London Fog Latte Recipe (Earl Grey Tea Latte with Vanilla)
A London fog latte isn’t just a drink; it’s a little piece of comfort that may have begun as a happy accident. The story goes that in the 1990s, a woman in Vancouver was looking for a gentler alternative to her daily coffee during pregnancy. She mixed her favourite Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla, creating what we now know as the London fog drink, also known as the London for tea latte.
It’s easy to see why this creamy blend of bergamot, frothy milk, and sweet vanilla became a café favourite. The London Fog tea latte captures the cosy essence of a rainy afternoon while offering a smoother, less caffeinated lift than coffee. Over time, coffee shops from Canada to London (and to Scotland) and beyond, embraced the recipe, making it one of the most beloved tea lattes worldwide.
Perhaps you are wondering how to make your own London fog latte recipe at home, or you are craving the comfort of an Earl Grey tea latte. Pop the kettle on and I’ll guide you through everything you need for the perfect cuppa!
If you are a fan of Earl grey, read more about it here👉 What is Earl Grey tea?
London Fog Drink: Fun Facts & History
☕ Origins in Vancouver, Not London: Despite its British-sounding name, the London Fog drink was created in Vancouver, Canada, in the 1990s. This cosy Earl Grey tea latte quickly became popular for its creamy flavour and comforting aroma.
☕ A Pregnancy-Friendly Creation: The London Fog tea latte is believed to have been invented by Mary Loria, who was looking for a soothing alternative to coffee during pregnancy. By combining Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla, she created the first London Fog recipe.
👉 You can read more about Mary Loria on Sprudge
☕ Why the Name London Fog?: While the exact naming origin is unclear, many believe the “fog” refers to the creamy, cloud-like appearance of the milk blending into the dark Earl Grey tea, evoking the misty (foggy) skies of London.
☕ Regional Variations: In Scotland, a similar version is called a “Vancouver Fog,” paying homage to the drink’s Canadian roots.
☕ Lavender London Fog Recipe: One popular twist on the classic London Fog latte recipe includes adding lavender during steeping, giving the London Fog tea a more floral and aromatic taste.
☕ Starbucks Popularity: The London Fog drink became mainstream after Starbucks and other coffee chains featured it on their menus, introducing this Earl Grey latte to a global audience.
👉 Read more about making Starbucks copycat drinks
☕ Iced London Fog Drink: The iced London Fog recipe is perfect for summer. Brew strong Earl Grey tea, let it cool, pour over ice, and add cold milk with vanilla syrup for a refreshing twist.
☕ Milk Alternatives: The London Fog latte can be made with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk, making it versatile for different dietary needs and flavour preferences.
☕ Caffeine in a London Fog Tea: Since it’s made with black tea, the London Fog tea latte contains less caffeine than coffee, offering a gentler energy boost without the jitters.
☕ DIY Vanilla Syrup for Your London Fog Recipe: Homemade vanilla syrup is easy to make with sugar, water, and vanilla extract or vanilla pods. Adding your own syrup gives you full control over the sweetness in your London Fog latte recipe.
If you are a fan of milk teas, you may love to learn more about👉making milk tea at home.
Best Ways to Froth Milk for Tea Lattes
Frothed milk gives any tea latte, whether it’s a creamy London Fog latte or a chai latte, that café-style touch at home. The texture of your froth depends on the type of milk and the temperature, but the method you choose also makes a big difference. Here are the most popular ways to froth milk for a tea latte recipe:
🥛 Espresso Machine Steam Wand: If you own an espresso machine, its steam wand is perfect for frothing. Pour milk into a pitcher, lower the wand just below the surface, and steam until you get silky foam. This method works beautifully for a barista-style Earl Grey tea latte.
🥛 Automatic Milk Frother: Automatic frothers heat and froth milk with one button. They use a built-in whisk to create smooth foam, making it one of the easiest ways to prepare milk for a London Fog drink at home.
🥛 Handheld Frother (Mini Wand): A handheld frother is budget-friendly and portable. Place the motorised whisk directly in your mug or cup and froth until creamy. It’s an effortless option for small servings of milk tea lattes.
🥛 Mason Jar Method: No gadgets? No problem! Fill a mason jar halfway with warm milk, screw the lid on tightly, and shake vigorously until frothy. You can microwave the jar (without the lid) afterwards to heat the foam. This DIY trick is a great way to make an at-home London Fog latte recipe without special tools.
🥛 Stovetop and Whisk: Heat milk in a pan, then whisk quickly until bubbles form. While this method takes more effort, it can still create a light froth that makes your tea latte taste café-worthy.
Want more tea tips? Read more about👉 making tea lattes at home
Enjoy your homemade latte with a large wedge of my sultana and pecan black tea cake. This moist fruit and nut cake pairs perfectly with a London fog latte. The buttery pecans and juicy sultanas highlight the creamy vanilla sweetness of the London fog drink, while the citrusy Earl Grey base ties everything together for the perfect afternoon tea pairing.
How to Make a London Fog Tea Latte at Home
Ingredients (Serves 2)
▪ 3-4 teaspoons Earl Grey loose leaf or 2 tea bags
▪ 1 cup (240ml) water
▪ 2-4 tablespoons vanilla syrup
▪ 2 cups (480ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
▪ Sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
1. Boil the water in a kettle or saucepan until it reaches a rolling boil.
2. For best results, use a teapot and warm it first. Pour boiling water into the teapot and swirl for a minute or two before discarding the water.
3. Place the tea bags or loose Earl Grey leaves into the teapot. Pour one cup of boiling water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes.
4. While the tea is steeping, warm your milk. Optional: Use a milk frother, steamer or whisk the milk to create latte-like bubbles in the warm milk.
5. Strain the brewed tea equally between two cups or mugs using a tea strainer to separate out the loose leaves. And stir in 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup in each. Add extra optional sugar if desired.
6. Pour the warm milk over the tea, dividing it equally between the mugs. Give the lattes a gentle stir and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions for a London Fog Latte
A London Fog tea latte pairs wonderfully with a range of baked treats and tea-time favourites. Here are some ideas to make your tea latte moment even more special:
🫖 Sultana and Pecan Black Tea Cake: The rich, nutty flavour of my sultana and pecan black tea cake complements the creamy vanilla notes in a London Fog drink. The subtle sweetness of the cake balances just perfectly with the Earl Grey.
🫖 Classic Tea Sandwiches: For a lighter pairing, try cucumber or cheese finger sandwiches. These savoury bites offset the sweet and floral character of the London Fog tea latte.
🫖 Spiced Cookies or Shortbread: Buttery shortbread or cinnamon-spiced cookies are a simple yet perfect match for an Earl Grey tea latte.
🫖 Seasonal Desserts: In autumn, pair this London Fog recipe with a slice of pumpkin bread or my pumpkin rock cakes with chai drizzle! In spring, try lighter fruit tarts or scones to bring out the bergamot notes in the tea.
🫖 Breakfast Pairing: A warm London Fog drink makes a great alternative to coffee at breakfast. Enjoy it with toasted croissants, muffins, or granola for a warming start to the day.
London Fog Tea Latte Recipe (Serves 2)
Ingredients
- 3–4 teaspoons Earl Grey loose leaf tea (or 2 tea bags)
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 2–4 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Boil water: Heat the water in a kettle or saucepan until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Warm the teapot: For best results, pour hot water into a teapot and swirl for a minute before discarding to pre-warm.
- Brew tea: Add Earl Grey tea bags or loose leaves to the teapot. Pour in the boiling water and steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare milk: While the tea steeps, heat the milk. Froth with a steamer, frother, or whisk to create latte-style foam.
- Combine: Strain brewed tea into two mugs. Stir 1–2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into each. Add sugar to taste if desired.
- Finish: Pour warm frothed milk over the tea, dividing equally. Stir gently and serve hot.
FAQs for London Fog Drink
What is a London Fog drink?
A London Fog drink is a warm, creamy latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla. It’s smooth, floral, slightly citrusy, and cosy, perfect for any season.
Why is it called a London Fog?
The name “London Fog” is believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada. The cloudy, milky appearance of the tea resembles the foggy weather often linked with London.
Is a London Fog latte the same as an Earl Grey tea latte?
Yes! “London Fog latte” and “Earl Grey tea latte” describe the same drink. Both use Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and frothy milk, though recipes may vary slightly.
How do you make a London Fog latte recipe at home?
To make a London Fog latte recipe, strongly steep an Earl Grey tea concentrate, add vanilla syrup, and top with steamed milk and foam. It’s a simple café-style drink you can enjoy at home.
What type of milk works best for a London Fog tea?
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk are excellent dairy-free options. Coconut milk adds a richer twist. Add a dash of cream for extra indulgence. 👉 Read more about the difference types of milk for tea
Can I make a London Fog drink without vanilla syrup?
Yes! You can use honey, maple syrup, or even a drop of vanilla extract for sweetness if you prefer a more natural or less sugary option.
How do I froth milk without a frother?
If you don’t have a frother, heat the milk and whisk it vigorously, pump it in a French press, or shake warm milk in a sealed jar until foamy.
Can I make an iced London Fog tea?
Absolutely! Brew strong Earl Grey, let it cool, pour over ice, and add cold milk and vanilla syrup for a refreshing iced London Fog tea.
What does a London Fog tea taste like?
A London Fog tea tastes creamy and comforting, with the bright citrusy notes of bergamot in Earl Grey balanced by sweet vanilla and silky milk foam.
What are some variations of the London Fog recipe?
Lavender London Fog: Add lavender honey or lavender simple syrup.
Caramel London Fog: Add caramel syrup for richness.
Pumpkin Spice London Fog: Mix in pumpkin spice for fall.
Chai Fog Latte: Swap Earl Grey for chai tea for a spiced version.
Read more tea latte recipes:
