Oh, hi there, tea lover! Let me tell you about this dreamy London Fog Latte recipe that’s about to make your mornings so much cozier. Imagine the comforting aroma of Earl Grey tea paired with the elegant flavor of bergamot, creamy vanilla, and just a touch of sweetness. It’s like your favorite Starbucks treat, but even better—because you can make it right at home! Perfect for quiet mornings or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this homemade latte is sure to warm your heart and brighten your day. Plus, it’s super easy on your wallet too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This homemade London Fog latte recipe brings all the warmth, comfort, and elegance of the coffee shop favorite right into your own kitchen. With its delicate blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla, this drink is a dream come true for tea lovers who want to recreate the magic of a Starbucks-style London Fog latte at home.
The best part? You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize sweetness levels, experiment with different milk options, and create a cup that’s perfectly suited to your taste. Whether you're looking to switch up your morning routine or find a soothing alternative to coffee, this latte is the perfect way to elevate your hot drink repertoire. One sip, and you'll see why this creamy, fragrant tea latte has become a cozy-weather essential!
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Ingredients
For one serving of this classic London Fog latte tea latte, you'll need:
- Grey tea bags (high-quality for best results)
- Hot water (208°F/97°C)
- Whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
- Vanilla syrup (or ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- Honey or sweetener of choice
- Optional: dried culinary lavender (for lavender London Fog latte variation)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Tea Base
- Heat water to just below boiling (208°F/97°C)
- Place Earl Grey tea bags in your mug
- Pour hot water over the tea bags
- Let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired strength
- Remove tea bags, gently squeezing out excess liquid
Steam and Froth the Milk
- While tea steeps, heat milk in a small saucepan or milk frother
- If using a saucepan, heat until small bubbles form around the edges
- Froth milk using a handheld frother or by whisking vigorously
- For extra smoothness, strain milk if needed
Combine and Finish
- Add vanilla syrup or extract to the steeped tea
- Stir in honey or sweetener until dissolved
- Slowly pour in the steamed milk while holding back the foam
- Top with remaining milk foam
- Optional: dust with a tiny pinch of culinary lavender
- Step 1 :Prepare the Tea Base
Steep Earl Grey tea in hot water, then add honey for sweetness.
- Step 2 : Steam and Froth the Milk
Heat milk in a saucepan and froth until creamy and smooth.
- Step 3 : Combine and Finish
Mix tea with vanilla, add steamed milk, top with foam, and garnish with lavender.
Equipment
- Electric kettle or stovetop kettle
- Milk frother or small saucepan
- Large mug (12-16 oz capacity)
- Tea strainer (if using loose leaf tea)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
Variations
- Lavender London Fog :
- Add ¼ teaspoon dried culinary lavender while steeping the tea for a fragrant twist on the classic recipe.
- Keto London Fog :
- Use sugar-free vanilla syrup and heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk for a keto-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free London Fog :
- Substitute regular milk with oat milk or almond milk - oat milk creates the best foam for dairy-free options.
- Iced London Fog :
- Steep tea in half the amount of hot water, add sweetener while hot, then pour over ice and top with cold frothed milk.
Storage
- Brew a concentrated tea base and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours
- Prepare vanilla syrup in advance and keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
- For bulk prep, make tea concentrate and store in ice cube trays for quick iced versions
A Sip of Comfort: The Magic of a Homemade London Fog Latte
The first time I tasted a London Fog latte, it felt like wrapping myself in a warm, cozy blanket on a crisp autumn morning. The bold, floral notes of Earl Grey, the gentle sweetness of vanilla, and the smooth, velvety steamed milk created a combination so comforting, I instantly knew this drink would become part of my daily ritual.
There’s something special about making it at home—the way the aroma of bergamot-infused tea fills the kitchen, the quiet moment of frothing milk to perfection, and that first soothing sip that melts away the stress of the day. Whether it’s a slow morning with a good book or a much-needed afternoon escape, this homemade London Fog latte brings the elegance of a café right to your favorite mug. Once you make it from scratch, you may never need to order one again!
FAQ
What does a London Fog latte have in it?
A London Fog latte is a beautifully simple yet flavorful drink made with a few key ingredients. The base of the latte is Earl Grey tea, a black tea infused with bergamot oil, which gives it a distinctive floral and citrusy aroma. To create the signature creamy texture, steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy) is added, blending seamlessly with the tea. Vanilla syrup is essential for its smooth, slightly sweet, and warm undertone, balancing the bold flavors of the tea. If you prefer extra sweetness, you can add honey or another sweetener of your choice, making it a fully customizable and comforting drink.
What is a dirty London Fog?
A Dirty London Fog is a variation of the classic London Fog latte, with an added shot of espresso for a caffeine boost. While the traditional version relies on the natural energy from black tea, this twist enhances the drink’s depth with a rich, bold coffee flavor. The combination of Earl Grey tea, creamy steamed milk, vanilla, and espresso creates a unique fusion of tea and coffee, making it an excellent choice for those who love both but can't decide between the two. It’s perfect for mornings when you need an extra kick of energy while still enjoying the cozy, aromatic essence of a classic London Fog latte.
What is the difference between a tea latte and a London Fog?
While all London Fog lattes are tea lattes, not all tea lattes are London Fogs. A tea latte can be made with any type of tea, such as matcha, chai, or rooibos, combined with steamed milk for a creamy, soothing beverage. However, a true London Fog has specific requirements—it must be made with Earl Grey tea and include vanilla flavoring. The distinct floral, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor of bergamot-infused Earl Grey, combined with vanilla and steamed milk, is what sets the London Fog latte apart from other tea-based drinks.
How many pumps of vanilla are in a Starbucks London Fog?
At Starbucks, the amount of vanilla syrup in a London Fog latte varies based on the size of the drink:
- Tall (12 oz) – 2 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Grande (16 oz) – 3 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Venti (20 oz) – 4 pumps of vanilla syrup
Each pump of syrup adds a layer of sweetness and warmth, enhancing the natural flavors of the Earl Grey tea. If you prefer a lighter or stronger vanilla flavor, you can customize the number of pumps to match your taste. When making a homemade London Fog latte, you can adjust the vanilla syrup amount based on personal preference, or even substitute it with pure vanilla extract and a sweetener of your choice for a more natural version.
Cozy Up with a Homemade London Fog Latte
This homemade London Fog latte recipe brings the comfort and charm of your favorite coffee shop right into your kitchen—cozy slippers optional! With just a few simple ingredients and foolproof steps, you’ll be sipping on a tea latte that rivals any Starbucks version in no time. Whether you’re looking to cut back on coffee or simply can’t resist the soothing, aromatic blend of Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla, this drink is about to become your new go-to in the hot drink lineup.
Want to mix things up? If you’re in the mood for something with a bolder, spicier kick, be sure to try our Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe—a rich, warming treat that’s a total game-changer for your cozy drink rotation. And for those craving a coffeehouse classic, don’t miss our Hot Caramel Macchiato - Starbucks Copycat Recipe for a sweet, creamy indulgence.
👉 Check out our Hot Caramel Macchiato - Starbucks Copycat Recipe!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Homemade London Fog Recipe:
Homemade London Fog Latte
Equipment
- 1 Electric kettle or stovetop kettle
- 1 Milk frother or small saucepan
- 1 Large mug (12-16 oz capacity)
- 1 Tea strainer (if using loose leaf tea)
- Measuring spoons
- 1 Measuring cup
Ingredients
For one serving :
- 2 2Earl Grey tea bags (high-quality for best results)
- 1 cup 240g hot water (208°F/97°C)
- ¾ cup 180g whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 2-3 teaspoon 15g vanilla syrup (or 2.5g/½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 1-2 teaspoon 7-14g honey or sweetener of choice
- ¼ teaspoon Optional: 0.5g dried culinary lavender (for lavender London Fog variation)
Instructions
Prepare the Tea Base
- Heat water to just below boiling (208°F/97°C)
- Place Earl Grey tea bags in your mug
- Pour hot water over the tea bags
- Let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired strength
- Remove tea bags, gently squeezing out excess liquid
Steam and Froth the Milk
- While tea steeps, heat milk in a small saucepan or milk frother
- If using a saucepan, heat until small bubbles form around the edges
- Froth milk using a handheld frother or by whisking vigorously
- For extra smoothness, strain milk if needed
Combine and Finish
- Add vanilla syrup or extract to the steeped tea
- Stir in honey or sweetener until dissolved
- Slowly pour in the steamed milk while holding back the foam
- Top with remaining milk foam
- Optional: dust with a tiny pinch of culinary lavender
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