If you’re craving something cozy yet effortlessly elegant, the London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe is a delightful treat you can whip up in just minutes. This indulgent blend of fragrant Earl Grey tea, soothing lavender, and creamy milk creates a beverage that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you prefer your latte steaming hot or refreshingly cold, this recipe brings a lovely twist to your regular tea routine, promising layers of flavor that warm the soul and invite relaxation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat white round plate holding three small bowls and two lavender sprigs. The top right bowl contains dried purple lavender flowers. Below it, the middle bowl is filled with golden honey with a smooth texture. Next to the honey bowl, on the lower right side, a bowl with black loose tea leaves has a white spoon resting inside with some tea leaves scattered nearby. On the left side of the plate, a white spoon with light brown liquid sits in front of two dark tea bags wrapped in white paper. A glass jug with a wooden handle is partly visible on the top left corner. The entire arrangement lies on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe relies on just a few simple ingredients, but each plays a vital role in shaping its distinctive taste and smooth texture. Fresh, high-quality components make all the difference here, giving you that café-quality experience right at home.

1 cup boiling-hot water: The perfect base temperature to release the full aroma and flavor of the Earl Grey tea.
2 Earl Grey tea bags: The star of the show, imparting that classic bergamot citrus note that defines a London Fog.
1/2 teaspoon dried lavender (culinary-grade): Adds a subtle floral hint that elevates the tea’s complexity without overpowering it.
2 to 3 teaspoons honey (or your desired sweetener): Sweetens the latte naturally and balances the aromatic tea and lavender.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a luscious depth to every sip.
1/2 cup hot or chilled plain milk: Creates that creamy, velvety mouthfeel essential to a proper latte.
Ice: Optional, for transforming this comforting drink into a refreshing iced version.

How to Make London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Tea

Begin by combining boiling-hot water with the Earl Grey tea bags and dried lavender in a heat-safe container. Give it a quick stir to mingle the flavors, then let it steep for about three minutes. This timing is key — it extracts just the right intensity of bergamot and floral notes without bitterness, setting the stage for the perfect latte.

Step 2: Froth the Milk

While your tea is steeping, it’s time to froth the milk. If you have a milk frother, use it on your hot or chilled milk to create that airy, creamy texture we all love in a latte. No frother? Don’t worry. A French press can easily do the trick by plunging quickly, or you can whisk it by hand for a few minutes until frothy. This step makes the drink feel effortlessly special and café-quality.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

Once steeping is complete, strain the tea carefully to remove the tea bags and lavender buds. Pour the liquid into your favorite mug or glass, then stir in honey (or your choice of sweetener) and vanilla extract until everything dissolves and blends. This layering boosts the smoothness and sweetness of the drink beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Milk and Tea

Now add your frothed milk to the tea, gently stirring just enough to combine. For a hot latte, this creates a luxuriously warm and creamy beverage, while for the iced version, pour the tea and milk over a glass filled with ice to refresh and cool your palate.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe is ready to delight! Pour into your favorite cup or tall glass, garnish if you like, then sit back and savor the blend of floral, citrus, and velvety flavors. It’s incredibly satisfying whether you need a moment of calm or a pick-me-up.

How to Serve London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe

A clear glass mug filled with a creamy light beige drink topped with a thick white foam layer, sprinkled with small purple lavender buds. The mug is held by woman's hand on the left side, resting on a white marbled surface with a few scattered lavender buds nearby. The background is bright and softly blurred, highlighting the drink's smooth and frothy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a small sprinkle of dried lavender buds on top not only makes your latte look stunning but also enhances the delicate floral aroma just before sipping. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a twist of lemon peel can also add a unique touch that complements the bergamot and lavender flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

A London Fog Latte pairs wonderfully with light, mildly sweet treats—think buttery shortbread cookies, vanilla biscotti, or almond croissants. These delicate pastries won’t overpower the flavors of your latte but will add a touch of indulgence to your tea time ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or just because, serve your iced version in a clear glass to show off the swirling mix of tea and milk over the ice cubes. Use reusable, colorful straws or elegant glass stirring rods to enhance the experience. For hot lattes, try latte art or serve with a side of lavender-infused whipped cream to surprise and delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra brewed tea, it can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 24 hours without losing much flavor. This makes it easy to prepare several servings ahead of time and enjoy London Fog lattes at your convenience.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze the full latte since milk texture changes, you can freeze the brewed tea portion in ice cube trays. These tea cubes are perfect for iced lattes or iced tea drinks whenever you want a quick refreshment with no extra brewing.

Reheating

For reheating a hot London Fog Latte, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and prevent scalding. Avoid boiling as it can affect the delicate lavender and vanilla flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tea to make a London Fog Latte?

While Earl Grey is the traditional and most popular choice due to its distinctive bergamot flavor, you can experiment with other black teas or even green teas if you prefer, but the final flavor will differ from the classic London Fog.

What kind of milk works best in this recipe?

Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest latte, but any milk or milk alternative like oat, almond, or soy can be used. Just note that non-dairy options may froth differently and subtly change the texture.

Is dried lavender necessary, or can I omit it?

The dried lavender adds a wonderful floral note that makes the drink unique, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, the latte will still be delicious without it.

How sweet should the London Fog Latte be?

Sweetness is a matter of personal taste. Starting with 2 teaspoons of honey is a good baseline, then you can adjust to your preference. Some like it barely sweet, others a little more indulgent.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it fully plant-based.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and savoring the London Fog Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe at home. It turns a simple tea break into a comforting ritual filled with delicate flavors and creamy bliss. Whether you’re winding down from a busy day or starting your morning gently, this latte feels like a warm hug in a cup. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new go-to cozy indulgence.