Cream Earl Grey London Fog
The canonical London Fog—Cream Earl Grey steeped strong, steamed milk on top, vanilla syrup tying it together. The world's most comforting tea latte.
The London Fog was invented in Vancouver in the 1990s as a tea answer to the latte. The original recipe calls for Earl Grey, vanilla syrup, and steamed milk—but Cream Earl Grey already has vanilla woven into the leaves, which makes it the better starting point. With this blend, you get a cleaner, more integrated flavor than the original.
Steep the tea strong—two tea bags or two heaping teaspoons in just six ounces of water. The vanilla and bergamot need a concentrated brew to survive the milk dilution. Four minutes at full boil; the tannins are forgiving on this blend because the cream and vanilla soften everything.
Steam the milk to about 65°C (150°F) if you have an espresso machine. Otherwise, heat it on the stove and whisk vigorously, or shake it hot in a sealed jar for 30 seconds—either method creates a soft foam that floats on the tea. Whole milk is traditional; oat milk is the best non-dairy option because its sugars echo the vanilla.
A small amount of vanilla syrup is the finishing touch even though the tea is already vanilla-forward. The syrup adds liquid sweetness and reinforces the cream side of the blend. This drink is the ultimate cold-weather comfort—a cup of warm, foggy peace that hits the same nostalgic note as warm milk and honey from childhood, only grown up.
Ingredients
- 2 Cream Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 heaping tsp loose)
- 180 ml hot water (95°C)
- 180 ml whole milk (or oat milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla syrup (or 1 tsp sugar + 1/4 tsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Twist of orange peel (optional)
How to make it
- 1Steep tea in hot water for 4 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain.
- 2Stir in vanilla syrup until dissolved.
- 3Heat the milk on the stove until steaming but not boiling. Froth with a hand frother, or shake vigorously in a sealed jar for 30 seconds.
- 4Pour the steamed milk slowly into the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon, then top with the reserved foam.
- 5Dust with a pinch of cinnamon and add an orange twist if desired. Serve immediately.
Want to learn more about Cream Earl Grey? Visit its full profile.
Back to Cream Earl GreyYou might also like
Iced Vanilla Bergamot Latte
Cold-brewed Cream Earl Grey poured over ice with oat milk and a swirl of vanilla syrup—the iced summer twin of the London Fog.
Cream Earl Grey Vanilla Gin Martini
Cream Earl Grey-infused gin shaken with lemon, vanilla syrup, and a whisper of dry vermouth—a perfumed, bergamot-and-vanilla cocktail that drinks like silk.