When it comes to cozy drinks, there’s something about a London Fog Recipe that stands out. It’s not just another tea or latte—it’s a blend of sophistication and comfort that makes every sip feel like a moment of luxury. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just looking for a cozy alternative to coffee, the London Fog is the perfect drink to warm up your day.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to make a London Fog recipe, share tips for customizing it to your taste, and even throw in some fun variations to keep things interesting. Moreover, by the end, you’ll be a London Fog pro. So, let’s get started
What is a London Fog?
If you’ve never had one before, let me paint a picture. A London Fog is essentially a tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, a touch of vanilla, and a little sweetness. As a result, the drink becomes a creamy, fragrant treat that’s equal parts soothing and indulgent.
Interestingly, the drink is said to have originated in Vancouver, Canada (surprise!), not London. In fact, legend has it that someone blended Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla on a rainy day, and that’s how the London Fog was born. Additionally, its name likely comes from its pale, misty color, which resembles the foggy weather often associated with London.
Why London Fog is the Perfect Cozy Drink
Let’s face it: coffee often steals the spotlight when it comes to warm beverages, but tea lovers know there’s a whole world of comforting drinks out there. The London Fog Recipe is special because it feels like a treat without being heavy.
- Aromatic Flavors: The bergamot in Earl Grey tea gives it a citrusy, floral aroma that pairs beautifully with vanilla and milk.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can make it as rich or as light as you want, depending on your choice of milk and sweetener.
- Customizable: Whether you want it dairy-free, extra sweet, or with a hint of lavender, the London Fog can be tailored to your taste.
The Ingredients You’ll Need for making London Fog recipe
Making a London Fog is simple, and you probably already have most of the ingredients at home:
- Earl Grey tea: The star of the show. Loose-leaf tea or tea bags both work, but higher-quality tea will give you a more flavorful result.
- Milk: Any milk will do—dairy, almond, oat, soy—you name it. Oat milk is a fan favorite because it froths well and has a natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way to add that signature flavor.
- Sweetener: Options include honey, sugar, maple syrup, or even agave. Adjust to your liking.
- Hot water: To steep the tea.
How to Make a Homemade London Fog Tea Latte
Making a London Fog at home is simple, relaxing, and, honestly, kind of fun. It’s the perfect little ritual for a rainy day—or any day, really. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
1 – Brew Earl Grey Tea for Your Cozy Drink
Start by boiling water and pouring it over your Earl Grey tea bag or loose-leaf tea in a mug or teapot.
- Let it steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Adjust the steeping time based on how strong you like your tea. For a bold flavor, let it sit a little longer—but not too long, or it might taste bitter.
2 – Prepare the Creamy Milk for Your Tea Latte
Heat your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warm but not boiling.
- If you want that signature frothy texture, use a milk frother or whisk it vigorously.
- Pro tip: A frother can nearly double the volume of your milk, so if you’re skipping the frother, you may want to use an extra half cup of milk.
3 – Add Vanilla for a Sweet Touch
While your tea is still hot, stir in vanilla syrup or extract.
- Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
- If you’re using vanilla extract, whisking it into the warm milk before combining adds a nice, even flavor.
4 – Combine for the Perfect Earl Grey Tea Latte
Pour the steamed milk into your brewed tea, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Once combined, spoon the frothy milk on top to create that classic London Fog finish.
- Optional: Sprinkle a little lavender or cinnamon on top for an extra touch.
And that’s it! A cozy, homemade London Fog that’s perfect for sipping anytime. Let me know how it turns out—I’m sure you’ll love it!
Variations to Try for Your Homemade London Fog
One of the best things about the London Fog is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte
Add a pinch of dried lavender to your tea while it steeps for a floral twist. It’s like a spa day in a cup.
Iced Vanilla London Fog
Yes, you can enjoy this drink cold! Brew the tea as usual, let it cool, and pour it over ice. Use cold milk instead of steamed milk, and you’re good to go.
Chai-Spiced London Fog Latte
Swap out Earl Grey tea for chai tea to create a spiced version of this classic drink.
Mocha Earl Grey Tea Latte
Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the milk for a chocolatey twist. It’s perfect for when you can’t decide between tea and hot cocoa.
The Dairy-Free Dilemma: Best Milk Alternatives
If you’re avoiding dairy, don’t worry—London Fog works wonderfully with plant-based milks. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
- Oat Milk: Creamy and naturally sweet, it’s the closest thing to dairy milk in texture.
- Almond Milk: Light and nutty, though it doesn’t froth as well as other options.
- Soy Milk: Rich and versatile, but it can have a slightly bean-like taste.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical twist, but its strong flavor can overpower the tea.
A Drink for Every Occasion
What makes the London Fog so special is its versatility. It’s cozy enough for a rainy day, yet sophisticated enough to serve at a brunch or tea party. You can enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon treat, or even a bedtime wind-down.
Morning Perk-Up
Swap your coffee for a London Fog—it’s less intense but still gives you a gentle energy boost thanks to the caffeine in the tea.
Afternoon Break
Pair it with a light snack like shortbread cookies or scones for the ultimate tea-time experience.
Evening Relaxation
Use decaf Earl Grey or a caffeine-free alternative to enjoy a London Fog before bed.
Why Make It at Home?
Sure, you can grab a London Fog at your favorite café, but making it at home has its perks:
- Cost-Effective: Those $5 tea lattes add up! Making it at home costs a fraction of the price.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to match your exact preferences. More vanilla? Less sugar? It’s all up to you.
- Convenient: No need to leave your house—just whip it up in your kitchen whenever the craving hits.
Health Considerations for Your London Fog
While a London Fog is a delicious and comforting treat, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients you use, especially if you’re looking to make it a healthier choice. With a few simple swaps, you can customize your London Fog to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re aiming for a lower-calorie version, a dairy-free option, or a lighter touch on sweetness.
FAQ
1. Is London Fog the same as an Earl Grey Latte?
Yes, a London Fog and an Earl Grey Latte are essentially the same drink! Both are made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of sweetness, usually from vanilla. The terms are often used interchangeably, though “London Fog” tends to sound a little cozier and more romantic, don’t you think?
2. Are London Fogs hard to make?
Not at all! London Fogs are surprisingly easy to make at home. You just need a few simple ingredients—Earl Grey tea, milk, vanilla, and sweetener—and the process takes only a few minutes. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Even if you don’t have a fancy frother, a whisk or jar-shaking trick works just fine!
3. What’s in a London Fog at Starbucks?
At Starbucks, a London Fog is made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. They use their Teavana Earl Grey tea blend, which contains a hint of lavender for an extra floral touch. You can order it with your choice of milk and adjust the sweetness by asking for fewer pumps of vanilla syrup if you prefer it less sweet.
4. What is a London Fog made of?
- Earl Grey tea (featuring bergamot for its signature citrusy aroma)
- Steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Vanilla extract or syrup for flavor
- Sweetener (like honey, sugar, or maple syrup)
A Cozy Tradition Worth Starting
Making a London Fog isn’t just about the drink—it’s about the entire experience. After all, there’s something so calming about brewing tea, frothing milk, and savoring the final result. It’s truly a little ritual that can bring a moment of peace to your day.
Therefore, the next time you’re craving something warm, creamy, and a little bit fancy, why not give this recipe a try? You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make—and how quickly it becomes your go-to cozy drink.
In the meantime, cheers to tea time! And, of course, let me know how your London Fog turns out, and don’t be shy about sharing your favorite twists on this classic recipe.
