Highlight
This decadent Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake brings together classic tea with floral and citrus notes for a creamy decadent treat. Whether you are an afternoon tea fan or just craving something special, this is my favorite way to transform leftover vanilla ice cream into something memorable.
I made this first for a Mother's Day brunch and now it is my go to when I need a treat after a long week. My friends have all asked for the recipe.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Whole milk: brings richness for a smooth milky base. Always opt for full fat milk for the creamiest results.
- Loose leaf Earl Grey tea or bags: deliver bold bergamot flavor. For top quality, pick tea with visible dried petals and a fresh aroma.
- Dried culinary lavender: adds floral elegance. Use lavender specifically labeled for culinary use to avoid bitterness.
- Vanilla ice cream: creates a creamy and sweet foundation. Choose ice cream with real vanilla listed in the ingredients for the best taste.
- Honey: gives gentle floral sweetness. Raw honey has an extra flavor dimension but any honey works.
- Fresh orange juice: adds brightness and balances the flavors. Always juice an orange right before using for freshness.
- Optional garnishes: like fresh orange slices and lavender buds add visual appeal and an extra aroma.
How to Make It
- Infuse the milk:
- Gently heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium low until just steaming. Watch closely to prevent boiling as boiling can make the milk taste cooked. Remove from heat, stir in the Earl Grey tea and dried lavender. Cover and steep for five minutes to extract deep tea flavor and subtle floral notes. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the tea leaves and lavender. Let the milk cool until fully chilled using the fridge or an ice bath for faster cooling.
- Blend the Milkshake:
- In your blender add the cooled infused milk, vanilla ice cream, honey, and fresh orange juice. Secure the lid. Blend on high speed for one minute or until completely smooth, creamy and thick. Check the texture and taste. Add extra honey or ice cream if you want more sweetness or richness.
- Pour and Garnish:
- Divide the milkshake into chilled glasses. For a finishing touch, top with a few orange slices and a sprinkle of lavender buds. The fresh garnishes lift the aroma and create a little wow moment.
- Enjoy Immediately:
- Sip with a wide straw for the full milkshake experience. You will taste citrus up front, a full tea creaminess in the middle, and that subtle lavender note at the end.
Lavender and orange are both calming and uplifting. Vanilla ice cream was my secret weapon as a kid for making everyday snacks feel special. Adding tea to a milkshake honestly blew my mind the first time I tried it. Now my sister asks for this as her birthday dessert every year.
Flavor Boosters
For an extra grown up version, a splash of orange liqueur is a fun touch. Try whipped cream on top, or infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick for a warming note. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in tall elegant glasses to impress guests. Mini milkshake shots make a great palate cleanser. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream, or try using decaf Earl Grey for evenings.
Creative Twists
Try making milkshake popsicles by pouring into molds and freezing. Swap in blood orange juice for winter, or use lavender ice cream if you find it in summer. Add a dash of cinnamon for fall, or floral honey for spring.
This shake always surprises people who do not like floral flavors—they finish every drop! Letting the milk infuse and chilling your glasses adds something special to every serving.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → How do I infuse milk with Earl Grey and lavender?
Gently heat milk until it steams, add loose-leaf Earl Grey and lavender, steep for 5 minutes, then strain and cool.
- → Can I use a different type of ice cream?
Yes, try vanilla bean or French vanilla for rich flavor, or a dairy-free alternative for a plant-based option.
- → What’s the best way to sweeten the milkshake?
Honey adds a floral note, but agave or maple syrup can be substituted based on preference and dietary needs.
- → Is fresh orange juice necessary?
Orange juice balances the floral and tea flavors with brightness. Lemon juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
- → How should I garnish the milkshake?
Top with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of culinary lavender buds for an elegant presentation and enhanced aroma.
- → Can I prepare the tea-infused milk in advance?
Yes, cool and refrigerate the strained milk up to one day before blending into your milkshake for convenience.