Some days call for coffee. Others call for something softer.

A London Fog Latte is a cozy mix of Earl Grey tea, warm milk, and a touch of vanilla. It’s smooth. Lightly sweet. Calm in a cup.

People love it because it feels like a hug on a cloudy day. No jitters. No rush. Just comfort.

Sip it in the morning when coffee feels like too much. Make it on a quiet evening. Or enjoy it anytime you want café vibes without leaving home.

What Is a London Fog Latte?

A London Fog Latte is a tea-based drink that quietly stole hearts without making a big fuss.

It’s widely believed to have started in cafés in Vancouver, where someone decided Earl Grey deserved a creamy upgrade, and honestly, they were right.

The base is Earl Grey tea, known for its natural bergamot aroma that smells fancy without trying too hard.

Add steamed milk, a hint of vanilla, and gentle sweetness, and suddenly the tea feels dressed for a night out.

The flavor is tea-forward first, not sugary or heavy, with a smooth, creamy finish that lingers just long enough to make you take another sip.

It smells warm and floral, tastes soft and balanced, and never overwhelms your senses. Unlike a regular tea latte, which can feel flat or purely milky, a London Fog has layers.

The vanilla lifts the tea. The milk softens the edges. The bergamot adds character. Think of it as tea’s cozy cousin who shows up with good stories and better manners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Earl Grey tea – 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose-leaf
This is the heart of the drink. Choose a bold Earl Grey for the best flavor.
Milk – ¾ cup
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture. Oat milk froths well. Almond milk keeps it light. Use what you love.
Sweetener – 1–2 teaspoons, to taste
Vanilla syrup adds café-style flavor. Honey brings warmth. Sugar keeps it classic.
Vanilla extract – ¼ teaspoon (optional but highly recommended)
This ties everything together and gives the latte its signature “foggy” aroma.

Equipment Needed

Saucepan or kettle
Used to heat water for brewing the tea. A kettle is quicker, but a saucepan works just as well.
Mug
One large mug, about 10–12 ounces, so there’s room for tea, milk, and foam.
Tea infuser or tea bags
Use an infuser if you’re working with loose-leaf Earl Grey. Tea bags keep things simple.
Milk frother or whisk
A frother gives that café-style foam. A whisk works in a pinch. Even a jar with a tight lid can do the job if you shake it vigorously.

How to Make a London Fog Latte (Step-by-Step)

1. Brew the Earl Grey Tea

Start with fresh water. It matters more than people admit. Bring it just to a boil, then pour it over your Earl Grey tea. Let it steep for about 3–4 minutes. Not longer.

Over-steeping turns cozy into bitter, and nobody wants that. You’re aiming for a strong but smooth cup that smells lightly floral and comforting.

2. Heat and Froth the Milk

While the tea steeps, heat your milk gently. Warm it until it’s steaming, not boiling. If it starts shouting at you, it’s too hot.

Froth it next. Use a frother, whisk, or shake it in a jar like you’re mad at it. You want soft foam. Think clouds, not soap bubbles.

3. Sweeten and Add Vanilla

Now comes the personality. Add your sweetener while everything is still warm, so it melts smoothly. Then stir in the vanilla. This is the quiet hero of the drink.

It rounds out the tea, softens the milk, and makes the whole thing smell like a café you’d happily get lost in.

4. Combine and Serve

Pour the hot tea into your mug. Slowly add the warm milk. Spoon the foam on top like a final flourish.

Give it a gentle stir or leave the layers intact if you’re feeling fancy. Take a sip. Pause. Smile. You just made comfort in a cup!

Tips for the Best London Fog Latte

Choosing High-Quality Earl Grey

This drink lives or dies by the tea. Choose an Earl Grey with real bergamot, not an artificial perfume bomb. The aroma should smell clean and citrusy, not sharp.

Loose-leaf usually gives a deeper flavor, but a good-quality tea bag works just fine. If your tea tastes flat on its own, no amount of milk will save it. Start strong because everything else builds from there.

Milk Frothing Tips for Creamy Foam

Warm milk froths better than cold milk. Heat it gently until it steams, then stop. Boiled milk loses its magic.

Whole milk makes the thickest foam, while oat milk is the best non-dairy option for that café feel.

Froth until the bubbles are small and silky. Big bubbles mean rushed work. Slow down. Foam is a patience game.

Balancing Sweetness and Tea Strength

A London Fog should taste like tea first, dessert second. Sweeten lightly, then taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back. If the drink feels weak, brew the tea longer next time, not sweeter.

If it feels heavy, cut back on vanilla. Think harmony, not sugar overload. When the balance is right, every sip feels effortless.

Variations & Customizations

Iced London Fog Latte

This version is cool, calm, and perfect for warmer days. Brew the Earl Grey slightly stronger than usual, since ice will mellow it out.

Let it cool, then pour it over ice. Add cold milk, sweetener, and vanilla. Give it a stir and sip slowly. It’s refreshing without losing that cozy soul.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

A London Fog plays well with plant-based milk. Oat milk is the crowd favorite because it’s creamy and froths like a dream. Almond milk keeps things light. Soy milk adds body.

Pair it with maple syrup, agave, or vanilla syrup to keep it fully vegan. Same comfort with no dairy required.

Lavender London Fog

This one feels like a spa day in a mug. Add a small amount of culinary lavender or lavender syrup to the tea while it steeps. Keep it subtle. Too much and it tastes like soap.

Done right, it adds a gentle floral note that pairs beautifully with the bergamot and vanilla.

Extra-Strong or Caffeine-Free Versions

If you want more kick, steep the tea a bit longer or use two tea bags. Simple fix. For a caffeine-free option, switch to decaf Earl Grey or a rooibos version with bergamot flavor.

You still get the aroma and comfort, just without the buzz. Perfect for late nights or slow evenings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Steeping the Tea

This is the fastest way to ruin a good London Fog. Earl Grey is delicate, not indestructible. Let it steep too long, and it turns bitter. Stick to 3–4 minutes.

If the flavor feels weak, use more tea next time, not more time.

Burning the Milk

Milk should be warmed, not punished. Heat it gently until it steams and stop there. If it starts bubbling or smells cooked, it’s gone too far.

Burnt milk tastes flat and heavy, and no amount of foam can hide it. Low heat wins every time.

Using Too Much Vanilla or Sweetener

Vanilla is a supporting actor, not the star of the show. A little adds warmth. Too much takes over the whole stage. The same goes for the sweetener. Start small, taste, then adjust.

A London Fog should feel balanced and calm, not like dessert pretending to be tea.

Serving Suggestions

A London Fog Latte shines when paired with something simple and comforting. Think buttery shortbread, a warm scone, or a soft vanilla muffin that won’t steal the spotlight.

Light cookies work well too, especially ones with citrus or a hint of spice that echo the Earl Grey. For presentation, lean into the cozy. Use your favorite mug, the one that feels good in your hands.

Add a little milk foam on top and maybe a light dusting of cinnamon or dried lavender if you’re feeling fancy. A warm drink, a small plate, and a quiet moment go a long way.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Latte is simple, comforting, and easy to make at home. No long lines. No fancy gear. Just a cozy cup that feels like a small win.

Play with the flavors. Adjust the sweetness. Try it hot or iced. Make it yours.

Because the best drinks aren’t just sipped. They’re felt!

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, with a small caveat. Brew the tea ahead and store it plain in the fridge.

Add milk, vanilla, and sweetener when you’re ready to drink. This keeps the flavor fresh and prevents the milk from tasting flat.

Is a London Fog Latte caffeinated?

Yes, but gently. Earl Grey is a black tea, so it contains caffeine, just much less than coffee. It gives a soft lift instead of a jolt. If you’re sensitive, switch to decaf Earl Grey or a caffeine-free alternative.

Can I use tea concentrates?

Absolutely. Tea concentrates save time and still taste great. Just choose one with real Earl Grey flavor and low sugar so you can control the sweetness. Heat it, add milk and vanilla, and you’re good to go.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep it unfrothed if possible.

Reheat gently on the stove or enjoy it over ice. Shake or stir before serving to bring everything back together.