There’s something truly enchanting about the combination of Earl Grey and lavender that transports me to a sun-drenched tea garden. When I recently found myself yearning for a cool treat with a twist, this Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream came to mind. The fragrant notes of black tea mingling with floral lavender create a symphony of flavor that transforms a simple dessert into an elegant indulgence.
After a long week of work, indulgence often means treating myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a delightful solution—offering the exquisite feel of gourmet ice cream without the fuss. Imagine the excitement of serving this unique flavor to friends at your next gathering, or simply savoring a quiet moment on the porch while the sun sets.
With just a few wholesome ingredients and a little time to chill, you’ll create a luxurious dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive. So, let’s dive into the world of blissful flavors with this Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home!
Why is Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake so Special?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The pairing of Earl Grey tea and lavender creates a unique and aromatic delight that’s both soothing and refreshing.
Effortless Indulgence: You can whip up this luxurious treat without any complicated steps, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays.
Mix It Up: Swap the vanilla ice cream for coconut or chocolate for an exciting twist that fits your personal taste buds.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your friends and family with this sophisticated flavor profile that’s unlike any store-bought option.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or an elegant dinner party, this milkshake shines in any setting.
Treat yourself today and elevate your dessert game with this delightful recipe!
Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake Ingredients
• Delight in the sumptuous flavors of this unique twist on a classic ice cream treat.
For the Base
- 1 cup milk – A creamy foundation that brings everything together.
- 2 tbsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags) – Infuses a distinctive, aromatic flavor into the mix.
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender – Adds a lovely floral note that pairs beautifully with the tea.
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream – Provides a smooth and rich texture that enhances the overall experience.
- 2 tbsp honey – A natural sweetener that you can adjust according to your taste preference.
- Juice of 1/2 a fresh orange – Brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing citrus touch.
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh orange slices – Perfect for a burst of color and added zest.
- Lavender buds – For an elegant presentation that highlights the flavors in this Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake.
How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake
- Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it steams but doesn’t boil. This process allows the milk to absorb the fragrant tea and lavender.
- Steep the Tea: Remove the saucepan from the heat, adding the Earl Grey tea and dried lavender. Let it steep for about 5 minutes to infuse those beautiful flavors.
- Strain and Return: Carefully strain the mixture to remove the tea leaves and lavender buds, then return the fragrant milk to the saucepan for the next steps.
- Add Ice Cream and Honey: Stir in the vanilla ice cream, honey, and the juice of half an orange. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth, creating a luscious ice cream base.
- Chill the Mixture: Pop the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial, as it ensures a smoother consistency when churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll love watching it transform into a creamy delight!
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a container. Freeze until firm, which usually takes a few hours, giving you time to dream of enjoying your masterpiece.
- Serve and Garnish: Scoop into bowls or cones, then top with optional garnishes of fresh orange slices and lavender buds for an elegant finish.
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for a touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Earl Grey Lavender Milkshakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the infused milk (steps 1-3) up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavor. Likewise, you can mix together the ice cream, honey, and orange juice (steps 4) and chill it overnight as well. When you’re ready to enjoy, just churn the chilled mixture (step 6) in your ice cream maker and freeze until firm (step 7). With these make-ahead options, you’ll create a delightful dessert with minimal fuss, making your weeknight indulgences both easy and delicious!
Helpful Tricks for Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake
- Mind the Heat: Avoid boiling the milk; instead, heat it until steaming. This preserves the delicate flavors of Earl Grey and lavender.
- Steeping Time: Steep for 5 minutes max. Over-steeping can lead to bitterness, overshadowing the beautiful floral notes in your milkshake.
- Chill Well: Don’t skip the chilling step! A minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator ensures a creamy consistency when churning for the Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake.
- Churn Properly: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions closely to achieve the right texture. Too little churning can result in icy crystals.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust the honey to suit your taste—adding a little more can balance out the tea’s slight bitterness while enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake
Fridge: Keep any leftover Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If serving later, a quick stir will help restore its creamy texture.
Freezer: Store the milkshake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand while freezing.
Reheating: If the milkshake hardens in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. You can also briefly blend it to regain its smoothness.
Serving Tips: For the best experience, serve immediately after churning. However, if you’ve frozen it, just remember to mix it up before enjoying!
Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful milkshake your own with these inspiring twists!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delicious vegan treat.
- Chocolate Delight: Swirl in some chocolate syrup or use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a rich indulgence.
- Citrus Burst: Add the zest of a fresh orange to amplify the citrus notes while enhancing that refreshing quality.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few fresh mint leaves into the steeping process for a cool and invigorating twist that brightens the flavors.
- Lavender Lemonade: Replace some milk with lemonade for a tangy variant that offers a delightful summer refreshment.
- Nutty Bliss: Blend in some almond butter or hazelnut spread for a creamy, nutty flavor profile that will steal your heart.
- Chai Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of chai spice blend for an intriguing spice profile that gives this milkshake a unique kick.
- Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce if you love a surprising heat that complements the floral notes.
Experiment with these variations, and watch your Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake become a canvas for your culinary creativity!
What to Serve with Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream?
Picture yourself delighting in the unique flavors of this floral-infused treat, and it’s natural to wonder what delights can accompany it.
-
Zesty Lemon Bars: The tartness of lemon bars balances the creamy sweetness of the ice cream, creating a refreshing duo.
-
Chai Spiced Biscotti: The warm spices in biscotti enhance the aromatic notes of the Earl Grey, perfect for dipping.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and a pop of color, complementing the ice cream’s rich texture.
-
Honey-Drizzled Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread with a drizzle of honey elevates simplicity, echoing the honey used in your ice cream.
-
Sparkling Lavender Lemonade: A light, bubbly drink that mirrors the lavender flavor, offering a sophisticated sip alongside your dessert.
-
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: The rich chocolate and crunchy almonds create a beautiful contrast to the flower-infused sweetness of the ice cream.
Indulging in these pairings will not only elevate your dessert experience but also make your gathering feel extraordinary. Enjoy the moment with these delightful accompaniments!
Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What kind of Earl Grey tea should I use?
You can use either loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or tea bags—both work wonderfully. I recommend using high-quality loose-leaf for a richer flavor, but if convenience is key, tea bags are absolutely fine. Just ensure that the tea is fresh for the best infusion!
How long can I store the Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream?
Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2 months. Remember to leave a small amount of space at the top of the container, as it will expand while freezing. For the best texture, consume it within that timeframe!
Can I freeze Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream?
Absolutely! To freeze, just transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard. You can also blend it briefly for a smoother consistency.
What if my ice cream turns icy instead of creamy?
If your ice cream ends up icy, it may be due to insufficient churning or freezing too quickly. To avoid this, crank the ice cream maker for the recommended time and ensure the mixture has been chilled for at least 2 hours beforehand. If it does freeze too hard, letting it sit at room temperature before serving will help restore its delightful creamy texture.
Is this ice cream safe for pets or those with allergies?
It’s best to keep this Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream away from pets, especially dogs, since chocolate and certain herbs can be harmful. For allergy considerations, always check for possible allergens in the ingredients, particularly with dairy and honey. If needed, substitute with lactose-free milk or vegan ice creams!
Earl Grey Lavender Milkshake: A Cozy Twist on Ice Cream Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it steams but doesn’t boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, adding the Earl Grey tea and dried lavender. Let it steep for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully strain the mixture to remove the tea leaves and lavender buds, then return the fragrant milk to the saucepan.
- Stir in the vanilla ice cream, honey, and the juice of half an orange. Mix until smooth.
- Pop the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a container. Freeze until firm.
- Scoop into bowls or cones, then top with optional garnishes.