Dirty London Fog

The Dirty London Fog is a delightful fusion of two beloved caffeinated beverages. It starts with the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea, sweetened with vanilla syrup and combined with creamy steamed milk, just like a traditional London Fog. A shot of rich, dark espresso is then added, introducing a robust coffee flavor that complements the delicate tea. This creates a uniquely complex, layered, and energizing drink that satisfies both coffee and tea lovers.
Dirty London Fog

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Dirty London Fog is a hybrid beverage, classified as both a coffee and a tea drink. It is a modern creation, typically found in specialty coffee shops, that adds a shot of espresso to the classic tea latte known as a London Fog. This places it in the category of contemporary café drinks.

Serving

Served hot in a large 12 oz (350 ml) latte mug or a similar heat-proof cup, this is a comforting, completely alcohol-free beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Latte mug
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Dirty London Fog is a modern café invention, born from the "dirty chai" trend where espresso is added to a chai latte. Baristas and customers began experimenting by adding espresso shots to other tea lattes. The London Fog, with its distinct bergamot and vanilla profile, proved to be an excellent candidate for this "dirty" treatment. The result is a harmonious drink that balances the fragrant qualities of tea with the deep intensity of coffee.
Origin
The Dirty London Fog likely originated in specialty coffee shops across North America, particularly in regions with strong café cultures like the Pacific Northwest and Canada. It emerged in the late 2000s or 2010s, following the established popularity of the Dirty Chai Latte.

Dirty London Fog

The drink is known by several names, all indicating the addition of espresso to a classic London Fog. "London Smog" is a clever play on the original name, referencing the darker color from the coffee. "Espresso London Fog" and "Dirty Earl Grey Latte" are more descriptive alternatives highlighting the key ingredients.
Original name
Dirty London Fog
Alternative names
  • Espresso London Fog
  • London Smog
  • Dirty Earl Grey Latte

Characteristics overview

The Dirty London Fog offers a complex aroma of bergamot and coffee, with a smooth, velvety texture. Its flavor is a balanced blend of sweet vanilla, floral tea, and robust espresso, making it a warming all-season drink.
Flavor
Creamy, bold, floral, citrusy, vanilla, robust coffee
Aroma
Bergamot, vanilla, roasted coffee, floral
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering, pleasant notes of coffee and bergamot
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, opaque, creamy, layered before stirring
Texture
Smooth, velvety, creamy
Seasonality
Warming, all-season, especially popular in autumn and winter

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a pleasant balance between the sweetness from vanilla syrup, bitterness from espresso and tea, and a high level of creaminess from the milk. This is a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a shot of espresso, strongly brewed Earl Grey tea, steamed milk of your choice, and vanilla syrup for sweetness. Hot water is required for steeping the tea.
  • Espresso1 shot (30 ml / 1 oz)
    A single shot of freshly pulled espresso.
  • Earl Grey Tea1 tea bag or 2 grams loose leaf
    Strongly brewed.
  • Hot Water120 ml / 4 oz
    For steeping the tea, just off the boil.
  • Milk180 ml / 6 oz
    Whole milk is common, but oat milk or almond milk work wonderfully.
  • Vanilla Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to personal taste.
  • Dried Lavender1 pinch(optional)
    Culinary-grade, for garnish.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

An espresso machine is needed to pull the shot of coffee, and a milk steamer is used to create the creamy texture. You will also need a mug or small pot to steep the Earl Grey tea.
  • Espresso machine: For brewing espresso.
  • Milk frother or steamer: For steaming and frothing the milk.
  • Mug or teapot: For steeping the tea.

Instructions

The process involves steeping Earl Grey tea, mixing it with vanilla syrup, adding a fresh shot of espresso, and then topping it all with beautifully steamed milk for a layered beverage.
1. Brew the tea by steeping one Earl Grey tea bag (or loose leaf tea) in 4 oz (120 ml) of hot water for 3-5 minutes, then remove the tea bag or strain.
2. Stir the vanilla syrup into the hot tea until it is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into your serving mug.
3. Brew one shot of espresso and add it to the tea in the mug.
4. Steam and froth 6 oz (180 ml) of your chosen milk until it is hot and has a velvety microfoam.
5. Gently pour the steamed milk into the mug over the tea and espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon, then topping the drink with the foam.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender buds, if using, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple sprinkle of dried lavender buds is the classic garnish, adding a beautiful aroma that complements the Earl Grey tea.
  • Dried Lavender: Sprinkle a few dried culinary lavender buds on top of the foam.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from both coffee and tea and is typically made with dairy milk. However, it can easily be adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by substituting with plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink's caloric and sugar content is moderate, primarily coming from the milk and vanilla syrup used. The nutritional values can vary significantly based on the type of milk and amount of syrup chosen.
Calories
Approximately 150-250 kcal / 628-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-35 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18-30 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a morning beverage when you need an extra boost from both coffee and tea. It also serves as a cozy and comforting afternoon treat, ideal for rainy days or during a focused study session.
  • Morning pick-me-up
  • Afternoon treat
  • Cozy day drink
  • Study session

Pairing suggestions

This beverage pairs beautifully with classic tea-time pastries like scones, shortbread, and croissants. Its complex flavor also complements delicate French cookies like madeleines. It is the perfect companion for a quiet afternoon of reading.
  • Scones with clotted cream and jam
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Almond croissants
  • Madeleines
  • A good book

Dirty London Fog: Where Coffee and Tea Embrace

The Dirty London Fog is a creative and delicious hybrid beverage that successfully marries the worlds of coffee and tea. It takes the beloved London Fog—a latte made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and steamed milk—and adds a shot of robust espresso. The result is a uniquely layered drink where the floral, citrusy notes of bergamot from the tea are deepened by the rich, bold flavor of coffee. It's a perfect choice for those who can't decide between coffee and tea, offering the best of both in one warm, comforting mug.

Similar drinks

Dirty Chai Latte

The original "dirty" tea latte, made with spiced chai concentrate, steamed milk, and a shot of espresso.

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