drink · Drink

How to Make London Fog Latte

Name: How to Make London Fog Latte
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 Earl Grey tea bags or teaspoons loose leaf; 8 oz water; 1/2 tbsp vanilla syrup; 4-6 oz milk

A London fog latte combines Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup. Steep strong Earl Grey for 4-5 minutes, add vanilla syrup to taste, then top with frothy steamed milk. The bergamot oil in Earl Grey creates that distinctive floral note that makes this drink special.

Total time: 15 min
Hands-on: 15 min
Serves: 1
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 Earl Grey tea bags or teaspoons loose leaf
8 oz water
1/2 tbsp vanilla syrup
4-6 oz milk

Step by step

Heat water to 200°F. Bring water almost to a boil, then let it cool for 30 seconds. Too hot and you'll make the tea bitter.
Steep Earl Grey tea. Use 2 tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose leaf per 8 oz cup. Steep for 4-5 minutes for a strong base that won't get lost under the milk.
Remove tea and add vanilla syrup. Start with 1/2 tablespoon vanilla syrup and adjust to taste. The vanilla should complement the bergamot, not overpower it.
Steam the milk. Heat 4-6 oz milk to 150°F while creating microfoam. You want creamy foam, not stiff peaks. Whole milk works best for texture.
Combine and serve. Pour the steamed milk into the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon. Then spoon the foam on top. Serve immediately.

Tips & troubleshooting

Use loose leaf Earl Grey for the best bergamot oil extraction
Don't skip the steaming step even if making at home - heated milk tastes different than cold
Make your own vanilla syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with vanilla extract

Variations

Iced London Fog. Steep tea double strength, let cool, pour over ice with cold milk and vanilla syrup
Lavender London Fog. Add a pinch of culinary lavender to the Earl Grey while steeping for extra floral notes
Honey London Fog. Replace vanilla syrup with honey for a more natural sweetness that pairs well with bergamot

Questions

Can I use any black tea instead of Earl Grey?: Earl Grey is essential for a proper London fog. The bergamot oil gives it the signature citrusy, floral flavor that defines the drink.
What if I don't have a milk steamer?: Heat milk in a saucepan to 150°F, then whisk vigorously or use a french press to pump air into the warm milk for foam.
How strong should the tea be?: Strong enough that you can still taste the Earl Grey after adding milk. If the tea flavor disappears, steep longer next time or use more tea.