London Fog Tea Latte

The London Fog Tea Latte, an aromatic fusion of classic Early Grey Tea with creamy and frothy milk with vanilla, the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. This creamy, flavorful treat is warm and welcoming on a chilly day, and always delicious whether you’re enjoying it in the morning or late at night.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy - only 3 ingredients, whip it up in minutes
• Comforting - a cozy and inviting drink, especially when it's cold outside
• Starbucks Copycat - even though this was around long before Starbucks, it's where many people first tried it
• Fancy Dinner Drink - easy to make, but feels fancy when serving after dinner or with a morning coffee with homemade cinnamon buns

What's a London Fog Latte?

Originally this tea latte originated in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. It really took off when Starbucks released their version. Strongly brewed Earl Grey tea mixed with hot steamed milk with vanilla. Trust me, it tastes like a hug in a mug.

Ingredients

• Earl Grey Tea - strongly brewed concentrate, like a Russian Zavarka
• Steamed Milk - or heated milk
• Vanilla Syrup - adds sweetness and richness

How to Make London Fog Latte

1. Steep Tea - bring water to a boil, add the tea bags and allow to steep for about 5 minutes.
2. Steam Milk - prepare the steamed milk, either using a milk frother or in a saucepan over the stove. 
3. Mix - prepare 2 mugs or latte glasses. Pour half a cup of strong tea into each glass. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup in each glass and top up hot steamed milk. 

Heating Milk Variations

Most homes don't have fancy cappuccino machines to make steamed milk. I have the Nespresso milk steamer which works perfectly to heat up the milk. Here are easy ways to heat up milk for your hot drinks.

• Steamed Milk - do you have a fancy milk steamer? Use it!
• Electric Milk Frother - heats cold milk and froths at the same time
• Hand Held Frother - looks like a mini hand held wisk, heat the milk in advance
• Microwave - microwave 2 cups of milk for about 2½ minutes until hot
• Stovetop - pour into a saucepan and heat on medium high heat

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Steeping - don't steep teabag directly into hot milk, as the milk fats won't allow the tea flavor to be released
• Strong Brew - Make sure you use at least 2 teabags when steeping the tea. Too weak then the latte is too milky and lacks flavor
• Milk Tea Ratio - adjust to personal taste, but 50:50 is a good milk:tea ratio
• Burning Milk - if using stovetop method, don't overheat the milk causing to burn, heating starts slowly, then can suddenly overflow
• Fancy Earl Grey - try different tea variations like French Earl Grey (with lavender) or Russian Earl Grey (with citrus)

Can I Use Plant Based Milk?

Yes, this is a perfect hot drink recipe that works great with dairy substitutes. Try using these plant alternatives.

• Almond Milk - or try Vanilla Almond Milk
• Oat Milk
• Soy Milk
• Rice Milk
• Macadamia Milk

Hot Drinks You'll Want to Try

• Hot Apple Cider (non-alcoholic)
• Russian Tea with Citrus
• German Mulled Wine
• Blueberry Tea Cocktail
• Zavarka - Russian Tea
• Thyme Tea
• Seabuckthorn Tea

London Fog Latte is so easy to make, creamy, smooth and delicious. Steeped Earl Grey Tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup, a modern twist on a classic. A Starbucks copycat recipe, homemade and delicious. Perfect for cold nights, the holidays or an after dinner treat. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted January 2018, updated April 2023