Begin by boiling 2 cups of water in a small pot over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender and steep for 5 minutes.

Carefully strain the lavender infusion through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or bowl, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.

In a separate saucepan, gently heat 1 cup of your choice of milk over medium-low heat until steaming, but avoid boiling.

Pour the heated milk into the pitcher with the strained lavender infusion and stir gently to combine. Add sweetener and vanilla extract if desired.

Serve in cups or glasses, hot or over ice for a refreshing iced version.