How to Make the Perfect Homemade London Fog Latte: Your Cozy Earl Grey Escape

Imagine wrapping your hands around a warm mug, filled with a creamy, fragrant London Fog latte, all crafted in the comfort of your own kitchen. This beloved Earl Grey tea latte, a staple at popular coffee shops, is surprisingly simple to recreate at home with just a few basic ingredients. Skip the queues and the expense; prepare to indulge in this comforting beverage whenever the craving strikes, transforming an ordinary moment into a cozy escape.

For me, the London Fog latte is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s my go-to order at cafes when the weather turns crisp, offering a delightful warmth without the excessive sweetness often found in seasonal concoctions. There’s nothing quite like curling up on a chilly, rainy afternoon, a good book loaded on my Kindle, the soothing crackle of a fireplace, and the gentle hum of cafe jazz, all while sipping this exquisite Earl Grey creation. The rhythmic drumming of rain against the windowpane becomes the perfect soundtrack to an hour of pure, undisturbed bliss and rejuvenation. This simple act of self-care is precisely what makes homemade London Fog lattes so special.

What is a London Fog Latte?

At its heart, a London Fog latte is a sophisticated tea-based beverage originating from Vancouver, Canada. It features robust Earl Grey tea, known for its distinctive bergamot citrus oil flavoring, combined with steamed milk, a touch of vanilla, and often sweetened to taste. Traditionally, it includes subtle notes of lavender, which beautifully complement the Earl Grey. However, some variations, like the one we’ll explore, might incorporate other warming spices such as cinnamon for a different, equally delightful twist. The magic happens when the freshly steeped tea is united with velvety, frothy milk, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and a wonderfully comforting texture.

What ingredients do you need to make a London Fog latte?

• Hot water: The foundation of any great tea is good water. I prefer to heat my water quickly and efficiently using an electric kettle, which allows precise temperature control (ideally 208-212ºF for Earl Grey, just below boiling). Once hot, I pour it into a sturdy measuring cup or my elegant glass kettle for two, ready for steeping the tea bags or loose leaves.
• Dried lavender: Dried culinary lavender adds a delicate floral aroma and flavor, which is a signature element of a traditional London Fog. While I appreciate lavender’s calming properties in my essential oil diffuser and love a good lavender-scented candle, I personally find its taste in a latte to be a bit too overpowering. However, if you enjoy floral notes, a mere ½ teaspoon of high-quality, food-grade dried lavender per serving can transform your latte into a truly aromatic experience. This ingredient is entirely optional, allowing you to customize your drink to your preference.
• Cinnamon stick: This is where my personal twist comes in! Instead of lavender, I often opt for a small cinnamon stick. The warm, slightly spicy notes of cinnamon beautifully enhance the bergamot in the Earl Grey, offering a comforting flavor profile that feels perfect on a cold day. I first discovered this delightful variation in a food magazine years ago, and it quickly became my preferred addition. It adds an earthy depth that contrasts wonderfully with the bright citrus, making the latte feel even cozier. Don’t knock it until you try it – you might find yourself a new favorite!
• Earl Grey Tea: The star of our London Fog! The quality of your Earl Grey tea profoundly impacts the final flavor. You can use either loose tea leaves or high-quality tea bags; both work perfectly for this recipe. Loose leaf tea often provides a more robust and nuanced flavor, but good tea bags are incredibly convenient. Over the years, I’ve found that this brand and this brand consistently deliver the rich, aromatic Earl Grey experience I crave.
• Steamed milk: The luxurious creaminess of a London Fog latte comes from perfectly steamed milk. Steaming milk isn’t just about heating it; it’s about introducing air to create a velvety microfoam. This process breaks down the fat in the milk, resulting in tiny, silky bubbles that add an incredible texture and subtle sweetness to your drink. Whether you’re using dairy milk (whole milk often yields the best froth) or non-dairy alternatives like oat or almond milk, the goal is a smooth, luscious foam. Below, I’ll detail several methods for achieving this at home, from simple shaking to using specialized frothers.
• Sugar: Sweetening your London Fog latte is entirely a matter of personal taste. While I appreciate the natural sweetness that comes from properly steamed milk, a touch of added sweetness can elevate the experience. You have a variety of options: classic granulated sugar, rich brown sugar, natural agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey. Each adds its own subtle flavor dimension. Start with a small amount, perhaps 1-2 teaspoons per cup, and adjust to your desired sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter latte, feel free to add up to 3 teaspoons or more.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is the secret weapon that truly binds all the flavors together in a London Fog. Its warm, comforting aroma and taste perfectly complement the bergamot of Earl Grey and any optional additions like lavender or cinnamon. I often add the vanilla directly into the milk before steaming, which infuses the foam with a delightful vanilla scent and flavor. Alternatively, you can add it directly to your mug just before pouring in the steeped tea and frothy milk. High-quality pure vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference.

How to make a London Fog latte at home:

1. Steep the tea. The first crucial step is steeping your Earl Grey tea to perfection. Begin by heating your water in an electric tea kettle or a stovetop kettle until it reaches a rolling boil, or specifically between 208-212ºF if your kettle allows temperature settings. This ensures optimal flavor extraction from the Earl Grey leaves. Once boiled, turn off the heat and immediately place your chosen Earl Grey tea bags or loose leaf tea (in an infuser) into a glass measuring cup or teapot. If you’re incorporating dried lavender or a cinnamon stick, add them at this stage as well. Pour the hot water over the tea and cover the measuring cup with a small plate or lid to trap the heat, ensuring a consistent steep. For a well-rounded flavor, allow the tea to steep for 5-8 minutes. Adjust this time based on your preference: less time for a milder tea, more for a stronger, bolder latte that can stand up to the milk.
2. Froth the milk while the tea steeps. While your tea is quietly infusing, turn your attention to the milk. This is the perfect multitasking moment. You’ll want to heat and froth your milk simultaneously so both components are ready at the same time. There are numerous ways to achieve beautifully frothed milk at home, which I’ll delve into in detail shortly. Whether you’re using a dedicated milk frother, a handheld whisk, a French press, or even a simple jar, the goal is to create warm, silky milk with a luscious layer of foam. Once your milk is frothed to your liking, you’re just moments away from assembling your delightful London Fog latte.
3. Make a latte. With both your perfectly steeped tea and frothy milk ready, it’s time to bring your London Fog to life. Carefully pour the infused Earl Grey tea into two waiting mugs, ensuring any loose lavender or tea leaves are strained out if you’re not using a tea bag. Now, add your desired amount of vanilla extract (typically ¾ teaspoon per cup) and sweetener (1-2 teaspoons of sugar, maple syrup, or honey) to each mug. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Next, slowly pour the warm, frothed milk into each cup. As you pour, use a spoon to hold back the foam initially, allowing the liquid milk to combine with the tea first. Once the tea and milk are well integrated and the sugar has dissolved, spoon the luxurious, thick foam on top of each latte. For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of dried lavender or a few Earl Grey tea leaves on the foam before serving. Serve immediately and savor the warmth!

4 ways to make steamed milk at home:

1. Glass Jar: For those who occasionally enjoy a latte but aren’t ready to commit to a specialized frother, the glass jar method is a fantastic, budget-friendly solution. You’ll need a clean large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. First, gently warm your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s hot to the touch but not boiling. The ideal temperature is around 150-160°F (65-70°C). Pour the warm milk into the jar, ensuring it fills no more than halfway to allow ample room for expansion and frothing. Secure the lid tightly. Now, vigorously shake the jar for about 45-60 seconds. You’ll feel the milk thicken and hear it slosh less. Be cautious as the jar will be hot; using a dish towel or oven mitt to protect your hands is highly recommended. The result will be a good amount of foam, perfect for a rustic homemade latte.
2. Hand frother: A handheld electric frother is a small but mighty tool, offering an excellent balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. I personally purchased this milk frother earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised by its performance, especially given its affordable price point (usually under $20). To use it, simply warm your milk in a tall, narrow container – a regular mug can lead to splatters due to the whisking motion. A tall glass jar or a dedicated frothing pitcher works best. Submerge the frother head into the milk and activate it, moving it up and down gently. Within 30-60 seconds, you’ll have a decent amount of frothy milk. The main drawback I’ve found is that by the time I’ve frothed the milk and assembled the latte, the milk can cool down a bit too much for my preference. However, for quick frothing, it’s a solid choice.
3. French press: If you’re already a coffee enthusiast, chances are you might have a French press at home, making this a convenient frothing option. My partner, Anees, makes his coffee in a French press daily, so we always have one on hand. To froth milk with it, warm your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. Pour the warm milk into the French press, filling it to about one-third of its capacity. Place the lid with the plunger onto the press. Now, rapidly pump the plunger up and down, just above the milk’s surface, for about 30-60 seconds. This action incorporates air into the milk, creating a lovely foam. Similar to the handheld frother, the French press method is economical and effective. However, the manual effort required and the potential for the milk to cool during the frothing process are minor downsides to consider.
4. My favorite milk frother: For the serious latte connoisseur, or anyone who enjoys cafe-quality beverages at home regularly, investing in a high-quality automatic milk frother is a game-changer. While it’s a larger investment, a machine like this particular model makes an undeniably superior, incredibly silky microfoam that rivals any coffee shop. I’ve tried several, including the popular Nespresso milk frother, and this one consistently delivers better results. It offers settings for different foam textures (cappuccino vs. latte) and, crucially for me, an ‘extra hot’ option – precisely how I order my lattes out. Beyond London Fogs, it’s versatile enough to make perfect hot chocolate. If you’re truly passionate about your tea lattes and other creamy drinks, this dedicated frother will elevate your home barista experience significantly.

Other warm drinks you might enjoy:

• Hot Chocolate Bar
• Hot Chocolate for Two
• Gingerbread Latte
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Spice Latte