If you’ve ever wandered into a café and ordered a London Fog tea, you know it’s a comforting, creamy, and slightly sweet drink that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. But what exactly is a London Fog, and how do you make it at home? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create your own delicious London Fog tea latte, whether you prefer it hot or iced.
What Is London Fog Tea?
London Fog is a tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness. The key to its unique flavor is the bergamot oil in Earl Grey tea, which gives the drink a subtle citrus aroma. It’s creamy, fragrant, and perfect for relaxing or warming up on a cold day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic London Fog tea latte, gather these simple ingredients:
– Earl Grey tea bags (or loose leaf tea)
– Boiling water
– Milk of your choice (cow’s milk, almond, oat, or coconut milk work well)
– Vanilla extract or vanilla syrup
– Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
– Optional: dried lavender for a floral twist
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making London Fog Tea
1. Brew the Earl Grey Tea
Start by boiling water and steeping 1-2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea) in about 3/4 cup of hot water. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes—long enough to release the bergamot flavor but not so long that it becomes bitter.
If you like, add a pinch of culinary-grade dried lavender to the steeping tea for a soothing floral note.
2. Prepare the Milk
While your tea is steeping, warm your milk on the stove or in the microwave. If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk until it’s light and creamy. If not, simply heat the milk and whisk it vigorously to create some foam.
3. Sweeten and Flavor
Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener to the brewed tea. Stir in about 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of vanilla syrup to give the drink its signature fragrant sweetness.
4. Combine and Serve
Strain the tea to remove the tea bags and any lavender. Pour the sweetened tea into your favorite mug, then gently add the frothed milk on top. Give it a light stir to blend the flavors.
For an extra touch, garnish with dried lavender buds or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
How to Make an Iced London Fog
If you prefer your London Fog cold, the process is just as simple:
– Brew the tea and steep as usual.
– Strain and sweeten the tea, then chill it in the refrigerator or freezer for about 10 minutes.
– Fill a glass with ice, pour in the chilled tea, and top with cold milk.
– Stir gently and garnish as desired.
Tips and Variations to Customize Your London Fog
– Milk options: Cow’s milk and oat milk froth best, but almond, coconut, or other plant-based milks work well too.
– Stronger tea: Use two tea bags or steep longer for a bolder flavor.
– Lavender twist: Adding dried lavender during steeping enhances the floral aroma.
– Sweeteners: Honey dissolves easily in warm tea, but maple syrup or vanilla syrup are great alternatives.
– Extra kick: Add a shot of espresso for a caffeinated twist on the classic.
– Bergamot oil: A drop of bergamot oil can amplify the citrus flavor if you want to get fancy.
Why Make London Fog at Home?
Making your own London Fog tea latte is not only easy but also allows you to customize sweetness, milk type, and flavor intensity to your liking. It’s a cozy, mood-lifting drink perfect for rainy days or anytime you want a soothing treat without heading to a café.
Enjoy crafting your perfect cup of London Fog tea—warm, creamy, and full of comforting flavor!