London Fog drink is a popular and classic beverage that tea lovers have enjoyed for years. This creamy and comforting drink is a perfect blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of sweetness. Its rich flavor and energizing caffeine boost make it a go-to for a foggy day or cold winter mornings.
I am a latte girl through and through! I have an espresso latte every morning using my Brielle machine. It’s literally what gets me out of bed. But during the day, when I need to pick me up, I like to make a different type of latte, a London Fog. Have you heard of it?
This tea drink is made with Earl Grey tea and foamy milk, and I add a touch of lavender for extra flavor. Its origins can be traced back to Vancouver, Canada, in the 1990s. A wonderfully soothing concoction, this drink is a delicious alternative to your everyday coffee or tea.
If you love tea drinks, check out my matcha tea latte and my Earl Grey tea cocktail.
Other names for a London fog:
- Vanilla tea latte
- Earl Grey tea latte
- London mist
- London Fog Latte
- Earl Grey Lavender Latte
What is a London Fog Drink?
A London Fog, an Earl Grey tea latte, is a delicious and comforting hot beverage made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla. It has become popular among tea lovers due to its unique flavor and versatility. This drink can be enjoyed anytime for breakfast, a mid-day pick-me-up, or a relaxing evening treat.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
Simple ingredients: This recipe calls for only a few essential ingredients, such as Earl Grey tea, dried lavender (optional), steamed milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Most of these can be found in your local grocery store.
Unique flavor profile: Combining the robust flavor of Earl Grey tea, the soothing scent of lavender and the creaminess of steamed milk, this drink boasts a unique and memorable taste.
Health benefits: Earl Grey tea is known for its antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radicals. Additionally, lavender has been correlated with reduced anxiety, so savoring this tea latte may help you relax and unwind.
Customizable: The beauty of making this drink at home is that you can tailor it to your preferences. Add more or less honey for sweetness, and experiment with different milk alternatives.
Shopping List and Ingredient Notes
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea is a popular flavored black tea made with bergamot oil. You can choose between Earl Grey tea bags or loose tea. If you opt for loose tea, you need a tea infuser to steep the tea. For those who prefer a caffeine-free option, decaf Earl Grey tea is also available.
Milk Varieties
Milk is essential for creating a creamy and delicious London Fog drink, and there are several great alternatives to dairy milk. Choose your milk of choice; here are some varieties:
- Dairy Milk: 2% milk works excellent, or you can use whole milk for a super frothy foam.
- Almond Milk: I prefer almond milk for all of my lattes. I use a brand called Malk, and it foams nicely.
- Oat Milk: Another great option if you need something different than nut milk.
Just so you know, each milk variety may have a different taste and texture. You’ll want to steam or froth the milk for the best results.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers
Sweeteners and flavor enhancers are key to perfecting your London Fog drink. Vanilla extract and honey add sweetness to the unique blend of Earl Grey tea and milk. See this brief list of sweeteners to explore alternative options:
- Vanilla Syrup: Quick and easy substitute for honey and vanilla extract
- Sugar: Granulated sugar; dissolve in the hot tea before combining with milk
- Honey: Raw honey works great. Honey might not fully dissolve in cooler temperatures, but stirring it with the hot Earl Grey tea works well.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that uniquely flavors the drink.
- Agave: Similar to honey, agave nectar is an excellent alternative for vegan options.
- Simple Syrup: Another way to sweeten a latte is by using homemade or store-bought syrups. A vanilla or lavender syrup would be great in this drink.
Iced London Fog Latte
On warmer days, I love making an iced version. The process is similar to the traditional method, with a few adjustments. I start with brewed Earl Grey tea and lavender and add the honey with the hot water to melt. After straining the lavender, I pour the tea into a glass filled with ice.
I then cold milk and mix in vanilla extract. Once everything is mixed, I pour the cold milk mixture over the iced tea, and my refreshing Iced London Fog Latte is ready to enjoy.
Add-ons and Variations
Here are some add-ons and variations to the London Fog Tea Latte recipe:
Sweeteners: While honey is often the go-to sweetener for this drink, you can experiment with other options, such as maple syrup, agave syrup, or sugar. Each sweetener will add its unique flavor profile to the drink, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Spices: Turn this drink into a seasonal treat by adding a dash of pumpkin spice, much like coffee shops’ famous pumpkin spice latte. Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg would also pair well with the bergamot flavor.
Vanilla Flavor: Elevate the vanilla flavor by using a whole vanilla bean or increasing the amount of vanilla extract in the recipe.
Dirty London Fog: Add a shot of espresso to this drink for an extra caffeine kick.
Serving and Presentation
Presentation and technique are crucial when serving to elevate the tea latte experience. As I’ve discovered, the most effective way to showcase this hot tea is by carefully layering its ingredients and ensuring they blend harmoniously. Then add a sprinkle of lavender over the top.
Here are my favorite baked goods to serve with this drink:
- Lemon Ricotta Cookies
- Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
- Thumbprint Cookies
- Coffee Crumb Cake
- Lavender Cake
It would be perfect for a tea party or baby shower.
Home Brewing Equipment
When brewing tea at home, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Combining essential tools and simple techniques will help create an excellent tea. Here are a few tools that can help you make this drink:
Electric tea kettle: I use my electric tea kettle almost every day! It’s the best for quickly heating water to make tea.
Tea infuser: A well-designed infuser will make separating the lavender from the water easier and ensure the flavors meld perfectly. However, this is only necessary if using loose leaf tea.
Electric milk frother and steamer: An electric frother is a convenient and efficient way to create a velvety smooth texture. This type of frother is easy to use and can accommodate various types of milk, making it ideal for those who prefer non-dairy alternatives too.
Handheld frother: A handheld frother is an affordable option that offers portability and ease of use. While it may not deliver the same froth level as an electric frother, it’s still a reliable choice.
French press: While primarily used for brewing coffee, a French press can double as a milk frother by vigorously pumping the plunger up and down.
More Drink Recipes You’ll Love
Here are more of my favorite drinks:
Let me know if you make this homemade London fog by leaving a comment and review,
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London Fog Tea Drink
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brewed Earl Grey Tea
- 1/2 tsp dried lavender , optional
- 1/2 cup steamed milk, 2%, whole, oat or almond
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by brewing 3/4 cup of Earl Grey tea with 1/2 tsp of dried lavender in a cup. I use hot water, just below boiling point, to ensure the tea and lavender blend well together.
- After steeping for 4-5 minutes, I strain the tea to remove the lavender.
- Add 1 tbsp of honey to the tea, and stir to melt.
- While the tea is brewing, heat 1/2 cup of milk on the stovetop to prepare it for steaming. If you prefer using nut milk, any milk will work.
- Add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- I use a, frother or a whisk to steam the milk to create frothy, steamed milk. You can even use a blender to achieve a similar effect.
- Gently pour the hot milk over the brewed tea.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a London Fog does not contain alcohol. It is a non-alcoholic beverage made with Earl Grey tea and steamed milk and sweetened with honey and vanilla.
The history of the London Fog drink is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from Vancouver, Canada. The drink has gained popularity recently due to its unique combination of flavors and soothing warmth, making it an appealing option for tea and latte lovers.
The caffeine content of a London Fog drink depends on the Earl Grey tea used, as different brands might have varying levels of caffeine. The average amount of caffeine in a London Fog is typically lower than that of coffee, making this drink suitable for those wanting a less intense caffeine boost.
While the London Fog and a traditional Earl Grey latte feature Earl Grey tea and steamed milk, the critical difference lies in the additional ingredients. A traditional Earl Grey latte may consist of tea and milk. In contrast, a London Fog includes honey, vanilla, and dried lavender. These extras give the London Fog its distinctive flavor and aroma, setting it apart from a basic Earl Grey latte.
A dirty London Fog is a variation of the classic drink, usually made by adding a shot of espresso to the original recipe. This addition gives the drink a slight coffee flavor and an extra caffeine kick. Some people also add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup on top for added sweetness.
