Quick Answer
No, unfortunately Starbucks does not currently offer any lavender flavored drinks or food items on their regular menu. However, some locations may occasionally offer lavender flavored items as limited time offerings. Your best bet for getting lavender flavor at Starbucks is to request it as a customization in your drink. Many Starbucks baristas can add lavender syrup to drinks upon request if they have it in stock. But it is not a standard menu item.
Explaining the Lack of Lavender at Starbucks
There are a few reasons why lavender is not a common flavor at Starbucks:
- Niche appeal – Lavender is a relatively niche, polarizing flavor that may not have mass market appeal. Starbucks caters to a wide range of consumer tastes with its core menu.
- Seasonality – Lavender is associated with spring and summer. Starbucks focuses on core, year-round menu offerings rather than seasonal limited batches.
- Supply chain – Getting fresh, high quality lavender for use in food/drinks can be challenging compared to more traditional flavor ingredients.
- Flavor profile – Lavender’s aromatic, perfumy flavor doesn’t necessarily complement coffee and espresso drinks.
Starbucks tends to introduce new flavors selectively based on predicted widespread appeal, ease of sourcing, and suitability for its menu. Lavender has likely not met the criteria to become a permanent menu item. However, the customization option leaves the door open for lavender drinks.
History of Lavender at Starbucks
While not currently on the menu, Starbucks has offered lavender-flavored items sporadically over the years. Here is a brief history:
- Lavender Macchiato – Briefly available in 2016, this was made with espresso, steamed milk, and lavender syrup.
- Lavender Crème Frappuccino – This blended creme drink with lavender syrup was available for a short time in 2017.
- Lavender Coffee – For a few days in 2019, Starbucks offered a special Reserve lavender coffee made with beans infused with dried lavender.
These were all limited time offerings rather than permanent additions to the menu. They demonstrate Starbucks has tested out lavender on occasion but found it unsuitable or unpopular enough to make a lasting menu item. The supply, seasonality, and consumer taste challenges likely still exist.
Trying to Get Lavender at Starbucks
If you have your heart set on sipping lavender flavor at Starbucks, you do have a few options:
Ask for Lavender Syrup
Some Starbucks locations may have lavender syrup on hand that baristas can add to drinks on request. This allows customization to suit individual tastes. supply varies by location, but it never hurts to politely ask! The worst they can say is no.
Bring Your Own Lavender Syrup
When all else fails, you can bring your own lavender-infused syrup or extract. Make sure to ask the barista if they are comfortable adding it. Most will oblige, especially if you provide precise directions. This gives you the flexibility to control the lavender flavor profile.
Order Similar Custom Drinks
Ask for a syrup like vanilla or classic sweetener with steamed soy or almond milk for a smooth, floral sipper. You can also request pumps of blackberry or blueberry syrup which pair nicely with lavender. Get creative with your customization requests!
Try the Violet Drink
While not lavender, Starbucks’ Violet Drink contains flavored Very Berry Hibiscus Starbucks Refreshers and coconut milk for a similar floral-fruit profile. It’s the closest menu item you’ll get to lavender.
Beverage Suggestions
Here are some popular Starbucks drinks that can be customized with lavender syrup upon request:
- Lavender Latte – Espresso, steamed milk, lavender syrup
- Lavender Caffè Misto – Brewed coffee, steamed milk, lavender syrup
- Lavender Crème – Crème base, lavender syrup, topped with whipped cream
- Iced Lavender Macchiato – Espresso, lavender syrup, milk, ice
Be polite when ordering, and accept that not all locations will be able accommodate due to supply constraints. But it never hurts to ask!
Adding Lavender to Starbucks Food
While lavender flavors are hard to find in Starbucks drinks, it is even rarer in their food items. There are currently no permanent or seasonal foods featuring lavender. The aromatic flavor does not pair particularly well with the predominantly savory breakfast and lunch offerings at Starbucks.
Here are some ideas for adding lavender to food at Starbucks:
- Bring dried edible lavender buds and sprinkle on yogurt, oatmeal, or breakfast sandwiches
- Stir a few drops of lavender extract into the whipped cream atop drinks or desserts
- Request a packet of honey and stir in dried lavender buds for a floral kick to tea, coffee, or porridge
If you want to enjoy lavender flavor with food at Starbucks, the DIY approach is likely your best bet. With some creativity, you can find ways to incorporate it to suit your preferences.
Lavender-Flavored Items at Other Cafes
If you are set on sipping lavender coffee drinks, check out other local coffee shops. Independent cafes often have more flexibility with seasonal flavors. Here are some places known to use lavender:
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters – Limited lavender draft latte
- Blue Bottle Coffee – Lavender mochas and lavender cappuccinos
- Philz Coffee – Lavender mint mochas
- Peet’s Coffee – Lavender lattes
Call ahead to see if lavender drinks are currently available. Some independent bakeries also offer lavender macarons, scones, and other pastries. Coffee subscription services like Trade Coffee even offer lavender-infused beans. Don’t lose hope on lavender coffee outside of Starbucks!
The Future for Lavender at Starbucks
Never say never when it comes to Starbucks introducing new flavors. While lavender has yet to break through onto the permanent menu, the seasonal offerings indicate Starbucks does recognize the appeal. Here are two scenarios that could bring lavender drinks to Starbucks in the future:
Special Reserve Small-Batch Lavender Coffee
Starbucks could source a special small-batch coffee infused with lavender like they did back in 2019. Promoting it as a rare, limited Reserve coffee for adventurous tastebuds could be a way to test market potential. The scarcity could generate buzz and trials among lavender latte lovers.
Spring/Summer Seasonal Lavender Drinks
Tapping into lavender’s association with spring and summer, Starbucks could bring back a selection of chilled lavender drinks for those seasons. Iced lavender lattes, lavender Frappuccinos, and iced lavender mochas would provide cooling, aromatic relief from hot summer days. Targeting those drinks for April through August could be a way to build lavender demand.
Conclusion
Lavender and Starbucks have flirted but never committed to a permanent relationship. While not currently on the menu, Starbucks has featured lavender flavored drinks occasionally over the years. Logistical challenges around mass market appeal, supply chains, and seasonality seem to have kept it from becoming a menu mainstay. But lavender fans still have avenues to get their fix, from custom orders to bringing their own supplies. And never say never – Starbucks may give lavender drinks another spin in the future, whether as a limited Reserve coffee or seasonal summer specialty lineup. For now, you’re better off seeking lavender libations at local coffee shops. But don’t totally give up hope on one day seeing lavender on the Starbucks menu.