How to Make a Barista-Quality London Fog (Classic & Lavender)

If there is one drink that captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, it is the London Fog. Despite the name, this cozy, foggy-day staple didn't originate in England, it was invented right here in our corner of the world (Vancouver, BC) in the 1990s.

It has since become a coffee shop staple, but here is the secret baristas won't tell you: It is incredibly easy to make at home, and it tastes infinitely better when you use real, organic tea instead of a syrup concentrate.

What is a London Fog?

Think of a London Fog as the "cappuccino" of the tea world. It is distinct from a standard tea-with-milk because of three key elements:

• The Base: It must be Earl Grey. The distinct citrus note of Bergamot oil is what cuts through the richness of the milk.
• The Texture: It requires steamed or frothed milk, creating a velvety micro-foam.
• The Sweetener: It is traditionally sweetened with vanilla, which pairs perfectly with the floral aromatics of the tea.

The Secret: Making a "Tea Concentrate"

The biggest mistake people make at home is watery tea. Because you are adding a significant amount of milk, you need your tea base to be strong.

Instead of brewing a full cup of water, we steep our loose leaf tea in just ⅔ cup of boiling water. This creates a potent, concentrated shot of Earl Grey that ensures the bright bergamot flavor shines through the creamy foam.

Choose Your Blend: Classic vs. Lavender

At Yerba Buena Tea Co., we offer two distinct paths to London Fog perfection. Because we use whole-leaf tea and real essential oils, you get a depth of flavor that tea bags just can't match.

1. The Traditionalist

Use our Classic Earl Grey. This uses pure, cold-pressed Italian Bergamot oil on a robust black tea base. It is bright, citrusy, and wakes up the senses. Ideally paired with vanilla syrup.

2. The "Lavender Fog" Upgrade

For a truly sophisticated twist, swap the base for our Lavender Grey. We blend our classic Earl Grey with whole organic lavender flowers. The floral notes of the lavender fuse with the vanilla milk to create a drink that tastes like a spa day in a mug. It is deeply calming and incredibly aromatic.

Ready to become your own barista? Grab your favorite mug and follow the simple steps below.