer to catch all the tea leaves and petals Set this tea scented milk aside to cool to room temperature If you are in a hurry set the bowl over ice
- Blend Assembled Ingredients:
- Add cooled tea infused milk vanilla ice cream honey and fresh orange juice to your blender Pulse to break up the ice cream then run it on high for a smooth creamy finish Let it blend longer for a fluffier texture
- Pour and Garnish:
- Divide the milkshake among chilled glasses Top with fresh orange slices and a pinch of lavender buds if you like You will see colors and smell perfume with each sip
- Serve:
- Hand each glass to an eager friend or treat yourself Drink right away when it is at its creamiest and coldest
I am obsessed with how the honey brings all the flavors together My grandmother loved lavender and her garden was full of fragrance Every sip of this shake takes me right back there sitting beside her sharing tea and stories
Storage tips
This milkshake is at its prime right out of the blender but you can freeze leftovers in a covered container for up to a week For best texture scrape into a blender and re-blend with a splash of milk before serving
Ingredient substitutions
Use oat or almond milk and a nondairy ice cream for a vegan shake Maple syrup works beautifully instead of honey If you do not have fresh oranges a splash of bottled juice works or swap for lemon for a new citrus spin
Serving suggestions
Pour into dainty tea cups for parties or enjoy as a breakfast treat with a butter cookie on the side Sometimes I serve these over a scoop of extra ice cream for true decadence
Cultural and historical context
Earl Grey tea is a British classic named after Charles Grey and brings citrusy bergamot to classic black tea Lavender has long been used for relaxation and in European desserts This milkshake unites the two traditions for a fresh modern treat
Seasonal Adaptations
Use wildflower honey in spring for nuanced sweetness Add a few berries in summer for pastel color and juicy flavor Swap orange for warm lemon or blood orange during winter
Success Stories
My nieces declared this the prettiest drink they had ever seen and now ask for it at every family brunch Once I served it at a bridal shower it instantly became the unofficial signature drink Guests were amazed at how floral and grownup it tasted
Freezer Meal Conversion
Blend all ingredients except for the ice cream and freeze The base keeps well in a tightly sealed jar Just scoop out a portion and blend with fresh ice cream straight from the freezer
This milkshake is simple and magical for special moments or quiet days at home Enjoy it just as you like with a twist of your own and a little flourish on top
Recipe FAQs
- → How does lavender enhance the flavor?
Lavender brings a subtle floral note that complements the citrusy Bergamot in Earl Grey, adding fragrant complexity.
- → Can I use dairy-free milk alternatives?
Yes, oat, almond, or coconut milk work well, giving the milkshake a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
- → Is fresh orange juice necessary?
While optional, fresh orange juice brightens the drink and highlights the floral and tea notes. You can omit if desired.
- → What type of vanilla ice cream works best?
Classic vanilla ice cream allows the tea and lavender flavors to shine while providing a rich, smooth base for blending.
- → How do I prevent the milk from curdling?
Heat milk gently until steaming but not boiling, and cool completely before blending to keep the texture silky.