Homemade Starbucks London Fog Latte -

If you've ever craved the cozy comfort of a Starbucks London Fog Latte but didn't want to leave home, you're in luck. This aromatic blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup isn't just a café favorite – it's also surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen. You'll discover how a drink that originated in a small Vancouver café became an international sensation, and why your homemade version might even surpass the coffee shop original.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Steep high-quality Earl Grey tea bag in 200°F water for exactly 5 minutes to create the drink's base.
Combine 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup with the brewed tea for signature sweetness and flavor.
Heat milk of choice to 150-160°F and froth until creamy before adding to the tea mixture.
Top with milk foam and optional sprinkle of cinnamon for a complete homemade version of Starbucks' popular drink.
Customize with alternative milks like almond, soy, or oat, and adjust sweetness levels to personal preference.

Why you'll love this recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful homemade version of Starbucks' beloved London Fog Latte.

You'll love how easily you can recreate this café favorite right in your kitchen, saving both time and money while enjoying the perfect blend of Earl Grey tea and creamy milk. Regular consumption of chamomile infusion can also enhance relaxation, making it a wonderful addition to your evening routine.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability to your tastes.

Whether you're dairy-free and need to use alternative milk, or you'd like to adjust the sweetness level, you're in complete control of the ingredients.

You'll also appreciate how the aromatic bergamot oil in the Earl Grey tea combines with vanilla to create a soothing, sophisticated flavor that's perfect for any time of day.

Plus, you'll feel like a professional barista as you craft this cozy beverage for yourself and others.

Ingredient notes

Success in making the perfect London Fog Latte starts with selecting the right ingredients.

You'll need high-quality Earl Grey tea, which contains bergamot oil for that distinctive citrus flavor that makes this drink special.

When it comes to milk, you've got plenty of options – whole milk creates the richest texture, but you can use almond, soy, or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free alternatives.

For sweetness, vanilla syrup is essential, and you can use either store-bought or homemade versions. If you're watching your sugar intake, try sugar-free vanilla syrup instead.

The quality of your water matters too, so if your tap water has a strong taste, consider using filtered water to let the tea's flavors shine through. Adding a touch of immune-supporting herbs like ginger or hibiscus can enhance the flavor and provide additional health benefits.

Origin of the recipe

The London Fog Latte emerged from the rainy streets of Vancouver, Canada, where it was first created in a small café during the 1990s.

As the story goes, a pregnant customer who couldn't drink coffee requested a comforting alternative, leading to this creative blend of Earl Grey tea and steamed milk. The drink's popularity quickly spread throughout the Pacific Northwest, and you'll now find it in coffee shops worldwide.

You might wonder about the name – it's inspired by London's famous foggy weather, reflecting the drink's cloudy appearance when the steamed milk meets the tea.

Starbucks added their version to the menu in 2016, helping popularize this cozy beverage and making it a beloved choice for tea enthusiasts everywhere.

How to make the recipe

You'll start by boiling water and letting your Earl Grey tea bag steep for 5 minutes to create a rich base.

While your tea's brewing, heat and froth your milk until it's creamy and warm, then stir in the vanilla syrup to add that signature sweetness.

Finally, combine your fragrant tea with the frothed milk mixture in your favorite mug, and you're ready to enjoy your very own London Fog Latte.

Step 1. Boil Water for Tea

Starting a perfect London Fog Latte begins with properly boiled water, which creates the foundation for your Earl Grey tea base.

You'll want to pay attention to both temperature and timing to extract the best flavors from your tea.

Fill your kettle with fresh, cold water, as this contains more oxygen for better-tasting tea.
Heat the water until it reaches a full boil, around 212°F (100°C).
Let the water cool for about 30 seconds, bringing it to the ideal temperature of 200°F (93°C).
Pour the hot water into your mug with the Earl Grey tea bag, being careful not to splash.

If you're using loose leaf tea instead of a tea bag, you'll need about 1-1.5 teaspoons per cup of water for the perfect strength.

Step 2. Steep Tea Bag

Once your water reaches the perfect temperature, steeping your Earl Grey tea bag requires careful timing and attention to detail.

Place your tea bag in your favorite mug and pour the hot water over it, making sure the water completely covers the bag. You'll want to steep the tea for exactly 5 minutes to achieve that signature London Fog flavor, as this allows the bergamot oil to fully infuse into the water.

While you're waiting, you can gently bob the tea bag up and down a few times to help release more flavor, but don't squeeze it against the spoon, as this can make the tea taste bitter.

After 5 minutes, remove the tea bag and get ready for the next step in creating your perfect London Fog Latte.

Step 3. Heat and Froth Milk

While your Earl Grey tea steeps to perfection, the next essential step involves preparing the milk that'll give your London Fog Latte its signature creamy texture.

Whether you're using dairy milk or a plant-based alternative, the process remains the same.

Pour your chosen milk into a small saucepan or microwave-safe container.
Heat the milk until it's hot but not boiling, around 150-160°F.
If using a milk frother, insert it just below the milk's surface and froth until you see soft, creamy foam.
For those without a frother, vigorously whisk the hot milk until it becomes light and airy.

You'll know your milk is ready when it has doubled in volume and developed a silky, velvety texture that's perfect for layering over your tea.

Step 4. Add Vanilla Syrup

The perfectly heated and frothed milk sets the stage for adding the sweet, aromatic vanilla syrup to your London Fog Latte.

You'll want to add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup to your brewed Earl Grey tea, adjusting the amount based on how sweet you'd like your drink to be. If you're using homemade syrup, you might need a bit more to achieve the signature Starbucks sweetness.

Pour the syrup directly into your tea while it's still hot, and give it a quick stir to guarantee it dissolves completely.

Don't worry if you add too little at first – you can always taste and add more! If you're watching your sugar intake, try using sugar-free vanilla syrup as a substitute that'll still give you that classic London Fog flavor.

Step 5. Combine Ingredients and Serve

Pour your freshly brewed Earl Grey tea into a large mug, filling it about halfway to leave room for the steamed milk.

Now it's time to create your perfect London Fog Latte by following these simple steps:

Add your desired amount of vanilla syrup to the hot tea, starting with 1-2 tablespoons, and stir until it's well combined.
Slowly pour your freshly steamed and frothed milk into the tea mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Gently spoon the remaining milk foam on top of your drink, creating a beautiful layered effect.
If you'd like, finish with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon or lavender buds for an extra special touch.

Give your latte a gentle stir before taking that first wonderful sip, and enjoy your homemade creation!

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Lovers of the London Fog Latte will find several similarly delightful beverages to explore in their home-brewing adventures.

You'll enjoy trying a Chai Tea Latte, which combines black tea with warming spices and steamed milk, or a Matcha Green Tea Latte for its earthy, creamy goodness. For another Earl Grey variation, try the Royal English Tea Latte, made with vanilla and lavender.

If you're craving something different but equally comforting, you can't go wrong with a Honey Vanilla Tea Latte or a Chamomile Vanilla Bean Latte.

Each of these drinks offers the perfect balance of tea and creamy milk, and they're just as easy to make at home as the London Fog. Additionally, consider adding hibiscus tea for a unique flavor twist and health benefits.

Don't forget to experiment with different milk alternatives and sweeteners to find your perfect combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Loose Leaf Earl Grey Tea Instead of Tea Bags?

Yes, you can definitely use loose leaf Earl Grey tea!

You'll want to use about 1-1.5 teaspoons of loose tea per cup of water, and you'll need a tea infuser or strainer to contain the leaves.

Loose leaf tea often provides a fuller, more complex flavor than tea bags, as the whole leaves have more room to unfurl and release their oils and flavors while steeping.

How Long Will the Frothed Milk Maintain Its Texture?

Your frothed milk will maintain its best texture for about 5-10 minutes, as the air bubbles naturally begin to dissipate over time.

You'll notice the foam starting to deflate and become less airy after this window.

If you're planning to enjoy your drink gradually, you might want to re-froth the milk, or froth it just before you're ready to combine it with your tea.

What Temperature Should the Water Be for Steeping?

For the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea, you'll want your water temperature between 195-205°F (90-96°C), just below boiling.

If you don't have a thermometer, bring your water to a boil, then let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring.

This temperature range helps extract the tea's delicate flavors without making it bitter, especially with Earl Grey's signature bergamot notes.

Is Decaffeinated Earl Grey Tea Suitable for This Recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use decaffeinated Earl Grey tea in your recipe!

You'll get the same delightful bergamot flavor and aromatic experience without the caffeine buzz. This makes it perfect for evening enjoyment or if you're sensitive to caffeine.

The steeping process and taste remain identical to regular Earl Grey, so you won't sacrifice any of the drink's signature flavors or quality.

Can I Make a Large Batch and Reheat Later?

While you can make a larger batch, your London Fog won't taste as fresh when reheated.

If you'd like to prep ahead, you can store the tea and milk separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the milk gently, froth it again, and combine with your tea.

For the best flavor and texture, though, it's ideal to make each serving fresh.

Conclusion

You'll find this homemade London Fog Latte becomes a cherished part of your daily routine, offering the perfect balance of Earl Grey's bergamot notes and creamy vanilla sweetness. Whether you're seeking a cozy morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this DIY version lets you customize the flavors to your taste while saving money. Now that you've mastered this café favorite, you can enjoy its comforting warmth anytime at home.