Sweet, creamy, and blended with Earl Grey tea, this London fog latte is a tasty twist on a black tea latte. My version adds in soothing brown sugar lavender simple syrup for a very special essence & flavor.
What is a London Fog and Where is it From?
A London Fog Latte is a delicious tea-based hot drink that's made by mixing Earl Grey tea, frothed milk and vanilla syrup. Many London Fogs variations at coffee shops have additional flavorings, such as lavender and honey.
Don't let the name mislead you - this drink is actually said to have originated in Vancouver, British Columbia. The British connection is clear with the inclusion of Earl Grey tea, as well as the fact that Canada and the UK are both part of The Commonwealth, so there's probably a historical connection there!
Why is it Called a London Fog?
The 'London Fog' is most widely assumed to refer to the heavy, misty fog that famously covers the streets of London, England from time to time. The drink looks similar to fog, its a light grey-lavender color and the frothy milk has a misty quality. You may also hear the drink called an Earl Grey Latte, Earl Grey Crème or similar.
What Does a London Fog Latte Taste Like?
This drink has all the great flavor of Earl Grey tea - refreshing citrus from the bergamot oil and malty taste of black tea. This is mixed with the creamy-ness of the milk and sweet vanilla flavor.
Is there Sugar in a London Fog?
London Fog is a sweet drink, but it depends on how much simple syrup you add. It can also be sweetened with honey or sugar substitutes, if you like. It's a great idea to make a London Fog yourself at home, so that you can control how much sugar goes in.
If you're craving a sweet treat infused with London Fog goodness, try my recipe for London Fog Gelato Ice Cream. It's incredible!
What is in a London Fog at Starbucks?
A Starbucks London Fog contains milk, an infused mix of black tea, bergamot essence, lavender flowers, and finally, vanilla syrup. It's fairly simple and totally re-creatable at home with this recipe.
How to Make a London Fog Latte
Step 1: Lavender Simple Syrup
You will need the following ingredients to make the lavender syrup:
Add a quarter cup of brown sugar and a quarter cup of water to a saucepan. Turn heat to medium and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove the syrup from heat, then add the flowers from two stems of lavender and vanilla extract. Let the whole mixture steep for 30 minutes. Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2: London Fog
Gather your ingredients, including your pre-made lavender syrup.
Start by bringing ¾ cup of water to boil. Then, steep the Earl Grey tea bag in the boiling water.
Once steeped, remove the teabag from the water and proceed with your heated (or non-heated for iced) dairy or non-dairy milk and up to one tablespoon of the lavender simple syrup using one of the following methods:
Metal Whisk
Add the milk or non-dairy milk to the tea and whisk until frothy in a “W” or “M” shaped pattern. Pour over ice if you prefer an iced latte. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Blender
Add the milk or non-dairy milk and steeped tea to a high-speed blender. Run the blender for one minute until you have a smooth frothy liquid. Pour over ice if you prefer an iced latte. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Jar with Lid
Add the milk or non-dairy milk and the steeped tea to a jar. Seal, and shake until well mixed and frothy. If you prefer an iced latte, add the ice before shaking. This method works great as an iced latte, since the solid ice tends to help shake it up well. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Frother or Handheld Frother
Add the milk or non-dairy milk and the steeped tea to the glass. Use your frother to froth the mixture. (You will do this directly in the glass/mug if using a hand frother.) If making an iced latte, add ice after. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Steamer/Espresso Machine
Steam the milk using your steamer or espresso machine. Add the milk or non-dairy milk over the steeped tea. Pour over ice and give it a stir if you prefer an iced latte. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Drink and enjoy!
If you like this recipe...
You will want to check out some of my other favorite beverages or some of these favorites:
- London Fog Gelato
- Matcha Latte
- Dalgona Matcha Latte
- Whipped Chocolate Milk Latte
- Bubble Tea (Boba)
- Whipped Orange Creamsicle
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London Fog Latte with Lavender Simple Syrup
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar I prefer brown sugar, but granulated and turbinado also work
- 2 fresh lavender stems stem removed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Earl Grey London Fog Latte
- 1 earl grey teabag
- 1 tablespoon lavender simple syrup
- ⅓ cup non-dairy milk heated (oat milk recipe here)
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
Lavender Simple Syrup
- Add ¼ cup turbinado + ¼ cup water to a sauce pan. Turn to medium heat and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, add the two lavender flowers and vanilla extract, and let steep for 30 minutes. Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Earl Grey Latte
- Bring ¾ cup of water to boil.
- Steep the tea in the water. If making a hot latte, heat the milk over low heat without bringing it to a boil. If making an iced latte, no need to heat it. Then continue using one of the following methods:
Metal Whisk
- Add the milk or non-dairy milk to the tea and whisk until frothy in a “W” or “M” shaped pattern. Pour over ice if you prefer an iced latte. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Blender
- Add the milk or non-dairy milk and steeped tea to a high-speed blender. Run the blender for one minute until you have a smooth frothy liquid. Pour over ice if you prefer an iced latte. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Frother
- Add the milk or non-dairy milk and the steeped tea to the glass. Use your frother to froth the mixture. (You will do this directly in the glass/mug if using a hand held frother.) If making an iced latte, add ice after. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Steamer or Espresso Machine
- Steam the milk using your steamer or espresso machine. Add the milk or non-dairy milk over the steeped tea. Pour over ice and give it a stir if you prefer an iced latte. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Jar
- Add the milk or non-dairy milk and the steeped tea to a jar. Seal, and shake until well mixed and frothy. If you prefer an iced latte, add the ice before shaking. This method works great as an iced latte, since the solid ice tends to help shake it up well. Sweeten with the lavender simple syrup.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in October of 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, and tips June of 2020.
I'm really interested in making this. Can I use my own Lavender, from my garden to make the syrup? I don't use any pesticides and I just dry it in my house.
Yes, all species of lavender are edible so you are safe to enjoy your own!