The London Fog Latte is a delightful blend of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and frothed milk.
Originating in Vancouver, this drink has gained popularity for its soothing and aromatic flavor.
Its unique taste comes from the combination of bergamot in Earl Grey tea and the sweetness of vanilla, creating a comforting and aromatic experience.
This guide will teach you how to easily make this delicious latte at home!
How To Make The Perfect London Fog Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Brew the Tea
- Step 2: Froth the Milk
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
What is a London Fog Latte?
A London Fog Latte is a comforting tea-based beverage made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, frothed milk, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
This drink, known for its creamy texture and aromatic flavor, can be enjoyed both hot and iced.
The key ingredients work harmoniously: the robust flavor of Earl Grey tea, infused with the citrusy essence of bergamot, is complemented by the sweet, smooth notes of vanilla.
Frothy milk adds a creamy richness, making each sip delightful.
For a hot version, the tea is brewed, sweetened, and combined with steamed milk.
The iced version involves chilling the brewed tea before mixing it with cold milk and serving it over ice.
The London Fog Latte offers a soothing, cozy experience perfect for any weather or time of day.
Ingredients Needed
To make a delicious London Fog Latte, gather the following ingredients:
- Earl Grey tea: 2 teaspoons of loose leaf or 2 tea bags
- Culinary-grade dried lavender: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, sugar, agave syrup): 2 to 3 teaspoons
- Vanilla extract or vanilla syrup: 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk options (dairy or non-dairy): 1/2 cup
- Ice: Enough to fill a large glass (for the iced version)
Equipment Needed
- Tea kettle or saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
- Milk frother (electric, handheld, or French press)
- Heat-safe measuring cup
- Large glass (for iced version)
How to Make a Hot London Fog Latte
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Start by combining water, Earl Grey tea, and dried lavender in a heat-safe container.
Use 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea or 2 tea bags, 1/2 teaspoon of lavender, and 1 cup of boiling water.
Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes to extract all the flavors.
Step 2: Froth the Milk
While the tea is steeping, heat 1/2 cup of your chosen milk.
Use a milk frother or a whisk to froth the milk until it is light and foamy.
This step creates the creamy texture that makes the latte special.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the tea has steeped, strain it to remove the tea leaves or tea bags and lavender.
Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of your preferred sweetener and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the tea.
Stir until the sweetener dissolves completely.
Pour the frothed milk into the tea and stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Serve
Pour the latte into a mug and garnish with a few extra lavender buds if you like.
Enjoy your warm, soothing London Fog Latte!
How to Make an Iced London Fog Latte
Step 1: Brew the Tea
To make an iced version, start by brewing the tea just as you would for the hot latte.
Combine 2 teaspoons of loose leaf Earl Grey tea or 2 tea bags, 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender, and 1 cup of hot water.
Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Chill the Tea
After steeping, strain the tea to remove the tea leaves or tea bags and lavender.
Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of sweetener and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then stir until dissolved.
Place the tea in the refrigerator or freezer to chill for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the tea is chilled, fill a large glass with ice.
Pour the chilled tea over the ice, then add 1/2 cup of cold milk. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish with extra lavender buds if desired, and enjoy your refreshing Iced London Fog Latte!
Tips and Variations
Sweetener Options
While honey is a classic choice for sweetening a London Fog Latte, you can experiment with other options to suit your taste.
Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor, while cane sugar provides a straightforward sweetness.
Agave syrup is another great alternative, offering a slightly lighter and more neutral sweetness.
Spices
Adding spices can give your London Fog Latte a unique and seasonal twist.
A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice can enhance the warmth and complexity of the drink.
These spices pair beautifully with the bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea, making the latte even more comforting and aromatic.
Dirty London Fog
For those who love an extra caffeine kick, try making a “dirty” London Fog by adding a shot of espresso.
This variation combines the soothing flavors of Earl Grey tea with the boldness of espresso, creating a rich and energizing beverage.
Milk Frothing Methods
There are several ways to froth milk for your latte, each with its own benefits.
Shaking warm milk in a jar with a tight-fitting lid can create froth if you don’t have any special equipment.
A handheld frother is an affordable and effective option.
A French press can also be used by pumping the plunger vigorously to create foam.
For the best results, an electric frother can make silky, smooth foam quickly and easily.
Cold Brewed Version
To make a cold-brewed London Fog Latte, steep the Earl Grey tea and lavender in cold water overnight.
This method extracts a smoother, less bitter flavor from the tea.
Simply combine the cold-brewed tea with chilled milk and sweetener for a refreshing iced version of the drink.
Health Benefits
Antioxidants in Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The antioxidants in tea, particularly flavonoids, have been linked to numerous health benefits.
They can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Drinking Earl Grey tea regularly can contribute to overall wellness by boosting your body’s defense against oxidative stress.
Calming Effects of Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming and soothing properties.
When added to a London Fog Latte, lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of relaxation.
The aromatic compounds in lavender have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
This makes a London Fog Latte an excellent choice for unwinding after a long day or preparing for a restful night’s sleep.
Potential Digestive Benefits
Both Earl Grey tea and lavender can aid in digestion.
The bergamot oil in Earl Grey tea has antibacterial properties that can support gut health by balancing the digestive flora.
Lavender, on the other hand, is known to soothe the stomach and reduce symptoms of bloating and indigestion.
Combining these ingredients in a London Fog Latte creates a drink that is not only delicious but also beneficial for your digestive system.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Baked Goods
A London Fog Latte pairs wonderfully with a variety of baked goods.
The aromatic and creamy flavors of the latte complement the rich textures and flavors of scones, cookies, and cakes.
Classic scones, especially those with a hint of citrus or lavender, make an excellent match.
Shortbread cookies or biscotti also pair beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the latte’s smoothness.
For a more indulgent treat, try pairing your latte with a slice of lemon or lavender cake, enhancing the floral notes of the drink.
Ideal Occasions
The London Fog Latte is perfect for various occasions.
It makes a soothing and fragrant start to your day when enjoyed at breakfast.
It’s also a lovely addition to tea parties, adding a touch of elegance and warmth.
On cozy afternoons, especially during cooler weather, a London Fog Latte provides comfort and relaxation, making it an ideal companion while reading a book or enjoying some quiet time.
Conclusion
The London Fog Latte is a delightful blend of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and frothed milk, offering a comforting and aromatic experience.
It’s perfect for both cozy mornings and relaxing afternoons.
Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy the soothing flavors at home.
Enjoy your London Fog Latte!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference between Earl Grey Latte and London Fog?
The main difference is that a London Fog includes vanilla flavoring, either from vanilla extract or syrup, which adds a sweet, aromatic note to the drink.
In contrast, an Earl Grey Latte typically doesn’t have this vanilla addition, making it a simpler, more straightforward tea latte.
Can it be made caffeine-free?
Yes, a London Fog Latte can be made caffeine-free by using decaffeinated Earl Grey tea.
This allows you to enjoy the same rich and aromatic flavors without the caffeine content.
Decaffeinated versions of Earl Grey are widely available and make a perfect option for those sensitive to caffeine or for enjoying later in the day.
What are the Best milk options for frothing?
Whole milk is generally considered the best option for frothing due to its higher fat content, which creates a rich and creamy foam.
However, 2% milk also works well.
For non-dairy options, barista versions of almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are specifically designed to froth well, producing a nice, stable foam.
How do I store leftover tea?
If you brew too much tea, you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
It’s best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Use the stored tea within 24 hours for the best flavor.
For a quick iced London Fog, you can have the tea ready to mix with cold milk and ice.
Avoid reheating the tea, as this can alter the taste and reduce its quality.
