How To Make a London Fog Drink

Have you ever wondered how to make a London Fog Drink? It’s the ultimate tea latte recipe with a hint of sweetness and boost of caffeine. Perfect for cold winter mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups!

Guys, I’m officially getting old. I just opened up my inbox to find an email informing me that my 15 year high school reunion is coming up. WHAT? How has it been 15 years since I graduated from high school? I mean I have zero interest in turning back time or reliving my high school days, but it really doesn’t feel like 15 years have passed.

But for all of the changes that have unfolded since my high school days, one thing has remained the same, The London Fog.

When we were old enough to get free periods, me and my sailor suit sporting friends (I do still really miss the uniform…) would walk over to the Forest Hill village to order ourselves a Starbucks London Fog Drink. This was the height of Mary Kate and Ashley sporting their Venti Starbucks Lattes, but we weren’t nearly old enough to appreciate or enjoy coffee. The London Fog was the perfect solution. A Starbucks London Fog tea latte that was sweet and delicious without the unappetizing taste of coffee (how little teenage Davida knew…).

What is a London Fog?

For those of you who don’t know, a London Fog is an earl grey tea latte with foamy milk and vanilla. The most important factors are these:

• The right kind of tea- good quality Earl Grey Tea is essential. It adds that bergamot flavor that is quintessential for a London Fog. You could also reach for lavender earl grey which is a nice variation.
• Hot, foamy milk – you can use whatever kind of milk you like but I prefer almond or oat milk in my lattes
• Vanilla – Starbucks uses their pumps of vanilla syrup but vanilla extract will work just fine.
• Sweetener – you can opt out of sweetener but I do find a little bit of raw honey builds out the flavor of this London Fog

It was the perfect sweet drink at 16 and remains my go-to Starbucks drink. Once I was old enough to start drinking coffee (ahem, college), The London Fog became my afternoon pick-me-up during finals and remains a nice afternoon treat and caffeine boost for those extra tired days.

Do You Need a Frother?

Nope! I prefer to use a frother since I upgraded my frother but mainly so I can eat the foam with a spoon. You can always pour your milk into a mug and heat in the microwave or heat on a stovetop, though it will be warm milk rather than steamed milk. If you have a frother I highly recommend it!

How to Make a London Fog

1. Make the Tea – Boil water in a kettle. Steep your tea bag in 1/2 cup of hot water for 3-5 mins (depending on strength preference)
2. Froth Your Milk – Mix together almond milk and vanilla extract and steam or froth depending on what tools you have.*
3. Sweeten – Stir sweetener in with steeped hot tea and top with frothed milk.

*If you don’t have a milk frother, heat up milk on stove top. It won’t get foamy but it does the trick!

Is a London Fog Caffeinated?

Yes it is. While it has much less caffeine than a coffee or espresso, Black Tea does contain caffeine. I find it’s an easier caffeine boost for that 3:00 PM crash because it doesn’t contain quite as much caffeine as coffee. You could also opt for decaf earl grey tea if you prefer.

More Drink Recipes You’ll Love!

• Matcha Golden Milk Latte
• Oat Milk Lattes – 3 Ways!
• Healthy Hot Chocolate
• Turmeric Latte Recipe
• DIY Cold Brew Coffee

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