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Homemade London Fog Latte: Your Ultimate Guide to a Cozy Earl Grey Delight

Imagine transforming your kitchen into a tranquil coffeehouse, brewing a comforting beverage that warms your soul. This easy-to-follow London Fog latte recipe delivers just that: a creamy, aromatic twist on classic Earl Grey tea, perfected for enjoyment at home. Combining the distinctive citrusy notes of black tea with warm, luxuriously frothed milk, subtly infused with vanilla and a hint of honey, this delightful drink promises a moment of cozy bliss, ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for a gentle start to your day or a soothing evening unwind, this homemade rendition rivals your favorite cafe creation without the premium price tag.

A London fog latte in a clear glass mug sitting on a table, emitting steam. — Enjoy the calming warmth of a freshly made London Fog Latte.

Why You’ll Adore This London Fog Recipe

There are countless reasons why this homemade London Fog latte will become your new favorite daily ritual. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience.

Coffeehouse Quality, Home Budget: Recreate the sophisticated flavor of a premium tea latte from your favorite cafe without spending a fortune. This recipe empowers you to enjoy gourmet beverages daily, proving that luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. For an extra kick, consider adding a shot of espresso to create a “dirty” London Fog latte, mimicking another popular coffeehouse specialty.
Limitless Customization at Your Fingertips: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Adjust the tea’s strength by steeping for 5 minutes for a more robust Earl Grey flavor, or just 3 minutes for a milder, more subtle note. Sweeten it exactly to your preference with honey, maple syrup, agave, a homemade simple syrup (like vanilla or lavender), or your preferred liquid keto sweetener. The choice of milk is also yours – whether you prefer rich whole milk, creamy oat milk, or a lighter almond milk, the result will be equally delightful. You are in complete control of your perfect cup!
Quick & Effortless Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care can be challenging. This recipe respects your time, delivering a delicious and comforting beverage in less than 10 minutes. It’s the ideal solution for busy mornings or when you need a quick moment of tranquility.
Natural Comfort & Relaxation: The gentle warmth of the milk, the soothing aroma of Earl Grey, and the sweet hint of vanilla combine to create a deeply comforting drink. It’s a perfect antidote to stress, offering a moment of peace and calm in your day.

Elevate Your Latte with Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup!

For those who desire an enchanting floral dimension in their London Fog, a homemade lavender simple syrup is a game-changer. It replaces the honey, infusing your latte with a delicate, calming lavender essence.

What You’ll Need:

½ cup white sugar, honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup (choose your preferred sweetener)
½ cup water
1 ½ teaspoons culinary-grade dried lavender buds

Simple Syrup Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until the sweetener fully dissolves into the water and the mixture is warm. Once combined, let it simmer for just 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Turn off the heat and leave the mixture to steep for approximately 20 minutes, or until it has cooled completely. This steeping period is crucial for the lavender to fully impart its fragrant oils.

Once cooled, pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a sealable glass jar. This step removes the lavender buds, leaving you with a smooth, beautifully scented syrup. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use as much or as little as you like in your London Fog latte to achieve your desired level of floral sweetness.

Mastering Your London Fog: Essential Chef’s Tips

Creating the perfect London Fog latte involves a few key considerations that can significantly elevate your drink from good to extraordinary. These expert tips will help you achieve coffeehouse perfection right in your home kitchen.

Selecting Your Earl Grey Tea: The heart of a London Fog is its Earl Grey tea, and brands can vary dramatically. Some Earl Grey blends feature prominent notes of bergamot, while others might incorporate subtle hints of lavender or other florals. You can also find caffeine-free versions, which are excellent for an evening treat or if you’re sensitive to caffeine. It is absolutely crucial to choose a brand of Earl Grey tea that you genuinely enjoy, as its distinct flavor profile will be the defining characteristic of your latte. Experiment with different brands to find your perfect match.
Infusing More Lavender Flavor: If you’re a true fan of lavender, beyond just the simple syrup, you can deepen the floral aroma directly in your tea. Simply add a small pinch of culinary-grade dried lavender buds to a loose-leaf tea strainer and steep them along with your Earl Grey tea bags in the boiling water. This method ensures a more intense and authentic lavender infusion that complements the bergamot beautifully.
The Art of Frothing Milk: While any milk can be used, some varieties froth much better than others, creating that desirable velvety texture. Whole milk is an excellent dairy option because its fat content is just right – rich enough to create a luxurious foam without being too heavy to froth effectively. Among non-dairy alternatives, oat milk is a consistent favorite for lattes due to its superior frothing capabilities, producing a wonderfully creamy and stable foam. Soy milk and almond milk also work well, offering good frothing results and distinct flavor profiles. Experiment with different milks to discover your preferred texture and taste.
Optimal Steeping Time: The steeping time of your Earl Grey tea is critical for flavor balance. For a bold, robust tea flavor that stands up to the milk and sweetness, steep your tea bags for the full 5 minutes. If you prefer a more delicate tea presence, a shorter steeping time of 3 minutes might be ideal. Over-steeping can lead to bitterness, so keep an eye on the clock!
Sweetener Selection: The type of sweetener you choose can subtly alter the overall character of your London Fog. Honey offers a rich, floral sweetness, while maple syrup provides a warm, earthy note. Vanilla simple syrup enhances the classic vanilla flavor, and lavender simple syrup introduces a delightful floral twist. For those managing sugar intake, liquid keto sweeteners are an excellent option.

A London fog latte in a clear glass mug on a wooden table, steam rising.

A close-up of a London fog latte with foamed milk and a tea bag.

Beyond the London Fog: Explore More Tasty Beverages

If you’ve enjoyed the comforting embrace of this London Fog latte, you’ll surely appreciate our other delightful beverage recipes. Expand your home barista skills and discover new favorites for every mood and occasion:

Easy Golden Milk
Cold Brew Green Tea
Pumpkin Caramel Macchiato
Elderberry Tonic
How to Make Cucumber Water
Moon Milk (3 Ways)
Paleo Hot Chocolate
Powerhouse Pink Latte – 4 Ways
Matcha Latte
Keto Chocolate Milk
Iced Golden Milk Latte
Apple Cider and Vinegar Honey Shot
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer Recipe
How to Make Oat Milk

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5 from 3 votes

London Fog Latte Recipe

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

5 minutes

Total:

10 minutes

A simple, homemade version of a classic Starbucks drink, this London fog latte is a creamy, comforting twist on Earl Grey tea.

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

2 lattes

Ingredients

2 bags Earl Grey tea
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 ½ cups milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (see Notes)
2 tablespoons honey (or 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup, see Notes)

Equipment

Large measuring cup
Small saucepan (optional, see Notes)
Whisk (optional, see Notes)
Spoon
2 mugs

Instructions

Place 2 bags Earl Grey tea in a large measuring cup. Add 1 ½ cups boiling water to the measuring cup, ensuring the tea bags are fully submerged. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes.
While the tea steeps, combine 1 ½ cups milk of choice, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons honey in a small saucepan. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Gently simmer the milk mixture over medium-low heat for approximately 2 minutes, or until it is warm and just begins to steam. Be careful not to boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the milk becomes frothy and foamy.
Carefully remove the tea bags from the measuring cup. Transfer the majority of the frothed milk into the measuring cup with the steeped tea, reserving a small amount of the foamed milk to spoon on top of the finished lattes.
Gently stir the milk and tea together until thoroughly combined. Divide the creamy mixture evenly between 2 mugs. Top each latte with the reserved foamed milk, if desired, for a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of creaminess. Serve immediately and enjoy hot.

Notes for Perfection

Vanilla Extract & Vanilla Syrup: If you opt to use vanilla syrup as your sweetener (replacing the honey), there’s no need to add the vanilla extract separately, as the syrup will provide sufficient vanilla flavor.
Alternative Milk Warming: Instead of the stovetop method described, if you own an espresso machine, you can use its steam wand to warm and froth your milk for an even creamier result.
Efficient Milk Frothing: For a more consistent and effortless foam, transfer the warmed milk to a heatproof glass or measuring cup and use an electric milk frother to create rich, velvety foam. For best results, hold the container at a 45-degree angle while frothing to incorporate more air.
Adjusting Tea Strength: For a bolder Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea bags for the full 5 minutes. If you prefer a lighter tea presence, reduce the steeping time to 3-4 minutes to avoid any bitterness.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

There you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting your very own London Fog latte at home. This creamy, fragrant, and customizable beverage is more than just a drink; it’s a small luxury that brings warmth and tranquility to your day. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can consistently create a delightful cafe experience without ever leaving your kitchen. Experiment with teas, milks, and sweeteners, and don’t forget to try our special lavender simple syrup to truly elevate your tea game. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly brewed London Fog!