If you’ve ever craved a cozy, aromatic pick-me-up that feels like a big, comforting hug in a cup, the London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) is going to steal your heart. This British-inspired tea latte perfectly weaves together the citrusy, floral notes of Earl Grey tea with the luxury of steamed milk, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and fragrant vanilla. Whether you love sipping something warm and frothy or need a refreshingly cool twist, this London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) is a wonderfully simple treat you’ll want again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Earl Grey Tea:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf)
Hot Water:
- 1 cup
Milk:
- 1/2 cup (dairy or non-dairy)
Sweetener:
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Vanilla Extract:
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ice Cubes:
- For iced version
How to Make London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced)
Step 1: Brew the Earl Grey
Begin by bringing your water to a rolling boil. Once ready, pour it over your Earl Grey tea bag (or loose leaf, if that’s your style) and let it steep for a blissful 3–5 minutes. This is the stage where the beautiful notes of bergamot and black tea really shine—be patient for the full effect.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Remove the tea bag and stir in your honey or maple syrup along with the vanilla extract. This little swirl is where your London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) transforms, each ingredient melting in to create a velvety, aromatic blend. Taste and adjust the sweetness so it’s just right for you.
Step 3: Prepare the Milk
For a hot latte, warm your milk on the stovetop or with a frother until it’s deliciously steamy and frothy. For an iced version, keep your milk cold and set aside any thoughts of steaming!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
If you’re enjoying your London Fog Latte hot, pour the frothy milk over your sweet, fragrant tea and watch the swirl of colors as they mingle. If you’re after an iced latte, let your tea cool for a moment, fill a glass with ice, pour over your tea, and then crown it with your cold milk. Stir gently and behold your handcrafted masterpiece—London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) perfection!
How to Serve London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced)
Garnishes
A little flourish turns your latte into a café-worthy treat! I love to sprinkle a pinch of dried culinary lavender for a gorgeous and fragrant finish. A twist of lemon zest or even a dusting of cinnamon can elevate the look and aroma of your London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) in a snap.
Side Dishes
This latte pairs beautifully with lightly sweet bakery items like scones, madeleines, or tea sandwiches. The soft, creamy flavors are a dreamy match for buttery pastries or a slice of simple pound cake—ideal for a late-morning break or quiet afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Set your London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) in your favorite mug or tall glass, and serve on a fun tray with biscotti or shortbread. For gatherings, offer a DIY latte station with bowls of dried lavender, vanilla sugar, and different milks for a truly memorable tea experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra, simply store any leftover London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days, although the flavor is always best fresh. If separation occurs, just give it a good shake or stir before serving.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t usually recommended, as dairy and tea can separate or take on odd textures, but if you’re feeling creative, pour any leftover iced latte into an ice cube tray. These flavored cubes are fantastic in your next batch, keeping your drink cool without diluting the flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your hot London Fog Latte, simply warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often. Just avoid boiling, as this can alter the beautiful texture of the milk and the nuanced flavors.
FAQs
Can I use plant-based milk for my London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced)?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, and soy milks all work wonderfully. Oat milk in particular froths beautifully and brings a hint of extra creaminess that complements Earl Grey tea perfectly.
What makes the London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) different from a regular tea latte?
The secret lies in that alluring combination of vanilla and Earl Grey’s bergamot. While any tea latte can be cozy, the London Fog brings floral, citrusy, and creamy flavors together for a unique and irresistible twist.
Can I make a bigger batch in advance for guests?
Yes! Brew a large pot of strong Earl Grey tea, add the sweetener and vanilla, then store in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat with milk for hot lattes, or pour over ice and add chilled milk for iced. It’s a crowd-pleaser at brunch or afternoon tea.
Is there a way to make this caffeine-free?
You sure can—just swap in a decaf version of Earl Grey tea, or try an herbal Earl Grey blend if you prefer a caffeine-free treat with the same lovely flavor profile.
What other flavors can I add to make it special?
A little culinary lavender, cardamom, or even a dash of rose water takes the London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) to a whole new level. Don’t be shy—experiment with your favorite florals and spices for a signature touch!
Final Thoughts
The London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) is so much more than just a tea drink; it’s a comforting ritual you can make entirely your own. Whether you prefer yours steaming hot or chilled and refreshing, I hope you fall in love with every sip and share the joy of this beautiful latte with your friends and family. Happy sipping!
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London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the comforting blend of Earl Grey tea, milk, and vanilla with this London Fog Latte recipe that can be enjoyed hot or iced. A delightful beverage inspired by British tea culture.
Ingredients
Earl Grey Tea:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf)
Hot Water:
- 1 cup
Milk:
- 1/2 cup (dairy or non-dairy)
Sweetener:
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Vanilla Extract:
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ice Cubes:
- For iced version
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Bring the water to a boil and steep the Earl Grey tea bag in the hot water for 3–5 minutes, then remove the tea bag.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract until dissolved.
- Prepare Hot Latte: Heat the milk on the stovetop or in a milk frother until warm and frothy, then pour over the brewed tea.
- Prepare Iced Latte: For an iced version, let the tea cool slightly, then fill a glass with ice and pour the tea over it. Top with cold milk and stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use lavender-infused Earl Grey tea or sprinkle a pinch of dried culinary lavender on top.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook, Stovetop
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
