☕ Have you heard of a London Fog?

Despite the name, this cosy tea latte wasn’t invented in London. It’s made with Earl Grey tea, warm frothy milk and a little vanilla, and its best-known origin story takes us all the way to Vancouver, Canada.

Think of it as a tea-based answer to a café latte, a treat for anyone who loves the citrusy fragrance of Earl Grey but fancies something different from their usual cuppa.

The best bit? You can make one at home without a coffee machine. Simply brew a slightly stronger Earl Grey, warm some milk, add a touch of vanilla and whisk or froth until silky. Pour it together and enjoy!


Why is it called a London Fog?
The name is a playful nod to London and the cloudy appearance of milk mixing with dark tea, yet the drink is widely associated with Canada’s Pacific coast rather than the British capital.

A 2023 Sprudge interview traced the familiar version of the story to Mary Loria, who began ordering Earl Grey with steamed milk and vanilla sugar in Vancouver during the 1990s.

Why Earl Grey works so well
Earl Grey is a black tea flavoured with bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. Its floral, bright aroma makes it distinctive, even before you add anything else.

In a London Fog, that citrus character balances the richness of milk and the sweetness of vanilla. The exact balance is personal. Some people want the bergamot to lead, while others prefer a milder, milkier drink.

How to make a London Fog at home
You do not need a café steam wand, an espresso machine or special equipment. A kettle, mug, tea infuser and small saucepan are enough.

For one generous mug, start with about 120ml of hot water, 120ml of milk, enough Earl Grey for a strong infusion, and a small amount of vanilla syrup or vanilla extract with sugar.

Brew the Earl Grey according to its instructions, using slightly less water than you would for an ordinary cup - this makes a stronger tea base that will still taste of Earl Grey after the milk is added.

While the tea brews, gently heat the milk (it should be hot but not boiling). Froth it with a handheld frother or a whisk, then remove the tea leaves, stir a little vanilla into the brewed tea and add the warm milk. Spoon any foam over the top and enjoy!

Next time you fancy something a little different, try a London Fog. You might find that a few simple ingredients can make your usual Earl Grey feel entirely new!