The Best NYC Lavender Bites for Summer 2024
The weather has been extraordinarily HOT here in New York City this year, even for the summer months. As I expect there will be a few more months of these warmer temperatures, here are my recommendations for summer treats this season for you lavender lovers out there:
Lavender Lemonade
You absolutely cannot go wrong with lavender lemonade. Okay, I lied—you can go wrong. It can be too sweet: too much syrup or the most fake lemon-ade ever. I made a post about the best lavender lemonades in NYC a few years ago. However, my favorite still remains the one at Bibble & Sip. Situated in midtown Manhattan, this shop will give you a reasonable price for the drink size and the lemonade is superbly balanced between the lemon and sweet lavender butterfly pea syrup.
Iced Lavender Latte or Matcha Latte
Lavender goes very well in a latte or matcha latte. In fact, I alway crave iced matcha lattes during the summer—alternating between lavender matcha and strawberry matcha. I still mostly stand by my two previous posts about lavender lattes in Brooklyn and Manhattan. However, if you do get a lavender latte at Bibble & Sip, do ask for half the syrup amount—their lavender latte has become too sweet. The sweetness can be a slight danger with iced drinks—colder drinks taste sweeter than hot drinks!
Lavender Ice Cream
I previously wrote a post about ice cream in NYC and I still adore the lavender ice cream at Sundaes and Cones. Located on East 10th Street, the store have a plethora of both unique and recognizable flavors. For the summer, they have a delicate lavender ice cream. You can get different scoops or you can ask for a pint to take home (pro tip: they will put two flavors in a pint if you ask). You can also order a lavender milkshake if you prefer!
My second favorite flavor is the rose matcha swirl. Apparently floral flavors are my thing—the rose is also excellent.
Lavender Soft Serve
This summer there is a lavender soft serve option for a limited time! Matcha Cafe Maiko is in partnership with Lavender by the Bay to serve lavender soft serve. It’s not too sweet and is a clear refreshing lavender flavor. It comes in a huge serving though—so if you’re not hungry or sharing it with a favorite friend, then do order it in a cup to save for later. Just a warning: it’ll keep in the freezer, but it will become rock hard. You’ll have to wait for it to melt a bit before you can eat it. (It’s better freshly served).
And if you really like strong matcha, then you’ll probably like the cafe’s matcha soft serve too!
A small collection of Lavender by the Bay products are also being sold in the cafe to accompany the lavender special.
Lavender Chocolate
Lavender and chocolate is a solid mix. There are so many great options for lavender chocolate. Most lavender farms have theirs for sale, so definitely check for this at your local lavender farm (you usually can order online if you don’t live nearby) My current favorite, and one of the only recommendations outside of NYC in this post, is the Lavender Dark Chocolate from Norfolk Lavender in England. It has a nice strong lavender flavor that perfectly compliments the dark chocolate.
Lavender Popcorn
My other non-local recommendation so the Luscious Lavender popcorn from Pop’s Praiseworthy Popcorn. Located in Virginia, you can also order multiple bags online. I had previously never thought of lavender-seasoned popcorn, but found this kind at Pleasant Valley Lavender Farm in New Jersey (see my post of the visit here). The popcorn is perfectly crunchy and popped—no un-popped kernels that I’ve found. (My teeth are thankful!) The lavender flavor adds a clearly recognizable spice to the sweet and salty balance. It’s a perfect munch snack for your Netflix or game nights.
So NYC lavender-lovers, enjoy lavender season with these treats. And remember, the season only lasts so long—so enjoy them while you can!!
