London Fog Recipe

I’m usually more of a coffee drinker, but I’ll make an exception for a London Fog. Have you ever tried one? It’s a latte made with earl grey tea. The robust flavor of earl grey, with a hint of vanilla, combined with steamed milk, makes a London Fog taste like a hug in a mug. It’s my favorite rainy day drink. You can usually find them on the menu at most cafes or tea houses. Even Starbucks makes one. But a London Fog is easy to make at home too! I have the recipe for you below. Hit the “jump to recipe” button if you’re ready to make it, or scroll through for some history behind the London Fog and some variations too. Now grab your favorite mug and let’s get brewing!

London Fog Origin Story: Foggy Beginnings

While a London Fog commonly assumed to be from London, the drink actually has ties to Canada. The London Fog is believed to have originated in Vancouver, British Columbia. The story goes that a local barista at a small cafe in Vancouver created the drink in the 1990s. Now, there are several cafes that have tried to claim this drink as their invention. But the story among them is pretty much the same. Rumor has it (from several notable tea sites) that a pregnant woman walked into a Vancouver cafe and requested a tea latte instead since she had an aversion to coffee.

This barista, seeking to craft a unique and comforting tea latte, combined Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and a hint of vanilla syrup. It’s named for the way the milk looks like the fog is rolling in. I guess based on that it could have been called a Vancouver Fog? Or San Francisco Fog? But London Fog has a nice catchy ring to it.

So, it turns out that the London Fog has Canadian roots, not British. It’s a wonderful example of how culinary delights can travel across borders and capture the hearts (and taste buds) of people around the world.

Why Is The Tea Called Earl Grey?

So now if you’re wondering, why is the tea called earl grey, you’re not alone. This is exactly how I go down rabbit holes on the internet … one question leads to another and then another. 

The story goes that Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and the British Prime Minister in the 1830s. Legend has it that a Chinese mandarin, grateful to Grey for saving his son from drowning, presented the Earl with a special blend of tea. This tea had bergamot oil, extracted from the citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, added to it.

The bergamot oil infused the black tea with a unique, citrusy flavor and a fragrant aroma. The blend became popular, and eventually, merchants started reproducing the Earl’s tea, creating what we now know as Earl Grey tea. So, next time you enjoy a cup of Earl Grey, especially if it is in a London Fog, you’ll know a bit about the history (or legend) for this delightful tea blend.

Ingredients To Make A London Fog

Ready to dive into this easy London Fog recipe? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Earl Grey Tea Bags or Loose Leaves: The star of the show. Earl Grey, with its black tea base infused with bergamot, gives the London Fog its distinct flavor.
• Steamed Milk: Achieving that perfect frothiness is key. Use your preferred milk – whether it’s whole milk for a creamy texture or almond milk for a nutty plant-based twist. I’ve used oatmilk in my London Fog and it is delightful.
• Vanilla Syrup: A sweet touch that elevates the drink to a whole new level. You can either buy it or make your own by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a splash of vanilla extract. Sometimes, when I’m trying to go low-sugar, I’ll just add bit of vanilla extract instead of syrup.
• Hot Water: To brew that Earl Grey tea to perfection.

How To Make A London Fog

Here’s the London Fog recipe, step-by-step. I actually really enjoy this brewing ritual on a rainy day. It doesn’t take much time, but putting it together seems to give me a sense of calm.

1 – Brew the Earl Grey Tea:
Boil water and pour it over your Earl Grey tea bag or leaves.
Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.

2 – Prepare the Steamed Milk:
Heat your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warm but not boiling.
For that frothy texture, use a milk frother or simply whisk vigorously.

Notice that the milk frother nearly doubles the volume of the milk. If you’re making this without a milk frother, you may need an additional half cup of milk.

3 – Add Vanilla:
While your tea is still hot, stir in the desired amount of vanilla syrup or vanilla extract. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. When using vanilla extract, I like to whisk it into the milk.

4 – Combine and Enjoy:
Pour the steamed milk into your brewed tea, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Spoon the frothy milk on top, creating that signature London Fog layering.

Customize Your London Fog Recipe

One of the best things about the London Fog is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations:

• Lavender London Fog: Add a touch of lavender syrup for a floral twist.
• Honey and Spice: Swap out vanilla for honey and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top.
• Iced London Fog: Perfect for warmer days – brew your tea, cool it down, and pour it over ice with cold frothed milk.

Earl Grey With Cornflower Petals

Some Earl Grey includes lavender, and Earl Grey teas include the addition of blue flowers like I have pictured here. Both are a delightful touch that adds visual appeal and a hint of floral notes. The most common blue flower found in Earl Grey blends is cornflower. The vibrant blue color of cornflower petals enhances the visual appeal of the tea. It adds a pop of color to the blend, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

Cornflower petals also contribute a mild floral aroma and taste to the tea. While the primary flavor of Earl Grey comes from the bergamot-infused black tea, the addition of cornflower petals can impart a gentle floral undertone, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

It’s important to note that not all Earl Grey teas include cornflower petals or lavender, and the traditional Earl Grey recipe relies on the distinctive flavor of bergamot oil to set it apart. The addition of blue flowers is more of a creative flourish by some tea blenders. So, if you come across an Earl Grey tea adorned with blue flowers, know that it’s a nod to both aesthetics and a subtle floral nuance.

Beyond the Cup: London Fog Around the World

While the London Fog originated in Canada, its popularity has spread globally. You can find unique interpretations in cafes from Tokyo to Toronto. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of this comforting concoction.

Parting Thoughts: Sip, Savor, Repeat

And there you have it – the secrets of crafting a perfect London Fog. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or just looking for a comforting drink, this tea latte is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, brew a cup, and let the London Fog transport you to a world of warmth and flavor.