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If you love warm, cozy drinks with a touch of elegance, this London Fog Drink will be your new favorite. Made with fragrant Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla, it’s creamy, soothing, and tastes just like the coffee shop version — only healthier and more affordable to make at home!
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It’s tea time, friends.
Tea time isn’t just a British thing. It’s a nap-time thing. An I’m-tired-and-need-a-pick-me-up thing. Sometimes, an I-want-to-feel-fancy thing.
In our post about the Iced London Fog, I talk about how the London Fog tea recipe didn’t actually originate in London. While that’s mildly disappointing for someone whose itinerary says “Walmart” for the foreseeable future instead of “Europe,” that doesn’t mean sipping a London Fog drink can’t feel fancy and exotic.
Wherever you are in the world, or whatever brings you to tea time, welcome. If you’re new to the London fog drink, double welcome. Your life is about to be enriched.
The London fog drink is a dreamy combination of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, sugar, and, best of all, vanilla extract. This tea recipe is what dreams are made of. It’s sweet, comforting, and easy to make at home with pantry staples that are so much healthier (and cheaper) than what you’ll find at the coffee shop. So, pull out your favorite tea cup and get ready for the best tea time you’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Love This London Fog Tea Recipe
There’s something special about a warm mug of creamy Earl Grey tea. The London fog drink is simple but feels like a treat — smooth, floral, and lightly sweetened with vanilla. It’s the perfect cozy drink for slow mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or when you want something soothing without the caffeine kick of coffee.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Coffee shop flavor at home – It tastes just like the Starbucks version, but you can make it in 10 minutes for a fraction of the cost and without any scary syrups or refined sugar.
- Calming and cozy – Earl Grey’s hint of bergamot makes it naturally relaxing and aromatic.
- Easy to customize – Adjust the sweetness, milk type, or tea strength to make it exactly how you like.
- Can be served hot or iced – Enjoy it steaming on cold days or pour it over ice for a refreshing twist. Check out our Iced London Fog Recipe for the full instructions!
- Perfect for slow moments – It’s simple to make but feels like a mental reset when life gets crazy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this comforting London fog drink at home:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag – The star of the drink! Earl Grey is a black tea infused with bergamot, a citrusy note that gives the London Fog its signature flavor.
- ¾ cup boiling water – Hot enough to fully extract the flavor from the tea leaves.
- 2 teaspoons cane sugar – Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tea’s natural bitterness. Feel free to adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings that warm, cozy aroma and flavor — it’s what gives the drink its “fog.”
- ¾ cup milk – Use whole milk for a creamy texture or oat milk for a silky, dairy-free version. Almond, oat, or coconut milk also work.
Optional Add-Ins
- Lavender buds – Add a pinch for a floral Lavender London Fog.
- Honey – Swap for sugar for a softer, more natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – Sprinkle on top for a little warmth and color.
Equipment
- Milk frother or handheld whisk – To foam the milk and give the drink its signature latte texture.
- Kettle or saucepan – For boiling water.
- Mug or heat-safe cup – To steep and assemble your drink.
How to Make a London Fog Drink
You’re just ten minutes away from the most magnificent tea latte of your dreams!
Step 1: Steep the Tea
Bring water to a boil and pour it over the Earl Grey tea bag in your favorite mug. Let it steep for 5 minutes so the flavor becomes rich and fragrant.
Step 2: Sweeten and Add Vanilla
Remove the tea bag, then stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until dissolved. This gives you that smooth, sweet base.
Step 3: Warm and Froth the Milk
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe cup, heat ¾ cup of milk until hot but not boiling. Use a milk frother or whisk to froth until light and foamy.
Step 4: Pour and Serve
Slowly pour the warm milk into the tea mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the froth on top.
Step 5: Optional Toppings
Sprinkle with lavender, cinnamon, or a touch of vanilla sugar for an elegant finish.
Tips for Success
- Use quality Earl Grey tea. The flavor of your drink depends on it. Look for loose-leaf or a good brand with strong bergamot notes.
- Steep for the right time. Five minutes is the sweet spot — long enough for rich flavor, but not so long that it becomes bitter.
- Warm, don’t boil the milk. Milk that’s too hot won’t froth well and can lose its sweetness. Aim for just below boiling (about 150°F).
- Froth any way you can. If you don’t have a frother, use a handheld whisk, shake warm milk in a sealed jar, or plunge a French press up and down a few times.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Start with 2 teaspoons of sugar, then add more or less depending on your preference.
- Serve immediately. The foam will settle over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Flavor Variations
- Lavender London Fog: Add a pinch of culinary lavender buds while steeping the tea for a light, floral touch and sweeten with our Lavender Simple Syrup.
- Honey Vanilla Fog: Swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Iced London Fog: Brew the tea double-strength, stir in vanilla and sweetener, then pour over ice and top with cold frothed milk.
- Vegan London Fog: Use oat milk for a rich, creamy, dairy-free option. Almond, soy, or coconut milk also work great.
- Cinnamon Spice Fog: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Yolky London Fog Latte (Rich & Velvety)
If you love creamy, custard-like drinks, try turning your London Fog into a yolky latte — inspired by my Egg Yolk Coffee recipe. To make it, whisk one pasteurized egg yolk with your sweetener and vanilla before adding the hot tea. Then, slowly stream in the warm milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth, frothy, velvety texture.
It’s incredibly rich, nourishing, and naturally sweet — a cozy twist that feels like a dessert in a mug.
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy your London fog drink alongside our Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies for the ultimate afternoon tea moment.
- Pair with a protein-rich breakfast like our High Protein Quiche Lorraine for a well-rounded start to your day.
- For a treat, top with a little Maple Vanilla Whipped Cream and a drizzle of honey.
FAQ: London Fog Drink
What is a London Fog?
A London Fog drink is a cozy tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla, and a touch of sweetener. It’s smooth, lightly floral from the bergamot in the tea, and tastes like comfort in a cup.
What kind of tea do you use for a London Fog?
Traditional London Fog tea recipes use Earl Grey tea, which is a black tea flavored with bergamot orange oil. You can also try Lady Grey tea for a softer, slightly citrusy flavor.
Can I make a London Fog without a frother?
Yes! If you don’t have a frother, you can still make this tea latte. Warm the milk, then shake it in a sealed jar, whisk it by hand, or pump it in a French press until it becomes foamy.
Can I make an Iced London Fog?
Absolutely! Check out our Iced London Fog Recipe for full instructions.
Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
Yes — oat milk is the best non-dairy option for a creamy texture, but almond, soy, or coconut milk also work well. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version so you can control the flavor balance.
How do I make my London Fog taste stronger?
Use two tea bags or 1½ tablespoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey, and steep a bit longer — around 6–7 minutes — for a bolder tea flavor.
What does a yolky London Fog taste like?
A yolky London Fog drink has a rich, custard-like texture with a silky feel — similar to a café crème brûlée. The egg yolk adds natural sweetness and body, plus a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals inspired by my Egg Yolk Coffee recipe.
London Fog Drink (Earl Grey Tea Latte Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 bag Earl Grey tea (or 1 tsp loose leaf tea)
- 2-3 tsp cane sugar
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Bring water to a boil and pour ¾ cup over the Earl Grey tea bag in your mug. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Remove the tea bag and stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until dissolved.
- Froth the Milk: Warm ¾ cup milk (either on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling). Use a milk frother or whisk to froth the milk until it is light and foamy.
- Assemble: Slowly pour the frothed milk over the tea mixture, spooning the foam on top.
Notes
- For a stronger tea flavor, use two tea bags or steep a bit longer.
- To make it iced, brew the tea double strength, then pour over ice and top with cold frothed milk.
- Non-dairy options: Oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk all froth beautifully and add subtle flavor twists.
Tea Time Just Got Better
You are going to absolutely love this London Fog drink! It’s warm, cozy, and brings a little cup of peace to an otherwise busy day. If you’re new to Earl Grey tea, or tea isn’t your thing, the London fog tea recipe is a great place to start. No one, and I mean no one, can argue with the flavor combination of vanilla extract and strong tea (at least no one I’ve ever met). Pair that with fluffy frothed milk and you’re on your way to the tea time of your dreams.
