Iced Lavender Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

Featuring a gorgeous lavender-tinted cold foam and a creamy, spiced iced chai base, this Iced Lavender Cream Chai is almost too pretty to drink. Almost. The balance of warm chai spices and delicate floral notes, layered with silky foam, makes it just as delicious as it is stunning.

The Starbucks spring 2026 menu release is quickly approaching, and I am here for it! Like almost all the seasonal releases, I've been TikTok barista-stalking and recipe-testing for weeks. I'm confident in saying this Iced Lavender Cream Chai recipe is on point.

If you’ve never had lavender in tea or coffee, you’re in for a treat. Its lightly floral flavor perfectly complements spicy, robust chai and deep, bold coffee. This iced chai is no exception: lightly sweetened lavender syrup whips with heavy cream and tops creamy, spiced chai, creating a dimensional, refreshing drink that I’m just as excited to admire as to sip.

The icing (or should I say cold foam?) on this proverbial cake is its easy, affordable prep. With common, budget-friendly ingredients (and no need to sit in the drive-thru line), it's doable any day. Let's get sipping!

For more lip-smacking iced tea recipes, check out my Iced Chai Tea Latte, Iced Banana Bread Matcha, and Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha.

Jump to:

• What Is Iced Lavender Cream Chai?
• What Does it Taste Like?
• Why You'll Love Iced Lavender Cream Chai
• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• How to Make Iced Lavender Cream Chai
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• Iced Lavender Cream Chai FAQs
• Nutritional Info
• Other Chai Recipes
• Iced Lavender Cream Chai (Starbucks Copycat)

What Is Iced Lavender Cream Chai?

An iced lavender cream chai is a floral twist on a classic iced chai latte. It starts with a base of spiced chai tea and milk poured over ice, then is topped with a lightly sweetened (and optionally purple-tinted) lavender cold foam for a creamy, aromatic finish.

If you’ve ever ordered an iced chai with cold foam, this recipe follows the same idea — but adds a subtle lavender note that makes the drink feel seasonal and special. Like other cold foam drinks, the foam slowly melts into the chai, creating layers of flavor in every sip.

What Does it Taste Like?

Iced lavender cream chai tastes like a classic iced chai latte topped with a sweet, creamy lavender cold foam. The drink is smooth, lightly sweet, and beautifully balanced. The chai brings warm notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, while the lavender adds a soft floral brightness that doesn't feel overpowering.

The cold foam gives it a silky, almost dessert-like finish, while the bold iced chai base keeps it refreshing and crisp. This iced chai with lavender cream cold foam is cozy and uplifting all at once — creamy, spiced, springy, and just the right amount of special.

Love lavender? Then, you'll also drink up my Lavender Latte, Lavender Cremé Frappuccino, Lavender Creamer, and Iced Lavender Oat Milk Latte recipes.

Why You'll Love Iced Lavender Cream Chai

This chai is a showstopper — and so much more. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore it:

• Surprisingly Simple — If homemade syrup sounds intimidating, I promise it’s not. It comes together quickly, and the whole drink takes just three easy steps to assemble.
• Spring Forward — Lavender just feels like spring in a glass. It’s light, floral, and a fun way to shake up your usual routine. If you haven’t tried adding it to your drinks yet, consider this your sign.
• Moderate Caffeine — While I’m firmly in camp caffeine, this drink is perfect for when you want a gentle energy boost without the full coffee buzz.
• Easy on the Wallet — Those coffee shop runs add up quickly. Make this copycat version at home for a fraction of the cost — and enjoy a drink that tastes just as good (if not better).

Ingredients

Heavy Cream — Also known as whipping cream, this forms the base of the cold foam topping, making it rich yet light and silky. For the best whip, use extra-cold cream. You will need 2 tablespoons.

Whole Milk — Just a tablespoon whips with the heavy cream to lightly cut the richness, make the cold foam pourable, and help it melt into the tea. Grab this fresh from the fridge, too — the colder, the better.

Purple Food Coloring (Optional) — A drop or two gives the cold foam a gorgeous purple lavender hue, taking presentation to the next level.

Lavender Syrup — This easy-to-make syrup adds signature lavender notes and a touch of sweetness.

Chai Concentrate — The bold, spiced base of the drink. Make my homemade version for the best flavor or use your favorite store-bought concentrate for convenience.

Milk — Choose your milk of choice — such as dairy, oat milk, almond, or soy — to mix with the concentrate and create a creamy, balanced chai.

Substitutions

Don’t have everything listed above? No worries! These simple swaps will still help you whip up a delicious lavender chai.

Cream and Milk — Substitute 3 tablespoons of half-and-half for the heavy cream and whole milk for an easier, one-ingredient option. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream in place of the heavy cream, and swap in coconut milk or full-fat oat milk for the whole milk.

Lavender Syrup — Store-bought syrup is a convenient substitute for homemade. For the best flavor, choose a high-quality brand such as Monin or Portland Syrups.

Chai Concentrate — Don’t want to fuss with making a full pitcher of concentrate? Make just enough for one serving: pour ½ cup of boiling water over 2 chai tea bags, steep for 8–10 minutes, chill in the fridge for 5–10 minutes, then assemble your drink!

Food Coloring — For an artificial color–free alternative, use a drop of ube extract instead. The drink will take on a lightly nutty ube flavor, which complements the lavender beautifully.

How to Make Iced Lavender Cream Chai

It’s easy to embrace your inner barista! Make this purple-hued beverage in just a few, anyone-can-do-it steps:

Step 1: Make the lavender cold foam. Add the heavy cream, milk, lavender syrup, and food coloring (if using) to a small jar or container. Froth for 10-20 seconds with a milk frother until foamy and thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the iced chai. Pour ice into a tall glass, then top with the chai concentrate. Add your milk of choice, then stir.

Step 3: Assemble and enjoy. Top the chai with the lavender cold foam, then drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

• Add Fruit — Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite fruit simple syrup — such as strawberry, cherry, blackberry, or blueberry — for a delicious jammy twist.
• Coconut Chai — Coconut and lavender make a beautiful pairing. Mix the chai concentrate with refrigerated coconut milk, and prepare the lavender cold foam with coconut cream and coconut milk for a lightly tropical take.
• Ube Lavender Chai — Tint the cold foam with a drop or two of ube extract, and add another drop to the chai if desired. Ube and lavender are surprisingly delicious together!
• Make it Dirty — For an extra caffeine boost and rich coffee undertones, add a shot of freshly pulled espresso to the chai.
• Spiked — Turn this latte into a happy-hour treat by stirring in 1 ½ ounces of vanilla vodka or elderflower liqueur. Cheers!
• Power Up the Protein — Increase the staying power and chip away at your daily protein goals by making the chai with ultra-filtered milk, or shaking the milk with ½ scoop of vanilla protein powder before assembling.
• Dairy-Free — Use your favorite non-dairy milk for the chai base, and swap in non-dairy whipping cream or coconut cream for the heavy cream. Coconut milk makes the best substitute for whole milk in the cold foam, though full-fat oat milk works in a pinch.
• Reduced-Sugar — Cut back on added sugar by preparing the lavender syrup with monk fruit or stevia sweetener instead.

Serving Suggestions

Need some inspiration for getting your tea-on? Consider one of the following suggestions for optimal enjoyment:

• Morning Moment — Who says warm drinks are only for early mornings? This lightly caffeinated, ultra-refreshing, and flavorful drink is a guaranteed great way to start the day.
• On-the-Go Sipping — Whether you’re running errands, taking the kids to sports practice, or commuting, this iced cream chai is perfect for enjoying in your favorite insulated travel mug. Singing along to your favorite songs is encouraged!
• Book Club Beverage — Switch up the usual routine by serving a large pitcher of chai tea base at a drink station with ice and lavender cream cold foam. Let guests assemble their own drinks for fun and easy entertaining.
• Spring Brunch Sipper — Enjoy it alongside Strawberry Rhubarb Protein Muffins, quiche, Millionaire Bacon, Protein Pancakes, or fruit salad for rave reviews.

Recipe Success Tips

• Use cold ingredients. Not only does cold cream and milk whip into better foam, but using chilled chai concentrate and milk also prevents the ice from melting too quickly — keeping the drink rich, spicy, and flavorful.
• Make to serve. While you can prepare the syrup and combine the chai and milk in advance (store them separately in the refrigerator), the lavender cream cold foam is best made fresh just before serving.
• Don't over-froth. Whip the cold foam until it is light and foamy but still pourable. Overwhipping it will make it stiff and heavy—not ideal for topping a drink.
• Watch the lavender. It is lovely but powerful. Add only the directed amount, then adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger floral note.
• Layer for a pretty presentation. Gently spoon the lavender cold foam over the iced chai without stirring for that true coffeehouse look. For even more dimension, skip stirring the milk and chai together before topping.
• Make the syrup ahead of time. For quick, easy prep, make the lavender syrup ahead of time. It keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Iced Lavender Cream Chai FAQs

Nutritional Info

With each serving delivering 301 calories, 13 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 40 grams of sugar, and 61 mg of sodium, this lavender cream iced chai falls more into the treat-drink category than an everyday sipper.

While it’s not as indulgent as many Starbucks specials, it is higher in sugar and carbs than plain iced or hot chai. That said, it’s one I feel good about enjoying occasionally (hello, #balance) — and it’s easy to modify for everyday sipping or to suit specific dietary needs.

To lower the sugar, make the lavender syrup with monk fruit or stevia. For a lighter option, mix the chai with almond milk or skim milk. You can also prepare the cold foam with coconut cream and coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. For more staying power and protein, use ultra-filtered milk or whisk a few tablespoons of vanilla protein powder or collagen into the milk before assembling.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 301 calories
• Total Fat: 13 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Sodium: 61 mg
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Sugar: 40 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

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xoxo Megan