The London Fog That Stole My Heart
Last month I had a life-changing moment. Okay, maybe not life-changing, but definitely notable. I was in Florida and we took a morning golf cart ride to the cutest café. I don't tend to get coffee based drinks so I ordered a London Fog and added lavender.
Y’all. I took one sip, and it was like I had opened a new part of my brain. The creamy-ness, the tea, the juuuuust sweet enough-ness—it was basically a hug in a cup. Ever since, I’ve been on a London Fog kick, perfecting my own version at home. No lavender in this one (but hey, you do you!), just a solid, comforting, slightly fancy tea that gives coffee a run for its money. Let’s make it!
How to Make the Perfect London Fog
Step 1: Steep Your Tea Like You Mean It
Start with black tea leaves (Earl Grey is classic, but any black tea works). Bring ¾ cup of water to a boil and pour it over 1 teaspoon of tea leaves (or a tea bag) in your favorite cup or teapot.
Let it steep for 3-5 minutes—no more, no less! This is crucial because under-steeping leaves you with weak tea (sad), while over-steeping can make it bitter (also sad). Think of it like cooking pasta—nobody wants mushy, overcooked noodles, right? Same idea.
Step 2: Make It Sweet
While your tea is steeping, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to your mug. The heat from the tea will help it dissolve into liquid gold.
Step 3: Froth That Milk
In a high-lipped cup (trust me, you don’t want frothy milk all over your counter), combine ½ cup of almond milk with ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Use a milk frother to whip it into a dreamy, foamy cloud. No frother? No problem! Just warm the milk on the stove and whisk it like your morning depends on it.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Remove the tea leaves or tea bag, then pour the tea into your honey-sweetened mug. Give it a quick stir.
Now, slowly pour in your frothy vanilla almond milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the milk is in, spoon that velvety foam right on top.
Bonus points if you sprinkle a little cinnamon or extra vanilla on top. Sip. Swoon. Repeat.
What’s the Deal with Tea vs. Coffee?
As someone who loves tea but gets the coffee obsession, I have to say—London Fogs are the perfect in-between. They’re warm, comforting, and have that creamy, slightly sweet depth that reminds me of a latte. The best part? No caffeine crash. While coffee has a quick, intense caffeine hit, black tea releases its energy more gradually, so you stay awake without the afternoon slump. Plus, tea is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to all sorts of good-for-you benefits.
The Recipe at a Glance
Ingredients
1 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 1 Earl Grey tea bag)
¾ cup boiling water
1-2 teaspoons honey
½ cup almond milk
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Boil water and steep tea leaves for 3-5 minutes.
Add honey to your mug and stir.
Froth almond milk and vanilla extract using a milk frother or by whisking heated milk.
Pour tea into your mug, add the frothed milk, and top with foam.
Enjoy and pretend you’re in a fancy café.
My Must-Have Tools
If you’re ready to make London Fogs a staple in your life (which, obviously, you should), here are my favorite tools:
This Steeping Pot that makes steeping loose-leaf tea effortless.
This Frother because frothy milk just hits different.
There you have it—your new favorite cozy drink. Let me know if you try it, and if you do decide to add lavender, well, just know I support you fully. ☕✨
LB
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