London Fog Latte Recipe

I can’t get enough of this London Fog Latte Recipe—the perfect cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in a cup. Combining the fragrant bergamot notes from Earl Grey tea with sweet vanilla and a hint of spice, this latte hits all the right flavor notes for me. Whether I’m starting my morning slowly or unwinding in the evening, making this drink instantly lifts my spirits. It’s the kind of simple, indulgent pleasure I love sharing with friends and family on chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This London Fog Latte Recipe

What really draws me to this London Fog Latte Recipe is its beautifully balanced flavor. The citrusy, floral essence of Earl Grey tea melds effortlessly with smooth, creamy milk and a touch of vanilla sweetness that feels lush but never overpowering. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg sprinkled on top adds that extra cozy layer I crave, especially when the weather turns cool. Every sip feels comforting but still light enough to enjoy any time of the day.

Besides its deliciousness, I absolutely adore how easy this recipe is to prepare. With just a few staples from the pantry and barely any fuss, I can whip up a café-worthy drink at home in under 10 minutes. It’s perfect for those mornings when I want something special without complicated steps. Plus, it always impresses guests when I serve it during brunch or a casual afternoon chat. This London Fog Latte really stands out because it’s both quick and elegant—a real crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden surface with a white marbled texture added in the background, featuring various ingredients for making chai. On the left, three white tea bags rest on a white plate on top of a white and blue checkered cloth. Below them, four whole walnuts sit on the cloth, next to a white cup filled with dark brown vanilla extract. Towards the center, a clear glass pitcher holds white milk. Surrounding it are three small white bowls on the right side, each filled with different powders—light beige, bright orange-red, and a mix of greenish and beige spices with coarse texture. Two small clear glass bowls contain a brown powder and a cinnamon-colored powder. At the bottom right, a white cup filled with golden honey has a yellow honey dipper inside it. Three cinnamon sticks lay horizontally next to the cup. The lighting is natural and soft, with shadows giving depth to the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting the perfect London Fog Latte. Each one plays an essential role in delivering that creamy, aromatic, and slightly sweet experience I look forward to with every cup.

Earl Grey tea bag: The star of the show, providing the signature bergamot flavor that defines this latte.
1/2 cup hot water: Just enough to steep the tea and unlock its rich aromas.
1/2 cup milk or dairy-free milk: I like using oat or almond milk for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, but whole milk works beautifully too.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that classic sweet warmth that makes every sip feel special.
1 teaspoon honey or another sweetener: I prefer honey for natural sweetness, but maple syrup or agave also add lovely notes.
Pinch of cinnamon: A little spice that hints at cozy comfort without overwhelming.
Pinch of nutmeg: Delicate and aromatic, it brings depth to the flavor profile.

Directions

Step 1: Place the Earl Grey tea bag into 1/2 cup of hot water that’s just off the boil. Steep it for 3 to 5 minutes to fully capture the fragrant bergamot and black tea flavors. I usually set a timer so it doesn’t get bitter.

Step 2: While the tea is steeping, mix your milk or dairy-free milk with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small container. Use a milk frother to steam and froth this mixture until it’s warm, silky, and airy. If you don’t have a frother, gently heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat and whisk vigorously to create foam.

Step 3: Remove the tea bag and stir 1 teaspoon of honey or your chosen sweetener into the hot tea until fully dissolved. This sweetness perfectly complements the bergamot notes without overpowering them.

Step 4: Slowly pour the frothed milk into the sweetened tea, holding back the foam with a spoon at first. Once you’ve combined the liquids, spoon the frothy foam on top to create a creamy, layered latte effect.

Step 5: Finish by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg over the foam. This little garnish not only adds appealing aroma but makes the presentation inviting. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This London Fog Latte Recipe makes 2 generous servings, perfect for sharing a cozy moment. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and drink up to 10 minutes total from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time required, so you’ll have your lattes ready in no time, which I love when there’s no room for waiting.

How to Serve This London Fog Latte Recipe

The image shows a tall clear glass cup filled with a light brown creamy drink topped with a thick layer of pale foam. Small purple flower buds are scattered in a neat line on top of the foam. The glass sits in the center of a white plate with a smooth surface, with two torn pieces of brown and white crumbly cake placed on the left side of the glass. On the right side of the plate, there is a small silver spoon with a black handle resting beside the glass. The entire setup is on a white marbled surface, with a blurred jar of honey with a wooden dipper in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I like to make this London Fog Latte feel like a little celebration of comfort. It pairs beautifully with buttery scones or almond biscotti—something with a subtle crunch that complements the smoothness of the drink. For a lighter option, fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries balance the richness with a bright note.

Presentation-wise, I serve the latte in clear glass mugs to highlight its creamy layers topped with that inviting cinnamon and nutmeg dusting. It’s such a simple touch but instantly elevates the experience and feels luxe. I also sometimes add a small vanilla bean pod on the side of the cup for an extra hint of elegance.

In terms of occasions, I find this drink perfect for relaxed weekend mornings, intimate brunches, or even a cozy night in paired with a good book. I recommend serving it hot or warm, never cold, so you enjoy the full depth of flavor and fragrant spices. For portion sizes, a 6 to 8-ounce mug per person feels just right—rich enough to savor but not too heavy.

Variations

If you want to mix things up with the London Fog Latte Recipe, I have a few favorite variations that you might enjoy. For a dairy-free version, I swap regular milk for oat or cashew milk because their natural creaminess pairs beautifully with the tea. Just be sure to froth appropriately for that perfect texture.

For an extra flavor twist, I sometimes add a dash of lavender or rose water to the milk before frothing. It adds a delicate floral nuance that’s super soothing and feels very special. You could also experiment with different sweeteners—maple syrup adds a lovely earthiness, while coconut sugar brings a caramel-like depth.

If you want a cold alternative, try turning this into an iced London Fog latte by steeping the tea stronger, cooling it completely, then pouring over ice and topping with cold frothed milk. It’s refreshing and just as comforting on warmer days. Just remember that heating the milk gently is key in the classic recipe to develop those velvety notes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover latte (which doesn’t usually happen in my house), store it in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to retain the smooth texture and fresh flavor of the tea and spices. Just avoid leaving it out at room temperature to prevent the milk from spoiling.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really ideal for this London Fog Latte Recipe because milk-based drinks can separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed. However, if you want to save the tea base, you could freeze the brewed Earl Grey without milk and sweetener in ice cube trays. Then, thaw and mix with fresh steamed milk whenever you’re ready for a new cup.

Reheating

When reheating, pour the latte gently into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat to avoid scorching the milk. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and affect the froth’s texture. Stir gently while warming and try to consume it immediately for the best taste and consistency.

FAQs

Can I use any type of milk for this London Fog Latte Recipe?

Absolutely! While whole milk gives the creamiest texture, I often use oat or almond milk as delicious dairy-free alternatives. Just make sure to froth the milk well to retain that classic latte feel.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply swap the milk for a plant-based option and use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave instead of honey. It’s just as comforting and tasty that way!

How long should I steep the Earl Grey tea?

Steeping the tea for 3 to 5 minutes is ideal. If you steep too long, the tea may become bitter, but too short and it won’t develop the full bergamot flavor. I usually aim for about 4 minutes and taste as I go.

Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?

I recommend making the latte fresh to enjoy the frothy texture and best flavor. The tea and milk separate over time, so pre-making it can lessen the experience. However, you can brew the tea in advance and reheat gently before adding frothed milk.

What’s the best way to froth milk without special equipment?

If you don’t have a frother, you can heat milk in a small saucepan and whisk vigorously by hand or shake it in a tightly sealed jar until foamy. It won’t be quite the same as an electric frother but works well in a pinch!

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a cozy, elegant drink to brighten up your day, this London Fog Latte Recipe is exactly what you need. I find that its beautiful balance of fragrant tea, warm spices, and creamy vanilla makes it an instant favorite anytime I make it. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the comfort and joy it brings with every cup. Trust me, once you do, this recipe will become one of your go-to cozy treats too!