London Fog Recipe: Ever find yourself craving a warm, comforting beverage that’s a little more sophisticated than your typical cup of tea or coffee? Welcome to the world of London Fog. This creamy, aromatic drink blends the bright, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with the rich silkiness of steamed milk and a splash of vanilla sweetness. Born in the cozy cafés of Vancouver, Canada, the London Fog has now traveled across the world, warming hearts (and hands) everywhere.
Why is it so popular? Simple. It’s the perfect balance of bold and smooth. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize based on your taste preferences. You don’t need to head to Starbucks or a trendy coffee shop—you can whip up a London Fog at home in just a few simple steps!
Ingredients Needed
You’ll be surprised at how few ingredients you need to create this luxurious drink. Here’s the basic list:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf)
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup milk (whole, almond, oat, or your choice)
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla syrup (or vanilla extract + sweetener)
- Optional: sweetener like honey, sugar, or maple syrup
Variations you can try:
- Use lavender syrup for a floral twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
- Swap the milk for a plant-based version for a vegan drink.
A few quality ingredients make a big difference, especially when tea is the star of the show!
Equipment Required
You don’t need a fancy setup to make a great London Fog. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Kettle or pot to boil water
- Tea infuser (if using loose leaf tea)
- Milk frother (optional, but recommended)
- Microwave-safe jar (for DIY milk frothing)
- Measuring spoons
- Mug for serving
If you don’t have a milk frother, don’t worry! I’ll show you an easy trick using just a jar and a microwave.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making London Fog
Preparing the Earl Grey Tea
Start by brewing a strong cup of Earl Grey. Here’s how:
- Boil water to around 200°F (just under a rolling boil).
- Place the tea bag or loose leaves in your mug.
- Pour 1/2 cup of hot water over the tea.
- Let it steep for 4–5 minutes. Longer steeping intensifies the flavor but can make it bitter.
Pro Tip: Cover your mug with a small plate while the tea steeps to trap the heat and extract maximum flavor.
Frothing the Milk
Now comes the creamy magic.
If you have a milk frother:
- Heat your milk until steaming but not boiling.
- Froth until you see a thick layer of foam.
If you don’t have a frother:
- Pour the milk into a microwave-safe jar.
- Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the lid and microwave the milk for 30–45 seconds.
You’ll get beautifully frothed milk with minimal effort.
Combining Ingredients
Once your tea is ready and milk is frothed:
- Add vanilla syrup (or vanilla extract + sweetener) to the brewed tea.
- Slowly pour the frothed milk into the mug, using a spoon to hold back the foam initially.
- Once the mug is nearly full, spoon the foam on top.
The sight of the creamy milk blending with the dark tea? Pure magic.
Final Touch: Adding Vanilla and Sweeteners
Taste your London Fog before adding extra sweeteners. If needed, stir in:
- More vanilla syrup for extra sweetness.
- A drizzle of honey or a dash of cinnamon on top for extra flair.
And there you have it—a cozy, creamy, comforting cup of homemade London Fog!
Tips for the Perfect London Fog
Want to make your London Fog taste just like a professional barista’s creation? These tips can make all the difference:
Best Type of Milk
- Whole Milk: It creates the richest, creamiest froth.
- Oat Milk: Great for a slightly sweet, dairy-free version.
- Almond Milk: Adds a nutty twist but doesn’t froth as well unless it’s a barista blend.
- Soy Milk: Froths nicely and offers a neutral flavor.
Choose milk based on your taste preference and dietary needs. Remember, higher fat content usually equals a better froth!
How to Froth Milk Without a Frother
No frother? No problem. Besides the jar method, you can:
- Use a whisk vigorously while heating the milk.
- Blend it for a few seconds in a blender.
- Use a French press: Pump the plunger up and down until you create foam.
Best Earl Grey Tea Brands
For a true flavor explosion, not all Earl Grey teas are created equal. Some great brands include:
- Twinings of London Earl Grey
- Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme
- Tazo Earl Grey
- Numi Organic Earl Grey
The fresher the tea, the better your London Fog will taste.
Variations of the London Fog
The basic recipe is amazing, but why stop there? Let’s explore some delicious variations:
Vegan London Fog
Skip the dairy completely:
- Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
- Make sure your vanilla syrup is vegan-friendly.
It’s just as rich and delicious, and completely plant-based!
Lavender London Fog
Add a little French flair:
- Brew your Earl Grey tea with a few dried lavender buds.
- Or use a lavender-infused syrup instead of plain vanilla.
This creates a floral, almost dreamy version of the classic.
Iced London Fog
Perfect for hot days:
- Brew strong Earl Grey tea and let it cool.
- Froth cold milk or use regular milk.
- Pour tea over a glass full of ice, add syrup, and top with milk.
Chilled, creamy, and just as cozy—only cooler!
Nutritional Information
If you’re wondering about the calorie count, here’s a quick breakdown for a standard homemade London Fog:
| Ingredient | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Earl Grey Tea | 0 |
| Whole Milk (1/2 cup) | 75 |
| Vanilla Syrup (1 tbsp) | 50 |
| Sweetener (1 tsp honey) | 20 |
Total Calories: About 145 calories per cup.
Using plant-based milk or sugar-free sweeteners can lower the calorie count even more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have their pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:
Over-brewing the Tea
Leaving your tea bag in too long can make your drink bitter. Stick to 4–5 minutes tops for the perfect balance of flavor.
Using Too Much Sweetener
Too much syrup or sugar can overpower the delicate citrus and bergamot notes in Earl Grey. Start small—you can always add more later!
Not Frothing Milk Properly
Flat milk means a flat London Fog. Take the time to froth properly, even if you’re using basic tools.
Why You’ll Love Making This at Home
Still thinking about heading to the café? Here’s why making your London Fog at home is a game-changer:
Cost Comparison
A London Fog at a coffee shop can cost $5–$6 or more. Making it at home? Less than $1 per cup! Plus, you can make multiple servings with the same set of ingredients.
Customization Options
- Want it sweeter? Add more vanilla.
- Prefer it lighter? Use skim milk.
- Craving a new flavor? Try different syrups like caramel or hazelnut.
The power is in your hands. Plus, making your own drink is satisfying and can even become a fun daily ritual.
FAQs about London Fog Recipe
What is a London Fog drink made of?
A London Fog is a cozy, comforting drink made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a splash of vanilla syrup. It blends the floral notes of bergamot with creamy sweetness for a perfect tea latte experience.
Can I use a different tea instead of Earl Grey?
While Earl Grey gives the classic London Fog its signature flavor, you can swap it with other black teas like English Breakfast or Darjeeling if you prefer. However, you’ll miss the unique citrusy aroma that makes the original so special.
Is a London Fog caffeinated?
Yes, it contains caffeine because it’s made with black tea. If you want a caffeine-free version, you can use a decaffeinated Earl Grey or herbal tea alternative.
Can I make a vegan London Fog?
Absolutely! Simply replace regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Also, check that your vanilla syrup is vegan-friendly.
How sweet is a London Fog?
The sweetness level is adjustable. Typically, one to two pumps of vanilla syrup are used, but you can add more or less depending on how sweet you like your drink.
Do I need a milk frother to make London Fog at home?
A milk frother helps achieve that luxurious, velvety texture, but it’s not mandatory. You can also heat the milk on the stovetop and whisk vigorously or shake it in a jar to create foam.
Conclusion
Creating a London Fog at home is more than just whipping up a quick drink—it’s about crafting a moment of peace, coziness, and luxury for yourself. With a few simple ingredients and a couple of kitchen tricks, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful treat any time you like without stepping foot outside your door.
Next time you’re wrapped in a blanket with a book in hand or just need a comforting pause during a hectic day, remember: a homemade London Fog is only a few minutes away.
