London Fog Tea Latte Recipe (Hot & Iced)

Originating from the misty cafes of Vancouver, the London Fog Tea Latte is a creation that has charmed tea lovers with its sublime blend of Earl Grey tea, textured milk, and a hint of vanilla.

This versatile concoction can be savored hot, offering a warm embrace on chilly mornings, or enjoyed iced, providing a cool respite on sunny days. Follow along as I guide you through crafting both versions of this beloved beverage.

So let’s delve into the art of making a London Fog Tea Latte, a drink that perfectly marries the robustness of tea with the luxuriousness of a latte!

But why is this drink called “London Fog Tea Latte”?

The name originated not from London, England, as one might expect, but from Vancouver, Canada. It’s said to have been created there during the late 1990s or early 2000s.

The drink combines Earl Grey tea, which is traditionally British, with steamed milk and vanilla syrup. The “fog” part of the name likely refers to the visual effect of the steamed milk when poured into the dark tea, resembling a foggy blend which resembles the famous foggy weather of London.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Despite its sophisticated flavor, the London Fog Tea Latte is surprisingly easy to prepare at home with just a few ingredients, offering a gourmet tea experience without the need for a trip to the café.
• Perfect Pairing for Meals: The London Fog Tea Latte pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, snacks, and desserts, enhancing the flavors of sweet pastries like scones and croissants, or balancing savory breakfast items like quiche and avocado toast, making it a versatile companion for any meal.
• Boost of Caffeine: Earl Grey tea provides a gentle caffeine kick, making the London Fog Tea Latte a perfect choice for those who need a more subtle energy boost than coffee offers, ideal for a mid-morning or afternoon lift.
• Opportunity for Artistic Presentation: When served hot, practice your latte art with the steamed milk to impress guests or refine your barista skills; the iced version allows for creative layering and garnishing.
• Ideal for Entertaining: This latte is an excellent choice for brunches or afternoon teas, providing a sophisticated alternative to coffee that will delight and surprise your guests with its unique and refined flavors.

Ingredients

Earl Grey Tea:

• Selection: Choose a high-quality Earl Grey tea that features a distinct bergamot orange flavor, which is the defining characteristic of Earl Grey. Both loose leaf and tea bags are suitable, but loose leaf often offers a fresher and fuller flavor.
• Importance: Earl Grey is the foundation of this latte, providing the unique citrusy flavor that complements the creamy and sweet components of the drink.

Milk:

• Selection: You can use any type of milk depending on your preference or dietary restrictions. Full-fat dairy milk is my recommended option as it will give the creamiest texture.
• Importance: Milk adds creaminess and body to the latte, and frothing it introduces a delightful texture that makes the latte more luxurious.

Vanilla Syrup:

• Selection: Opt for a high-quality vanilla syrup that uses real vanilla extract rather than artificial flavoring to get the best taste. You can also make your own vanilla syrup at home using water, sugar, and vanilla extract for a more natural option.
• Importance: Vanilla syrup sweetens the latte and complements the bergamot flavor of the Earl Grey, enhancing the overall complexity of the drink.

Ingredients for making one London Fog Tea Latte:

• 1 cup (240 ml) of water
• 1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1 tablespoon of loose Earl Grey tea
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk (dairy or any plant-based alternative)
• 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup, depending on your sweetness preference
• Optional: dried lavender or a cinnamon stick for additional flavor
• Optional: ground cinnamon, for garnish

How to Make Hot London Fog Tea Latte

This London Fog Tea Latte combines the citrusy notes of Earl Grey with the creamy sweetness of vanilla and milk, creating a comforting and elegant beverage.

Instructions for making a London Fog Tea Latte:

1. Steep the Tea:
   • Boil the water and pour it over the Earl Grey tea bag or loose tea in a heat-resistant mug or teapot. Let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes to fully develop the flavors.
2. Infuse with Flavor (optional):
   • If using, add a pinch of dried lavender or a cinnamon stick to the tea while steeping to introduce a subtle extra layer of flavor.
3. Heat and Froth the Milk:
   • While the tea is steeping, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent a skin from forming. Once hot, use a milk frother to froth the milk until it is smooth and foamy. If you don’t have a frother, whisk vigorously by hand or blend for a few seconds in a blender.
4. Add Vanilla Syrup:
   • Stir the vanilla syrup into the brewed tea, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired sweetness.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Pour the frothed milk into the mug with the flavored tea. Spoon any extra foam on top.
6. Garnish (optional):
   • Sprinkle a little bit of ground cinnamon on top of the drink for a decorative and flavorful touch.
7. Enjoy:
   • Savor your homemade hot London Fog Tea Latte, perfect for a cozy morning or a relaxing afternoon!

Iced London Fog Tea Latte

The Iced London Fog Tea Latte is a fantastic beverage for warmer weather. This iced version retains the soothing qualities of tea while providing a cool, satisfying beverage that can help beat the heat.

To make an Iced London Fog Tea Latte, start by brewing a strong cup of Earl Grey tea — stronger than usual since it will be diluted with ice. Allow the tea to steep with an optional pinch of dried lavender for added flavor, then remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves and let the tea cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, stir in vanilla syrup to sweeten it to your taste. Fill a large glass with ice cubes and pour the tea over the ice.

In a separate container, froth cold milk (dairy or plant-based) until it’s light and foamy. You can easily do this by using a blender. Gently pour the frothed milk over the iced tea, creating a layered effect. Stir before drinking to mix the milky layer thoroughly with the tea.

Enjoy your refreshing Iced London Fog Tea Latte on a warm day.

Tips & Variations

• Switch Up the Sweetener: Replace vanilla syrup with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative to accommodate different dietary preferences or to subtly alter the flavor profile.
• Enhance with Spices: For a warm, aromatic dimension, sprinkle ground cardamom or nutmeg into the tea while it steeps.
• Serve with a Snack: Pair the latte with a light pastry or a slice of lemon cake to complement its rich and aromatic flavors for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Citrus Zest Garnish: Enhance the citrus notes of the bergamot in Earl Grey by garnishing with finely grated orange or grapefruit zest for a vibrant, tangy finish.
• Peppered Vanilla Syrup: Create a homemade vanilla syrup and infuse it with a pinch of black pepper during preparation; the subtle spice will add a peculiar yet intriguing twist to the latte.