Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake

This luxurious Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat. The aromatic tea and floral notes create a sophisticated flavor profile that feels indulgent yet refreshing, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday moments when you need a little luxury.

I first created this milkshake during a hot summer afternoon when I wanted something more interesting than a standard vanilla shake. The Earl Grey tea adds such a distinctive bergamot flavor that elevates it beyond ordinary dessert drinks and has since become my signature offering when hosting afternoon gatherings.

Ingredients

• Milk: Provides the perfect base allowing the tea flavors to infuse completely. Use whole milk for the creamiest results.
• Loose leaf Earl Grey tea: Delivers more robust flavor than tea bags. Look for one with visible bergamot oil for the most authentic taste.
• Culinary lavender: Adds delicate floral notes. Make sure to use food grade lavender not decorative or potpourri varieties.
• Vanilla ice cream: Creates the creamy texture. Choose a high quality brand with real vanilla specks for the best flavor foundation.
• Honey: Sweetens while adding depth. Local wildflower honey works wonderfully here.
• Fresh orange juice: Brightens the entire drink with a citrus note that enhances the bergamot in the tea.
• Optional garnishes: Make the presentation instagram worthy and add aromatic dimension.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Milk:

Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until you see steam rising from the surface. Watch carefully as you want it hot enough to infuse the flavors but not boiling which can make the milk taste scorched. This usually takes about 3 minutes.

Infuse the Flavors:

Remove the pan from heat once steaming and immediately add the Earl Grey tea and lavender. Stir once to ensure everything is submerged then cover with a lid to trap the aromatic oils. Allow to steep for exactly 5 minutes for optimal flavor extraction without bitterness.

Strain and Cool:

Pour the infused milk through a fine mesh strainer into a heat safe container pressing gently on the solids to extract all the flavor. The milk will have taken on a slight tan hue with purple undertones. Allow it to cool completely either at room temperature for about 30 minutes or accelerate by placing in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Blend Everything:

Add the cooled tea milk to your blender followed by vanilla ice cream honey and fresh orange juice. Using chilled milk ensures your ice cream doesnt melt too quickly during blending resulting in a thicker shake.

Achieve Perfect Consistency:

Blend on high speed for 20 to 30 seconds monitoring carefully. You want a smooth pourable consistency that still holds its shape in the glass. If too thick add a splash more milk. If too thin add a small scoop of ice cream.

Serve with Style:

Pour immediately into chilled glasses for the best temperature and texture. The milkshake should have a beautiful lilac tint with tiny flecks of tea visible throughout. Add your garnishes right before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant.

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The lavender is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I grow my own in small pots on my kitchen windowsill specifically for culinary use. The first time my neighbor tried this milkshake she immediately asked for the recipe and now makes it for her book club meetings where it always receives rave reviews.

Finding the Perfect Balance

Creating the ideal Earl Grey Lavender milkshake requires careful attention to the tea and lavender ratios. Too much lavender can make your shake taste soapy while too little will get lost among the other flavors. Start with the recommended amount and adjust in future batches based on your preference. The steeping time also affects intensity allowing the flavors to develop without becoming bitter.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications. For a dairy free version substitute almond milk and coconut ice cream which complement the floral notes beautifully. You can transform it into an adult beverage by adding a splash of vanilla vodka or elderflower liqueur. For extra decadence drizzle the inside of your serving glass with honey before pouring in the milkshake creating a gorgeous presentation and flavor enhancement.

The Art of Tea Selection

The quality of your Earl Grey tea significantly impacts the final flavor. Traditional Earl Grey uses Chinese or Indian black tea blended with oil from the bergamot orange rind. Look for loose leaf varieties where you can see whole tea leaves rather than dust or fannings for the most complex flavor. Some specialty tea shops offer cream Earl Grey which includes vanilla notes that pair wonderfully in this milkshake creating an even more luxurious taste experience.

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Seasonal Adaptations

While delicious year round this milkshake can be tailored to each season. In summer use fresh lavender and add a few blackberries for a gorgeous purple hue. Fall calls for a pinch of cinnamon and perhaps a drizzle of caramel. Winter versions benefit from a touch of white chocolate while spring invites the addition of a teaspoon of rose water alongside the lavender for a garden inspired treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-made Earl Grey tea for this milkshake?

Yes, you can use pre-made Earl Grey tea, but infusing it with milk and lavender adds a richer flavor profile and creamier texture.

→ What can I use instead of vanilla ice cream?

You can substitute vanilla ice cream with frozen yogurt or a non-dairy alternative like coconut or almond-based ice cream for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I adjust the sweetness in this milkshake?

Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or using an alternative sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar based on your taste preference.

→ Can I make this drink ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed freshly made, but you can prep the tea-infused milk in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to blend the milkshake.

→ What garnishes work well with this milkshake?

Fresh orange slices, lavender buds, or a light dusting of grated nutmeg make excellent garnishes for an elegant touch.

→ Is it possible to make this milkshake caffeine-free?

Yes, you can use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea to enjoy the same flavors without the caffeine content.