A little sweet and utterly cozy, this London Fog drink is simple to make at home. Made with Earl Grey tea, your preferred steamed milk, and a touch of sweetener, this homemade latte rivals what you’d buy at a café. It’s perfect for crisp mornings or quiet afternoons when you want a comforting, aromatic beverage.
As the leaves begin to turn and autumn settles in, warm drinks rise to the top of our cravings — and the London Fog ranks high on that list. A classic London Fog latte combines the citrusy bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea with creamy steamed milk and a hint of sweetness. While this article focuses on the hot version, the drink is easily adapted for warmer days by chilling the tea and serving it over ice.
What is in a London Fog drink?
Despite sounding fancy, a London Fog is made from only a handful of straightforward ingredients. Use the best quality you have on hand for the most satisfying result. You’ll need:
- Earl Grey tea (bag or loose leaf)
- Hot water (around 150°F is ideal)
- A sweetener of your choice (granulated sugar, maple syrup, honey, or a simple syrup)
- Milk (dairy or plant-based, steamed or warmed)
London Fog Drink Variations
Serve it iced: Let the brewed Earl Grey cool, then pour it over ice with cold milk for a refreshing iced London Fog.
Sweetener swaps: Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup, honey, or a vanilla or lavender simple syrup to add a floral or warming note to your latte.
Dirty London Fog: For more depth and a coffee-like kick, add a shot of espresso with the milk to create a “dirty” variation.
FAQ
Is there caffeine in a London Fog drink?
Yes. Earl Grey tea contains caffeine, so the drink will have a mild amount depending on how long you steep the tea and the tea variety you use.
Do you need a milk steamer?
A milk steamer makes foaming and heating the milk effortless, but it’s not required. You can gently heat milk on the stovetop in a small saucepan and whisk or froth it by hand or with a handheld frother.
What is a “dirty” London Fog?
A “dirty” London Fog simply includes a shot of espresso, which adds a bold, roasty layer to the tea-and-milk base.
Storage
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your London Fog immediately after preparing it. The steamed milk will settle and the froth will dissipate if left to sit. If you must prepare components ahead of time, brew the tea and refrigerate it separately; reheat gently and add freshly steamed milk just before serving.
More of our favorite
Tea Drinks
- Iced London Fog Latte (chilled version)
- 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 your chosen sweetener into a large jar. Pour in 3 cups of hot water and steep for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the tea bags and divide the brewed tea evenly among six mugs. Steam 3 cups of milk in batches or warm on the stovetop, then top each mug with steamed milk and foam.
Serving Suggestions
Warm up chilly mornings with a London Fog. It pairs wonderfully with baked breakfasts like cinnamon rolls, pumpkin waffles, or baked oatmeal. The floral bergamot in the tea complements sweet, spiced pastries and hearty autumn flavors.
London Fog Drink Recipe
Make a London Fog in the comfort of your kitchen with just four ingredients. This recipe yields one serving.
Ingredients
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag
- 1/2 cup hot water (about 150ºF)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste (or use maple syrup/honey)
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind), steamed or warmed
Instructions
- Place the tea bag in a mug or heatproof bowl. Add the hot water and sweetener.
- Steep for 3–4 minutes, adjusting steep time to reach your preferred strength. Stir occasionally so the sweetener dissolves.
- While the tea steeps, steam or warm your milk. If you don’t have a steamer, gently heat milk on the stovetop and whisk to froth.
- If needed, transfer the brewed tea to a serving mug. Pour the steamed milk over the tea, spooning a little foam on top. Serve immediately.
Tips & Notes
- Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup, honey, or a flavored simple syrup to vary the flavor profile.
- Milk choice: We tested both dairy and non-dairy milks; oat milk offered a particularly rich, slightly sweet texture that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey.
- Large batch: To serve six, steep 6 tea bags in 3 cups hot water with 2 tablespoons sweetener, then divide and top with steamed milk.
- Nutrition: Nutrition values vary by milk and sweetener choice. A version made with unsweetened almond milk and 1 teaspoon sugar is estimated at roughly 31 kcal per serving.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving (with 1 teaspoon sugar and unsweetened almond milk): Calories: 31 kcal; Carbohydrates: 5 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 4 g. Use this as a general guideline — exact values depend on ingredients selected.