A little sweet and utterly comforting, the London fog is easy to make at home. This cozy latte blends Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of sweetener for a café-quality drink you can whip up in minutes.
With leaves turning and cooler weather settling in, warm drinks like the London fog feel especially inviting. A classic London fog latte uses Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a little sweetness. This version is served hot; you can also make an iced variation by chilling the tea and serving over ice with cold milk.
Use your preferred Earl Grey tea, milk, and sweetener to make this at home. Simply steep the tea in hot water with sweetener, then top with steamed milk. We tested dairy and plant-based milks and liked them all—oat milk stood out for its rich, slightly sweet character that complements the bergamot in Earl Grey.
What is in a London fog drink?
Despite sounding fancy, the London fog is made with just four basic ingredients. You’ll need:
- Earl Grey tea
- Hot water
- Sweetener
- Milk
London Fog Drink Variations
Serve it iced: Chill the brewed Earl Grey and pour over ice with cold milk for a refreshing iced London fog.
Swap the sweetener: Use maple syrup, honey, or a simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Vanilla or lavender syrups add a lovely floral or warm note.
Make it dirty: Add a shot of espresso to the milk for a bolder, more caffeinated version commonly called a “dirty” London fog.
FAQ
Yes. Earl Grey tea contains caffeine, so this drink does have caffeine.
A milk steamer makes preparation quick and produces a velvety foam, but you can heat milk in a small saucepan and whisk vigorously if you don’t have one.
A “dirty” London fog includes a shot of espresso, which adds a stronger, coffee-forward flavor.
Storage
For best flavor and texture, enjoy the London fog immediately after making it. We don’t recommend preparing these lattes ahead of time; milk and foam change when stored and reheated.
More of our Favorite…
Tea Drinks
- Iced London Fog Latte
- Homemade Iced Tea
- Chai Tea Latte
- Matcha Latte
Serve a crowd
To make a batch for six:
Place 6 Earl Grey tea bags and 2 tablespoons of sweetener in a large jar. Pour in 3 cups of hot water and let steep for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tea bags and divide the brewed tea among six mugs.
Steam 3 cups of milk in batches with a milk steamer or heat in a saucepan on the stovetop and froth. Top each mug with steamed milk and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This London fog is perfect for cold mornings or a relaxing afternoon break. Enjoy it on its own or alongside a cozy breakfast like cinnamon rolls, pumpkin waffles, or baked oatmeal.
London Fog Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag
- 1/2 cup hot water about 150ºF
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1/2 cup milk, any kind
Instructions
-
Place the tea bag in a mug or bowl. Add the hot water and the sugar.
-
Let the tea steep for 3–4 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
-
While the tea steeps, steam your milk using a milk steamer. If you don’t have a steamer, heat milk in a small saucepan and whisk until frothy.
-
If needed, transfer the brewed tea to a serving mug. Top with steamed milk, spooning foam on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Notes
- Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup, honey, or a flavored simple syrup if you prefer.
- Large batch (serves 6): Use 6 Earl Grey tea bags, 2 tablespoons sweetener, and 3 cups hot water. Steep 3–4 minutes, remove bags, divide among 6 mugs, and top with 3 cups steamed milk.
- Nutrition: Nutrition info was calculated using 1 teaspoon sugar and unsweetened almond milk and should be considered an estimate.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 5 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 1 g,
Fiber: 1 g,
Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
love this? leave a comment below!
Tag your photos on social media with #fitfoodiefinds—we’d love to see your creations!