London Fog drink is a cozy, classic latte-style beverage that many tea lovers enjoy. Smooth and comforting, it combines Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of sweetener for a fragrant, lightly caffeinated treat perfect for cool mornings or a relaxing afternoon.
I’m a latte person—espresso first thing in the morning fuels my day. But when I want a gentler pick-me-up, I make a London Fog. Have you tried it? It’s made with Earl Grey tea and foamed milk, and I like to add a hint of lavender for a floral note. The drink first became popular in Vancouver in the 1990s and now offers a soothing alternative to coffee or plain tea.
If you enjoy tea lattes, try an iced matcha latte or an Earl Grey tea cocktail for different flavor experiences.
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 is an Earl Grey tea latte made with brewed Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla or a sweetener. The bergamot in Earl Grey gives the drink its bright citrusy aroma, and adding milk creates a smooth, comforting texture. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, a mid-day treat, or an evening wind-down.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
Simple ingredients: It uses only a few easy-to-find items: Earl Grey tea, optional dried lavender, steamed milk, a sweetener such as honey, and vanilla extract.
Distinctive flavor: The bergamot in Earl Grey, the creaminess of steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla or lavender combine to create a memorable, balanced drink.
Potential benefits: Earl Grey contains antioxidants, and lavender is often associated with relaxation, so this latte can be both comforting and calming.
Customizable: Sweetness level, milk type, and floral notes are all adjustable to suit your taste.
Shopping List and Ingredient Notes
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with bergamot oil. Use teabags or loose leaf with an infuser. Decaffeinated Earl Grey is an option if you prefer less caffeine.
Milk Varieties
Milk creates the creamy base for a London Fog. Choose what you like:
- Dairy milk: 2% is a good balance, whole milk produces richer foam.
- Almond milk: Froths well for many dairy-free recipes.
- Oat milk: A creamy, popular non-dairy option.
Different milks affect taste and foam, so steam or froth the milk for best texture.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers
Vanilla extract and honey are common choices. Alternatives include:
- Vanilla syrup: Easy way to add sweetness and vanilla flavor.
- Sugar: Dissolve in the hot tea.
- Honey: Adds floral sweetness; stir into hot tea so it melts.
- Maple syrup: Gives a warm, distinctive flavor.
- Agave: A vegan-friendly syrup alternative.
- Simple syrup: Homemade or store-bought syrups, including vanilla or lavender, work well.
Iced London Fog Latte
For a chilled version, brew Earl Grey with lavender and dissolve honey while the tea is hot. Strain, cool the tea slightly, then pour over ice. Mix cold milk with vanilla and pour it over the iced tea for a refreshing iced London Fog.
Add-ons and Variations
Experiment with these options:
Sweeteners: Try maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup for different notes.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice adds warmth for seasonal variations.
Vanilla: Use more vanilla extract or a scraped vanilla bean for extra depth.
Dirty London Fog: Add a shot of espresso for a coffee-infused version with extra caffeine.
Serving and Presentation
Layering and froth make this tea latte feel special. Pour steamed, frothy milk gently over brewed tea and finish with a light sprinkle of dried lavender or a dusting of cinnamon for a pretty presentation.
Good pairings with a London Fog include lemon ricotta cookies, rosemary shortbread, thumbprint cookies, crumb cake, or lavender cake—great for a tea party or shower.
Home Brewing Equipment
Having a few simple tools helps: an electric kettle for quick, hot water; a tea infuser if you use loose leaf tea; and a milk frother or steamer for velvety foam. A handheld frother or even a French press can froth milk in a pinch.
More Drink Recipes You’ll Love
Other favorites include chai tea cold brew, matcha spritz, Meyer lemonade, and homemade hot chocolate.
If you make this homemade London Fog, consider leaving a comment and review to share your tweaks and favorites.
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
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Brew 3/4 cup of Earl Grey tea with 1/2 tsp dried lavender in hot water just below boiling. Steep 4–5 minutes, then strain out the lavender.
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Stir 1 tbsp honey into the hot tea until dissolved.
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Heat 1/2 cup milk and add 1/8 tsp vanilla extract. Froth or steam the milk with a frother, whisk, or French press until foamy.
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Pour the hot frothed milk gently over the brewed tea and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Adjust sweetener to taste.
Lavender is optional but adds a pleasant floral aroma.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A London Fog is non-alcoholic—made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and usually honey and vanilla.
The exact origin is unclear, but the drink is widely believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada. It gained popularity for its comforting combination of bergamot-scented tea and milk.
Caffeine varies by the Earl Grey you use. Generally, it contains less caffeine than a typical coffee, but levels depend on the tea brand and brewing time.
Both use Earl Grey and milk, but a London Fog typically includes vanilla, a sweetener like honey, and sometimes lavender—ingredients that give it a distinctive flavor compared with a basic Earl Grey latte.
A dirty London Fog adds a shot of espresso to the classic recipe for a coffee boost and richer flavor.
