London Fog Tea Recipe – Cozy Winter Drink You’ll Fall in Love With
There’s something magical about wrapping your hands around a warm mug on a chilly winter morning — and that’s exactly what a cup of London Fog Tea delivers. This creamy Earl Grey latte, kissed with vanilla and steamed milk, feels like a gentle hug in liquid form. It’s smooth, floral, and just sweet enough to lift your mood when the weather turns grey (pun totally intended!).
If you’ve ever ordered a London Fog at your favorite café, you’ll be thrilled to know it’s incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients — black tea, milk, and a hint of vanilla — you can whip up this cozy drink in minutes. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket, watching the rain, or need an afternoon pick-me-up, this tea is pure comfort in a cup.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like a coffee shop and sip something deliciously soothing? Let’s get brewing!
What Is London Fog Tea?
If you’ve never tried it before, London Fog Tea is like the elegant cousin of your morning latte. It’s a creamy blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla — simple, fragrant, and utterly comforting. The magic comes from bergamot, the citrusy essence that gives Earl Grey its signature floral aroma. When paired with warm milk and a bit of sweetness, it transforms into something that tastes like pure calm.
Despite the name, this dreamy drink didn’t actually come from London! It’s believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada, where a customer first asked for steamed milk poured over Earl Grey tea with vanilla syrup. The cozy creation quickly gained popularity across cafés and tea shops — and now, it’s a winter favorite all over the world.
Whether you call it a London Fog Latte, Earl Grey Latte, or tea cloud in a cup, this recipe is the perfect blend of cozy, creamy, and classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making London Fog Tea at home is so easy, and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy winter favorite:
Basic Ingredients
- Earl Grey Tea: The star of the show! Use loose-leaf or tea bags — whichever you prefer.
- Milk: Steamed milk gives this tea its rich, velvety texture. Whole milk makes it creamy, but oat or almond milk are perfect dairy-free options.
- Vanilla Syrup or Extract: Adds that signature cozy sweetness and aroma.
- Sweetener (Optional): Honey, sugar, or even maple syrup work beautifully — just a touch goes a long way.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to make your London Fog Latte even more special? Try adding:
- A pinch of dried lavender for a floral twist.
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, wintery touch.
- Foamed milk on top for that coffee-shop vibe.
Quick Milk Comparison
| Milk Type | Flavor | Frothiness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | Creamy, rich | Excellent | Classic café-style |
| Oat Milk | Naturally sweet | Great | Vegan version |
| Almond Milk | Light, nutty | Moderate | Low-cal option |
| Soy Milk | Smooth, mild | Good | Balanced flavor |
Tip: If you want that barista-style foam, heat your milk gently (don’t boil!) and whisk or froth until it’s silky and bubbly.
How to Make London Fog Tea (Step-by-Step)
Making London Fog Tea at home is surprisingly easy — and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never need to buy it from a café again! Here’s how to make this creamy, cozy drink in just a few minutes.
Step 1 – Brew the Earl Grey Tea
Start by boiling some fresh water. Place your Earl Grey tea bag or loose-leaf tea into your favorite mug or teapot, then pour the hot water over it.
Let it steep for about 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. The longer it steeps, the bolder the flavor — and that’s exactly what gives this drink its charm.
Step 2 – Heat and Froth the Milk
While your tea is steeping, heat the milk in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. You want it warm and steamy, not boiling.
Use a handheld frother, whisk, or even a jar with a lid (shake it well!) to create that soft foam on top.
Tip: For a richer texture, use whole milk or oat milk — they froth beautifully!
Step 3 – Add Vanilla and Sweetener
Once your tea is ready, stir in vanilla syrup or extract and your preferred sweetener. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste — you can always add more later.
The vanilla adds that lovely warm, bakery-like aroma that makes London Fog Tea so comforting.
Step 4 – Combine and Enjoy
Pour the frothed milk into your brewed tea, then spoon a bit of foam on top for that signature latte look.
If you’d like, sprinkle a pinch of lavender or cinnamon for a cozy finish.
Now take a sip — smooth, creamy, floral, and perfectly warm. Doesn’t that feel like a cozy winter hug?
Tips for the Perfect London Fog Tea
Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll realize how easy it is to make a café-worthy London Fog Tea right in your kitchen. Here are a few simple tips to make it absolutely perfect every time:
1. Use Quality Earl Grey Tea
The heart of your drink is the tea itself — so choose a good one! Loose-leaf Earl Grey or a premium tea bag makes a big difference in flavor and aroma. Look for blends with real bergamot oil instead of artificial flavoring.
2. Don’t Overheat the Milk
Heat your milk gently — just until it’s hot and steamy. If it boils, it can lose its sweetness and froth poorly. Warm milk gives that silky café texture you’ll love.
3. Sweeten Gradually
Start with a small amount of sweetener, taste, and adjust. Some vanilla syrups are already quite sweet, so you might not need much.
4. Froth Like a Pro
No frother? No problem! Just pour warm milk into a jar, screw the lid tight, and shake for 20–30 seconds. Instant foam magic!
5. Try an Iced Version
Craving something cool? Brew strong tea, let it chill, then pour over ice with cold frothed milk. It’s just as dreamy — a Summer Fog Tea, if you will.
Pro Tip: Add a few lavender buds to your tea while steeping for a floral twist that smells like a cozy winter spa day!
Variations You’ll Love
One of the best things about London Fog Tea is how versatile it is — you can easily make it your own with a few simple twists! Here are some delicious variations to try the next time you’re craving that cozy, creamy cup:
Lavender London Fog
Add a ½ teaspoon of dried lavender buds while steeping your Earl Grey tea. It gives your drink a soft, floral note and smells absolutely heavenly — like sipping a cup of calm.
Tip: Strain out the lavender before adding milk for a smoother taste.
Vegan London Fog
Skip the dairy and use oat milk or almond milk for a plant-based version that’s just as creamy. Most vanilla syrups are vegan-friendly, but you can also make your own using vanilla extract and maple syrup!
Honey Vanilla Fog
For a warm, comforting twist, replace sugar or syrup with raw honey. It adds depth and a naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the bergamot in Earl Grey.
Citrus Boost Fog
Want a brighter, fresher flavor? Add a few drops of orange or lemon extract to enhance that citrusy Earl Grey vibe. It’s like winter sunshine in a cup!
Bonus Idea: Sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for a touch of cozy spice — perfect for those frosty mornings when you need an extra hug in your mug.
Serving Suggestions
A warm cup of London Fog Tea is delicious all on its own — but pair it with the right treat, and you’ve got a match made in cozy heaven!
Perfect Pairings
- Buttery Scones: Classic choice! Especially lavender or vanilla scones — they complement the tea’s floral notes beautifully.
- Shortbread Cookies: Light, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth… ideal for dunking.
- Muffins or Tea Cakes: Blueberry, lemon, or almond muffins are all lovely options for breakfast or afternoon tea.
When to Enjoy It
- Morning Comfort: Swap your coffee for this creamy Earl Grey latte to start your day gently.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Pair it with a small pastry during your mid-day break.
- Evening Wind-Down: Curl up with your favorite book or blanket and sip your tea slowly — it’s the perfect way to unwind before bed.
Tip: Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon or dried lavender on top just before serving. It looks beautiful and makes your kitchen smell divine!
More Drinks Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different tea instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey gives that classic floral-citrus flavor, you can experiment with English Breakfast or Lady Grey for a milder taste. Even chai tea works if you’re craving a spiced twist — just know it’ll have a bolder personality!
What’s the best milk for frothing?
Whole milk makes the creamiest foam, but oat milk is my top pick for a dairy-free option. It froths beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tea’s aroma.
Can I make it iced?
Yes! Brew your tea stronger than usual, let it cool, then pour it over ice. Add cold frothed milk and vanilla syrup for a refreshing Iced London Fog Tea — perfect for warmer days when you still want that cozy flavor.
How can I make it sugar-free?
You can easily skip the sugar and sweeten it naturally with stevia, monk fruit, or a touch of honey if you’re okay with natural sugars. The vanilla adds sweetness on its own, so you might not need much else!
Can I make a big batch in advance?
You can brew a larger amount of tea ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, reheat gently and froth fresh milk before serving. Just don’t mix the milk and tea until you’re ready to drink — it keeps the texture silky.
Recipe
London Fog Tea Recipe
This London Fog Tea is a cozy, creamy Earl Grey latte that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. With the floral notes of bergamot, sweet vanilla, and frothy milk, it’s the perfect homemade winter drink to replace your morning coffee or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf tea)
- ¾ cup hot water
- ½ cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)
- 1–2 tsp vanilla syrup or ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp sugar, honey, or sweetener (to taste)
Optional Add-Ins:
- A pinch of dried lavender (for floral aroma)
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (for a cozy touch)
Instructions
- Boil the water and pour it over your Earl Grey tea bag in a mug.
- Let it steep for 3–5 minutes, then remove the tea bag.
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low-medium heat until steamy.
- Froth the milk using a frother, whisk, or shake it in a closed jar until foamy.
- Stir vanilla syrup and sweetener into the brewed tea until combined.
- Pour the frothed milk into the tea and spoon the foam on top.
- Sprinkle with lavender or cinnamon if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your cozy London Fog Tea.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 mugAmount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 3gCarbohydrates: 10gSugar: 8gProtein: 3g
Nutritional information is an estimate based on available data and ingredients used. Actual values may vary depending on brands, measurements, and substitutions.
There you have it — your own homemade London Fog Tea, ready to wrap you in warmth on even the chilliest winter day. This creamy blend of Earl Grey, vanilla, and frothy milk is proof that comfort doesn’t have to come from a café — it can start right in your kitchen.
Whether you sip it while reading, journaling, or just watching the rain fall, this tea turns even ordinary moments into something special. It’s soothing, elegant, and a little bit magical — a perfect match for quiet mornings or cozy nights in.
So go ahead, grab your favorite mug, and treat yourself to this dreamy Earl Grey latte. And if you try it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Share a photo, tag me, or tell me your twist on it — maybe you’ll inspire someone else to fall in love with their new favorite winter drink.
