London Fog
The London Fog is a delightful and aromatic hot beverage that offers a soothing alternative to coffee-based lattes. It combines the distinctive citrusy and floral notes of bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea with creamy steamed milk. A touch of vanilla syrup adds a subtle sweetness and depth, creating a perfectly balanced and comforting drink for any time of day.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The London Fog is classified as a hot tea drink. It's a type of tea latte, prepared with steamed milk, making it a popular non-alcoholic café beverage. It is neither a cocktail nor a traditional tea, but a modern creation that sits in its own unique category.
Serving
A London Fog is a warm, non-alcoholic beverage served in a standard-sized mug or latte glass. Pre-warming the mug can help keep the drink hot for longer.
Serving size
~350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug or latte glass
Glass treatment
None, but pre-warming the mug is recommended
Backstory
The London Fog is said to have originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in the 1990s. The story goes that a pregnant customer, Mary Loria, who could no longer drink coffee, requested an alternative at the Buckwheat Cafe. The result was this concoction of Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla, which quickly grew in popularity and spread to cafes across the world.
Origin
Vancouver, Canada, circa 1990s.
London Fog
The drink is primarily known as a London Fog. It is also commonly referred to as an Earl Grey Tea Latte due to its core components. Some coffee shops may list it as a Vanilla Tea Misto, reflecting its preparation method similar to a Caffè Misto but with tea instead of coffee.
Original name
London Fog
Alternative names
- Earl Grey Tea Latte
- Vanilla Tea Misto
Characteristics overview
The drink has a comforting aroma of bergamot and vanilla, with a creamy, floral, and citrusy flavor. Its texture is smooth and velvety from the steamed milk, making it a perfect warming beverage for cooler weather.
Flavor
creamy, floral, citrusy, sweet, comforting
Aroma
bergamot, vanilla, floral, milky
Taste balance
sweet, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
clean, smooth, lingering vanilla
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
opaque, creamy beige, light brown
Texture
smooth, velvety, frothy
Seasonality
warming, all-season, especially popular in autumn and winter
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a gently flavored drink, with a dominant creaminess and sweetness balanced by the subtle floral bitterness of Earl Grey tea. It is not alcoholic or carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The essential ingredients are strongly brewed Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup for sweetness. Plant-based milks are a common and excellent substitution.
- Earl Grey tea1 tea bag or 2 teaspoons loose leafBrewed strong.
- Hot water1/2 cup / 120 ml / 4 ozFor steeping the tea.
- Milk1/2 cup / 120 ml / 4 ozWhole milk is common, but any milk or plant-based alternative works.
- Vanilla syrup2 teaspoons / 10 ml / 0.33 ozAdjust to taste. Can be substituted with vanilla extract and sugar.
- Dried lavenderA pinch(optional)For garnish, adds a lovely aroma. Can also be steeped with the tea.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
You will need a mug to brew the tea and a method for heating and frothing the milk, such as a milk frother or an espresso machine's steam wand.
- Mug for steeping tea
- Milk frother or steam wand for frothing milk
- Teaspoon for stirring
Instructions
The process involves brewing a strong Earl Grey tea concentrate, adding vanilla syrup, and then topping it with hot, frothed milk. A lavender garnish is optional but recommended.
1. Brew the Earl Grey tea. Place the tea bag or loose-leaf tea in a mug and add hot, not boiling, water (about 95°C / 203°F) halfway up the mug.
2. Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes to create a strong concentrate. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose-leaf tea.
3. While the tea is steeping, heat and froth the milk using a milk frother, steam wand, or by shaking it in a sealed jar and microwaving.
4. Add the vanilla syrup to the brewed tea in the mug and stir to combine.
5. Gently pour the steamed milk into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon.
6. Top the drink with the remaining milk foam.
7. If using, garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
A common and elegant garnish is a sprinkle of culinary-grade dried lavender on top of the foam. This adds a beautiful floral aroma that complements the bergamot.
- Sprinkle of dried lavender, for aroma and visual appeal
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine and is typically made with dairy, but it can be easily adapted to be dairy-free and vegan by using plant-based milk. It is naturally egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free (depending on the choice of milk).
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A standard London Fog is moderately low in calories, with most coming from the sugar in the milk and added vanilla syrup. It can be made lighter by using skim milk and sugar-free syrup.
Calories
averagely 120 kcal / 502 kJ (with whole milk)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 14 g (from milk and syrup)
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for cozy, relaxing moments, such as a quiet morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting treat on a rainy day. Its caffeine content is lower than coffee, making it a suitable warm beverage for the evening as well.
- Cozy morning
- Afternoon break
- Rainy day comfort
- Bedtime drink
Pairing suggestions
The London Fog pairs beautifully with light pastries and baked goods. Its creamy, floral notes complement buttery treats like scones, shortbread, and croissants. The sweetness is not overpowering, making it a great accompaniment for afternoon tea-style snacks.
- Scones with clotted cream and jam
- Shortbread cookies
- Madeleine cakes
- Almond croissant
The London Fog: A Cozy Embrace in a Cup
The London Fog is a warm, comforting, and elegant tea latte that originated in Canada. It's made from a simple combination of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, creating a flavor profile that is both floral and creamy. Perfect as a coffee alternative, it offers a soothing experience ideal for a cozy afternoon or a gentle start to the day. Its simplicity and delightful taste have made it a beloved staple in cafes around the world.
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