London Fog Recipe

Posted on 12/11/2024

Posted by Ava

London Fog being prepared with steamed milk being poured into a cup.

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London fog recipe seems to shine a bit more when we talk of comfort drinks. Not yet another flavor of a tea or a milk drink, but a blend of sophistication and comfort that makes each sip feel like a treat. The London Fog is the best drink to warm up your day, whether you consider yourself a tea lover or simply want something cozy to replace your coffee.

London Fog recipe being prepared with steamed milk being poured into a cup.

This guide will take you through making the London Fog, along with tweaks you can make to suit your tastes, and, of course, a few fun variations. By the end of this, you will be a London fog expert. 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, According to legend, the London Fog was created on a rainy day when someone mixed Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla. 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

A person holding a cup of London Fog, ready to enjoy, with a lush green background.

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 main attraction. 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

Adding dried Earl Grey tea leaves with blue flowers into a tea infuser.

Pouring freshly brewed Earl Grey tea into a glass cup.

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

Steamed milk being frothed with a milk frother to prepare for a London Fog drink.

Gently heat the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm, avoiding a boil.

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

Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the frothy milk to prepare a London Fog.

While your tea is still hot, stir in vanilla syrup or extract.

Start with 1 teaspoon and Customize to your preference.
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

Using a spoon to hold back the foam, pour the steamed milk into the brewed tea.

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

Sprinkle 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

Mix in 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?

London Fog is more like a drink available in your favorite cafe, but making one at home offers certain benefits:

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your 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.
Cost-Effective: Those $5 tea lattes add up! Making it at home costs a fraction of the price.

Health Considerations for Your London Fog

Though a London Fog is delicious and comforting, you need to pay attention to the ingredients used, especially if you’re trying to be health-conscious. A few swaps can customize your London Fog for whatever dietary needs you’re trying to meet, whether that means fewer calories, a dairy-free alternative, or an all-around lighter touch regarding sweetness.

FAQs

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?

Are London Fogs hard to make?

Not at all; it is surprisingly easy to make a London Fog at home. All you need is a few ingredients—Earl Grey tea, milk, vanilla, and a sweetener—and a couple of minutes. It’s also very customizable, so you can tweak the flavors according to your palette. Even if you do not have a fancy frother, a whisk or shaking-the-jar trick will do!

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.

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 is more than preparing a drink; it’s about creating an experience. There exists the calmness of brewing tea, frothing milk, and sipping the finished product. It’s really a small ritual, one that lends a little peace to your day.

So, next time that craving for something warm, creamy, and a little bit posh ensues, you might want to look this recipe up. You might just be in for the surprise of your life with how easy it becomes to make and how quickly it’ll become your favorite 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.

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