The short answer: A London fog drink is a cozy Earl Grey tea latte you can make at home in about 10 minutes. To make a London fog drink, steep 1 Earl Grey tea bag in ½ cup of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup, then top it with ½ cup of steamed, frothed milk. The result is creamy, lightly sweet and floral.
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What you need for a London fog
| Ingredient | Amount for 1 drink | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Earl Grey tea | 1 bag or 1 heaping tsp loose | Use 2 bags for a stronger tea flavor |
| Boiling water | ½ cup (4 oz) | Just off the boil |
| Milk | ½ cup (4 oz) | Whole or oat froths best |
| Vanilla syrup | 1 to 2 tsp | Or ¼ tsp vanilla extract plus sugar |
| Dried lavender (optional) | A pinch | Steep with the tea |
Earl Grey is black tea flavored with oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, a small citrus fruit. That flavor is what makes a London fog taste different from a plain tea latte.
How to make a London fog drink
- Boil the water. Bring ½ cup of water to a full boil.
- Steep the tea. Pour it over the Earl Grey in a mug and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Squeeze the bag gently and remove it.
- Sweeten. Stir in vanilla syrup to taste while the tea is hot.
- Heat the milk. Warm ½ cup of milk on the stove or in the microwave until it steams, but don't let it boil.
- Froth the milk. Use a handheld frother, or shake the hot milk in a half-full sealed jar for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Combine. Pour the milk into the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
Quick homemade vanilla syrup
Simmer ½ cup of sugar with ½ cup of water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cool it and keep it in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It's enough for about 24 drinks, and it works in coffee and hot cocoa too.
London fog variations
| Version | What to change |
|---|---|
| Iced London fog | Brew double-strength tea, sweeten, chill and pour over ice with cold milk |
| Dairy-free | Use oat milk, or almond milk with a lighter foam |
| Lavender London fog | Steep a pinch of culinary lavender with the tea |
| Honey London fog | Swap the syrup for 2 teaspoons of honey |
| Maple cinnamon | Use maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon on the foam |
| Decaf | Use decaf Earl Grey for an evening cup |
| Dirty London fog | Add a shot of espresso for a stronger caffeine kick |
Caffeine in a London fog
Earl Grey is a black tea, so a London fog has caffeine, though usually less than a cup of brewed coffee. Mayo Clinic says up to 400 mg of caffeine a day seems safe for most adults, and it notes that brewing tea for less time cuts down on caffeine. The FDA cites the same 400 mg a day as an amount not generally linked to negative effects for healthy adults. If you're sensitive to caffeine, decaf Earl Grey tastes almost the same, but keep in mind that decaf still has a little caffeine.
Make-ahead London fog concentrate
Brewing a batch saves time on busy mornings.
- Steep 6 Earl Grey tea bags in 3 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bags and stir in ¼ cup of vanilla syrup.
- Cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For each drink, warm ½ cup of concentrate and top it with ½ cup of frothed milk.
This is also an easy way to serve a crowd. Set out the warm concentrate, a pitcher of hot milk and toppings next to a hot cocoa bar, and guests can make their own.
What to serve with a London fog
- Shortbread or butter cookies
- Scones with jam
- Pumpkin bread
- Lemon bars or lemon loaf
- Toast with honey or jam
Save your favorite drink recipes
- Family Recipe Binder, $6.99. Write down your London fog ratios, syrup recipe and favorite variations so anyone in the family can make them.
- Budget Planner Printable, $5.99. See how much coffee shop drinks add up to each month and where homemade swaps help.
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Add tea, milk and syrup supplies to the weekly grocery list.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a London fog drink? A London fog drink is an Earl Grey tea latte: strong Earl Grey tea mixed with steamed, frothed milk and a little vanilla syrup. It tastes creamy and floral, with citrus notes from the bergamot in the tea.
What does a London fog taste like? A London fog tastes like a creamy, lightly sweet vanilla tea with a soft citrus and floral finish. The bergamot oil in Earl Grey gives it that flavor, and the milk mellows the tea's bitterness.
Does a London fog drink have caffeine? Yes, a London fog has caffeine because it's made with Earl Grey, which is a black tea. It usually has less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee, and a shorter steep lowers it further. Use decaf Earl Grey for a nearly caffeine-free version.
Why is it called a London fog? The drink is called a London fog because the frothy, pale gray milk over the tea looks like fog. Earl Grey is a classic British tea blend, which gives the name its London connection.
What milk is best for a London fog? Whole milk makes the creamiest, most stable foam for a London fog. Oat milk is the best dairy-free choice because it froths well and has a mild, slightly sweet taste. Almond and soy milk work too, with a thinner foam.
How do you froth milk for a London fog without a frother? Heat the milk until it steams, pour it into a jar no more than half full, close the lid tightly and shake for 30 to 45 seconds. You can also whisk hot milk briskly in the pan or use a French press plunger.
How do you make an iced London fog? Brew Earl Grey double strength, sweeten it with vanilla syrup while it's hot, then chill it. Pour it over ice and top with cold milk or cold foam. Strong tea keeps the drink from tasting watered down.
How long should you steep Earl Grey for a London fog? Steep Earl Grey for 4 to 5 minutes for a London fog. That's a little longer than usual, because the tea needs to be strong enough to stand up to the milk. Steeping much longer can make it bitter.
What sweetener goes in a London fog? Vanilla syrup is the classic London fog sweetener. Homemade syrup takes 5 minutes with equal parts sugar and water plus vanilla extract. Honey, maple syrup or brown sugar work too and give a warmer flavor.
Can I make London fog drinks ahead of time? Yes, brew a batch of strong Earl Grey, sweeten it and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm a cup of concentrate and add freshly frothed milk when you're ready to drink it.
How much does a homemade London fog cost compared with a coffee shop? A homemade London fog usually costs well under a dollar a cup for a tea bag, milk and a spoonful of syrup, depending on your local prices. The Budget Planner Printable from HomeBase Paper Co. ($5.99) helps you see what those coffee shop trips add up to each month.
What can I serve with a London fog? A London fog pairs well with lightly sweet bakes like shortbread, scones, lemon bars and pumpkin bread. Its vanilla and citrus notes also go nicely with a simple slice of toast and jam for breakfast.
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Sources
- Caffeine: How much is too much? (Mayo Clinic) mayoclinic.org
- Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? (FDA) fda.gov
- Bergamot orange (Britannica) britannica.com