Transform your morning routine with this delightful London Fog Latte recipe that rivals your favorite Starbucks drink. This aromatic Earl Grey tea latte combines the sophisticated flavors of bergamot with creamy vanilla and a gentle sweetness that'll warm you from the inside out. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, this homemade version is both economical and customizable to your taste preferences.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This homemade London Fog latte recipe captures all the magic of the coffee shop version while giving you complete control over the ingredients. It's perfect for tea lovers who want to recreate their favorite Starbucks London Fog latte at home or anyone looking to expand their hot drink repertoire beyond regular coffee or tea.
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Ingredients
For one serving of this classic London Fog latte tea latte, you'll need:
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (high-quality for best results)
- 1 cup hot water (208°F/97°C)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 2-3 teaspoons vanilla syrup (or ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of choice
- Optional: dried culinary lavender (for lavender London Fog latte 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
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
Top Tip
The single most important tip for a perfect London Fog latte is temperature control throughout the process. Never pour boiling water directly onto your Earl Grey tea - instead, let it cool for 30 seconds after boiling (to around 208°F/97°C). This prevents the tea from becoming bitter while still extracting the perfect balance of bergamot oil and tea flavors. Similarly, heat your milk just until small bubbles form around the edges (around 150°F/65°C) - this creates the ideal microfoam texture without scalding the milk. This temperature control is what sets a professional-quality London Fog apart from an average tea latte
FAQ
What does a London Fog latte have in it?
Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and optional honey or sweetener.
What is a dirty London Fog?
A London Fog with a shot of espresso added.
What is the difference between a tea latte and a London Fog?
A tea latte can be made with any tea, while a London Fog specifically uses Earl Grey tea and must include vanilla flavoring.
How many pumps of vanilla are in a Starbucks London Fog?
3 pumps for grande (16 oz), 4 for venti (20 oz), and 2 for tall (12 oz).
This homemade London Fog recipe brings the comfort of your favorite coffee shop right to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a luxurious tea latte that rivals any Starbucks London Fog. Whether you're looking for a caffeine alternative or simply love Earl Grey tea, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your hot drink rotation.
Check out our Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe for more meal prep ideas.
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Homemade London Fog Latte
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
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
Notes
- Use fresh Earl Grey tea for the best bergamot flavor
- Don't oversteep the tea to avoid bitterness
- Heat milk slowly to achieve the perfect creamy texture
- Adjust sweetness gradually to taste
- For an iced version, double-strength brew the tea and serve over ice
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