London Fog Recipe: How to Make an Earl Grey Tea Latte

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A London Fog is the perfect winter drink: warm, creamy, lightly floral, and gently sweet. This classic Earl Grey tea latte has a delicate flavor with notes of bergamot, vanilla, and steamed milk.

At its core, a London Fog is the ultimate comfort drink. I’ve tried different versions in many places, sometimes made with whatever tea was on hand. Not every café lists a London Fog by name, so when it’s missing from the menu, I’ll often order it simply as Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla. More often than not, it arrives exactly as a London Fog should.

Whether you found this drink at a local café or are new to tea lattes, learning how to make a London Fog at home is always fun. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a classic London Fog recipe, along with tips for perfecting the flavor, dairy-free and iced variations, and answer common questions. It’s also a great starting point if you like making your own tea blends and experimenting with different teas.

What Is a London Fog Drink?

A London Fog drink is a tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, gently mixed with vanilla, and finished with steamed milk. Despite its British-sounding name, the drink actually originated in Vancouver, Canada, when a woman looking for a gentler alternative to coffee asked for steamed milk and vanilla added to her tea.

The signature flavor of a London Fog comes from Earl Grey tea, which is flavored with dried bergamot orange rinds and oil. The bergamot orange gives the tea a floral, slightly citrusy aroma. When paired with vanilla and milk, the boldness of black tea softens into a creamy, soothing tea latte.

The London Fog is the most popular version of this tea latte, but there are regional twists. In Ireland, you might find a Dublin Fog made with Irish breakfast tea, and in southern Arizona, there’s the Sonoran Fog.

How to Make a London Fog Tea

Ingredients for a Classic London Fog

Earl Grey Tea

A London Fog tea latte starts with Earl Grey tea. Its fragrant flavor is what makes the drink so unique and comforting.

What Type of Tea Should You Use for a London Fog?

To make a classic London Fog, use one Earl Grey tea bag or a teaspoon of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea. Loose-leaf tea usually gives a richer, more aromatic cup, but tea bags are convenient and work well. High-quality Earl Grey, especially one made with natural bergamot, really stands out.

Not all Earl Greys are the same. Each tea variation pairs differently with milk and vanilla. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite. These are some of our favorites:

Can You Make a London Fog Without Earl Grey?

Yes! While Earl Grey is the classic choice, you can make a tasty London Fog-style latte with other black teas. Here are some great alternatives:
Barrys Irish Breakfast Tea is rich, malty, and perfect for a “Dublin Fog” variation. A favorite of almost every Irish household.
Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast is rich and bright, a classic since 1886
The Republic of Tea, Vanilla Almond Black Tea Tin contains fine black tea, natural vanilla and almond flavors, vanilla beans, and almond bits
Decaffeinated Black Tea: Ideal for evenings or caffeine-sensitive drinkers

Milk (Creaminess & Texture)

The milk you choose plays a major role in the flavor, texture, and overall creaminess of a London Fog tea latte. Since this drink relies on just a few simple ingredients, your choice of milk can make it rich and indulgent or light and delicate.

Whole milk is the traditional choice for a London Fog. Its higher fat makes the drink smooth and velvety, softening the strong tea and letting the bergamot and vanilla stand out. For a lighter version, use fat-free milk.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, oat milk works well in a London Fog. It’s naturally creamy, slightly sweet, and froths nicely. Many people who make vegan or plant-based lattes choose oat milk.

Almond milk is lighter in texture and has a nutty flavor that goes well with vanilla and bergamot. It makes a softer, less rich drink that’s still comforting but not heavy.

Vanilla

Vanilla is what turns plain Earl Grey tea into a real London Fog tea latte. It softens the citrus taste of bergamot, balances the black tea’s bitterness, and adds warmth and depth.

Vanilla syrup is the classic café-style option. It’s smooth, sweet, and mixes easily into hot tea. Use it if you want your homemade London Fog to taste like one from your favorite coffee shop.

For a more natural flavor and a healthier option, pure vanilla extract gives a deeper taste without added sweetness. Since it’s made from real vanilla beans, even when adding just a half teaspoon, you’ll get a rich vanilla flavor. We love using pure vanilla extract.

If you want to avoid alcohol, choose alcohol-free vanilla extract. It gives the same warmth and aroma without any alcohol.

For special occasions or when you want a treat, vanilla bean paste gives the strongest vanilla flavor. It’s thick, has real vanilla bean specks, and adds a rich, well-balanced flavor that pairs well with Earl Grey.

In general, pure vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste have fewer additives than flavored syrups.

Sweeteners

Honey adds a gentle floral sweetness that pairs well with Earl Grey, giving the drink a soothing, comforting quality.
Sugar brings that neutral sweetness.
Maple syrup brings a warm, slightly caramel-like depth that pairs especially well with vanilla.
Agave is a mild, plant-based option that dissolves easily and keeps the flavor light.

Flavor Add-Ins (Optional & Fun)

One of the best parts of making a London Fog at home is how easy it is to customize. If you like trying new flavors or making your own blends, a few simple add-ins can make the drink even better while keeping it balanced.

Lavender gives a soft, calming floral note that goes well with bergamot. Just make sure to use culinary-grade lavender.
Cinnamon adds warmth and a gentle spice, making your drink especially cozy in fall and winter.
Rose gives a delicate, aromatic twist that feels light and romantic. It’s perfect for sipping in spring.
Cardamom adds a subtle spice with a hint of citrus, enhancing the tea's flavor without overpowering it. Add it to your holiday London Fog recipe.

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

Making a London Fog at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can make a tea latte as good as any café. Here’s how to do it.

First, brew the Earl Grey tea: Boil fresh water and steep your Earl Grey tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Use a tea bag or loose-leaf tea, but don’t over-steep, or the tea can get bitter. Remove the Earl Grey tea bag or strain the leaves when done. This gives you a fragrant, citrusy base for your milk and vanilla.

Next, heat and froth the milk: Heat your milk until it’s hot but not boiling, either on the stove or in the microwave, then froth it. For a creamy, café-style texture, froth the milk with a frother, whisk, or even shake it in a jar with a tight lid. Frothed milk gives your London Fog drink its classic velvety feel and light foam.

Add vanilla and sweetener: While the tea is still hot, stir in your choice of vanilla extract or bean paste, plus your favorite sweetener like honey, maple syrup, sugar, or agave. Mixing them in now helps the flavors blend well and lets you adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Assemble the London Fog: Pour the steamed milk into the brewed tea. If you want, save some foam to spoon on top for a classic café look. This is when your London Fog gets its signature creamy texture and blends with the floral, citrusy tea.

Serve: Enjoy your London Fog right away while it’s warm. For a special touch, add dried lavender buds, a little vanilla powder, or a pinch of cinnamon on top. Whether it’s for a slow morning, an afternoon break, or a relaxing evening, this tea latte is sure to comfort you.

London Fog

Yield: 1

Author: Prancier

A creamy and comforting London Fog recipe made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and honey for a cozy, café-style tea latte at home.

Ingredients

1 Earl Grey tea bag (1 tsp loose-leaf Earl Grey tea)
¾ cup whole milk
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp honey
Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Brew the Earl Grey Tea. Bring water to a boil and steep the tea bag or loose Earl Grey Tea leaves for 3-5 minutes.
Strain the tea blend or remove the tea bag.
Warm milk gently until hot but not boiling. Froth with a milk frother, hand-held whisk, or a jar with a tight lid for a velvety consistency.
Stir in vanilla extract and honey while the tea is still hot.
Pour steamed milk into the brewed tea, holding back foam if desired. Spoon the froth on top.
Serve and enjoy immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

London Fog Tea Recipe Variations

A London Fog tea latte is a versatile drink. Here are some popular variations to try at home.

Iced London Fog Drink

An Iced London Fog is great for warm days or when you want a cool version of the classic latte. Brew the tea a bit stronger, let it cool, then pour it over ice. Add cold milk and vanilla for a crisp, refreshing drink with all the classic flavors.

Lavender London Fog Tea

For a floral twist, try a Lavender London Fog. Add half a teaspoon of culinary lavender to the tea as it steeps, then strain before adding milk. The lavender goes well with the citrusy Earl Grey and warm vanilla, making a delicate, fragrant latte.

Sugar-Free London Fog

If you want less sugar, try a Sugar-Free London Fog. Use vanilla extract instead of syrup and leave it unsweetened.

Tips for Making the Best London Fog at Home

Avoid Boiling Milk

If you overheat milk, it can taste bad. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot but not boiling. This keeps the milk creamy, helps it froth, and lets it blend smoothly with the tea.

Adjust the Milk-to-Tea Ratio

How much milk you use affects how rich and creamy your London Fog is. More milk makes it creamier, while less milk lets the bergamot and vanilla stand out. Try different amounts to find what you like best.

Steep Tea Properly

If you steep black tea for too long, it can become bitter and cover up the vanilla and milk flavors. Steep for 3-6 minutes, then remove the tea bag or strain the leaves right away.

London Fog Recipe FAQs

A regular London Fog has a moderate amount of caffeine from the black tea. One cup of Earl Grey usually has about 40-70 mg of caffeine, while coffee has around 95 mg. It’s a good choice if you want less caffeine but still want a comforting drink.
Yes! You can make the Earl Grey tea ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, reheat the tea and add fresh steamed milk and vanilla.
For iced versions, use the chilled tea for a quick, refreshing latte.
Even though it has some caffeine, the mix of warm milk, smooth vanilla, and tea makes a London Fog feel soothing and comforting. Many people find it a relaxing choice.

I hope you’ve discovered a delicious London Fog tea recipe to enjoy as part of your winter routine! We’d love to hear from you! Share in the comments which London fog drink recipe variation is your favorite, or let us know about any secret tea blends you love.

For more cozy and flavorful ideas, check out our Wellness section. Try our refreshing mint tea recipe for a soothing twist, or explore our collection of warm cocktails for your holiday parties to impress guests and keep everyone cozy this season. We also have guides for healthy breakfasts, like yogurt parfaits, and tips for making your own Greek yogurt at home.

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If you enjoyed this London Fog recipe, don’t forget to pin it and save it for later so you can recreate this comforting tea latte anytime!

Besitos from the kitchen,

Laura