As a tea lover, I’ve always been drawn to the nuanced flavors of different tea blends. However, nothing quite compares to the comforting and sophisticated experience of sipping on a London Fog. This Earl Grey Tea Latte, with its delicate balance of bold black tea, creamy milk, and the subtle sweetness of vanilla, feels like a warm, soothing hug in a mug. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or simply looking to expand your drink repertoire, the London Fog is a beverage you won’t want to miss.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best London Fog at home. From selecting the right ingredients to sharing personal tips that elevate the experience, by the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence to make this iconic drink to perfection.
What Is a London Fog?
Before diving into the steps of making a London Fog, let’s start with some context. The London Fog is a tea-based latte that originated in Vancouver, Canada, not London as one might assume. Its key ingredients include Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and sometimes a hint of lavender.
Earl Grey tea, the hero of this drink, is a black tea blend infused with the citrusy aroma of bergamot. The combination of the warmth of vanilla and the smoothness of milk creates a delightful beverage that is both calming and energizing.
This beverage is commonly found at coffee shops, but I can assure you that making a London Fog at home is just as enjoyable, if not more. It’s a drink you can tailor to your taste preferences, and with a few simple steps, you can recreate this café favorite in your own kitchen.
The Key Ingredients
1. Earl Grey Tea
The star of the show, Earl Grey, is what gives the London Fog its distinctive flavor. Earl Grey is a black tea with a touch of bergamot, a citrus fruit that adds a fragrant, slightly bitter yet floral note. The quality of the tea you choose will significantly impact the overall flavor of your drink.
Personally, I like to go for loose-leaf Earl Grey, as it tends to have a more robust flavor compared to tea bags. However, high-quality Earl Grey tea bags will also work. If you want to take your London Fog to the next level, opt for an organic Earl Grey blend or one with additional flavors like lavender or vanilla.
2. Milk
Milk is a crucial component of a London Fog because it gives the drink its creamy, latte-like consistency. Traditionally, whole milk is used for the richest flavor, but if you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, there are plenty of options available.
I’ve tried different kinds of milk over time, and I’ve found that oat milk is my favorite non-dairy choice for a London Fog. It adds a naturally creamy mouthfeel and foams up nicely. Almond milk works too, but it can sometimes overpower the delicate flavors of the Earl Grey tea. Coconut milk is another option, though it adds a tropical sweetness that may or may not align with your taste preferences.
3. Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a touch of warmth to the London Fog. I usually make my own vanilla syrup at home using just a few simple ingredients—sugar, water, and a vanilla bean or vanilla extract. Making your own syrup gives you control over the sweetness and flavor intensity, but store-bought vanilla syrup will also work well if you’re short on time.
If you prefer a London Fog that’s less sweet, you can reduce the amount of syrup or substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Personally, I like to add just enough syrup to accentuate the flavors without making the drink too sugary.
4. Lavender (Optional)
Some variations of the London Fog include a hint of lavender, which complements the bergamot in the Earl Grey beautifully. I’ve experimented with adding dried lavender to my tea and found that it creates a delightful floral undertone. However, lavender can be potent, so use it sparingly—just a pinch of dried lavender is enough to infuse your tea with a subtle, aromatic note.
If you’re a fan of floral flavors, you might find that lavender adds an extra layer of sophistication to your drink. If not, you are welcome not to include this ingredient.
5. Sweetener (Optional)
While the vanilla syrup adds sweetness to the London Fog, some people prefer an additional sweetener like honey, agave, or sugar. Personally, I find that the vanilla syrup alone is usually enough, but if you have a sweet tooth, feel free to customize the sweetness level to your liking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best London Fog
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making the perfect London Fog at home.
Step 1: Brew the Earl Grey Tea
The first step in making a London Fog is to brew a strong cup of Earl Grey tea. You want the tea to be robust enough to stand up to the milk and vanilla, so I recommend steeping it longer than usual.
My Method:
- Boil water: Bring about 1 cup (240ml) of water to a boil. Once boiling, let it cool for a moment before pouring it over the tea leaves or tea bag. Boiling water can scorch the tea, especially if you’re using a delicate loose-leaf blend, so letting it cool slightly ensures a smoother brew.
- Steep the tea: Place 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf Earl Grey (or 1 tea bag) into your mug and pour the hot water over it. Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
At this stage, the kitchen begins to fill with the aroma of bergamot, which always excites me. It is a sign that you are going in the right direction.
Step 2: Heat and Froth the Milk
While your tea is steeping, it’s time to heat and froth your milk. The goal is to get the milk to a hot, steamy consistency without scalding it.
My Method:
- Heat the milk: Pour about ½ cup (120ml) of milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. To keep the milk from burning, give it an occasional stir. You can also heat the milk in a microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
- Froth the milk: Once the milk is hot, you’ll want to froth it to create that latte-like foam. If you have a milk frother, this is the easiest option, but you can also use a whisk or an immersion blender to froth the milk manually. I personally use a handheld frother, which works wonderfully to achieve a thick, velvety foam.
If you’re using a non-dairy milk, keep in mind that some types, like oat milk, froth better than others. Try out a few brands to see which one suits you the best.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Syrup
Once your tea has steeped and your milk is ready, it’s time to add the vanilla syrup. The syrup is what gives the London Fog its signature sweetness and warmth.
My Method:
- Add syrup to the tea: Stir in about 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup directly into your brewed tea. I usually start with a teaspoon and taste before adding more. You can always adjust the sweetness based on your personal preference.
If you’re using homemade vanilla syrup, you’ll get the added benefit of knowing exactly how sweet your syrup is. Sometimes store-bought syrups can be a bit too sugary, so homemade is a great option if you want to control the flavor.
Step 4: Combine Tea and Frothed Milk
With your tea steeped, your milk frothed, and the vanilla syrup added, it’s time to combine everything.
My Method:
- Pour the frothed milk: Gently pour the frothed milk over your tea, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once you’ve poured the milk, spoon the remaining foam on top of the drink for that signature latte appearance.
This is the moment when your London Fog truly comes together. The creamy milk blends seamlessly with the tea, creating a drink that’s both visually appealing and incredibly comforting.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
If you want to get a little fancy, you can add a garnish to your London Fog. While this step is entirely optional, it can make the drink feel more special.
My Suggestions:
- Lavender garnish: If you’ve infused your tea with lavender, consider sprinkling a few dried lavender buds on top of the foam for an elegant touch.
- Vanilla sugar: Another option is to dust the foam with a bit of vanilla sugar or cinnamon. This adds a hint of extra sweetness and makes the drink look as beautiful as it tastes.
Personally, I like to keep things simple, but if I’m serving a London Fog to guests, I’ll often add a light lavender garnish to impress.
Tips for Elevating Your London Fog Experience
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various methods and ingredients to make the best possible London Fog. Here are some tips I’ve picked up that can help you elevate your experience:
1. Use Freshly Boiled Water at the Right Temperature
Steeping your tea in water that’s too hot can result in a bitter brew. I recommend letting the water sit for a minute after boiling to ensure it’s around 200°F (93°C) before pouring it over the tea. This will allow the tea to steep without becoming overly astringent.
2. Opt for Loose-Leaf Tea
Loose-leaf tea often has a more complex flavor profile than tea bags because it contains whole leaves, rather than broken pieces. If you want a fuller, richer flavor, I highly recommend investing in some high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey. You’ll taste the difference!
3. Experiment with Non-Dairy Milks
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different non-dairy milks until you find the one that works best for you. Oat milk is my top recommendation because it has a creamy texture that mimics whole milk. However, if you prefer a more neutral flavor, almond or cashew milk are also great options.
4. Homemade Vanilla Syrup
Making your own vanilla syrup is incredibly easy and allows you to control the sweetness and intensity of the vanilla flavor. Simply combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract) in a saucepan, and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Store it in a jar in the fridge, and you’ll have a homemade syrup that can be used in a variety of drinks, including your London Fog.
5. Make It Iced for Summer
While the traditional London Fog is served hot, you can easily adapt this drink for the warmer months by turning it into an iced version. As usual, brew your Earl Grey tea and allow it to cool. Pour the tea over ice and top with cold frothed milk and vanilla syrup. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic!
Making the best London Fog at home is all about choosing high-quality ingredients and taking the time to perfect your method. With just a few simple steps, you can create a luxurious and comforting drink that rivals any coffee shop version.
From the aroma of the Earl Grey tea steeping to the smooth, frothy milk blending with the vanilla syrup, every part of the process feels like a little indulgence. Plus, the customization options allow you to make a London Fog that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.
So, the next time you’re craving a warm, cozy drink, skip the coffee shop and try making a London Fog at home. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the satisfaction of crafting your own, you’ll never look back.