Friends, I've underestimated the London Fog for far too long. Had I discovered this delightful concoction sooner, I might not have clung so tightly to my coffee rituals. Often described as a vanilla-sweetened tea latte, the London Fog features Earl Grey tea infused with sugar and vanilla extract, harmoniously paired with steamed milk and topped with a frothy milk foam. It's a gentle, inviting experience — a big, velvety warm hug in a mug.
I used to be skeptical about adding milk to tea, but this, this is exactly how it's done. You don't need to be a tea aficionado to appreciate it. If you're considering dipping your toes into tea-based drinks, the London Fog is a wonderful classic to start with. I believe it's a welcome treat at any time, from breakfast to a nightcap.
Nutritional Information
The provided nutritional information has been compiled from various online sources and should be regarded as an estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, variations in portion sizes, and individual preparation methods. It is advisable to consider these numbers as general guidelines rather than precise measurements. For accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or utilize specialized nutritional analysis tools based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your preparation.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all the ingredients used are inherently gluten-free. It's a delicious option for those who follow a gluten-free diet, but it's also perfect for everyone to enjoy without any special modifications. Verify that your individual ingredients are gluten free before making as manufacturers may change their ingredients at any time.
Serving Size: 1 Glass
Calories: 200
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Ingredients
Earl Grey Tea (1 cup brewed)
Steamed Milk (1 cup (240ml) whole milk)
1 Tsp (5 ml) Sugar (or 1 packet sweetener)
1 Tbl (15ml) Vanilla Extract
Optional, dried tea leaves to garnish
Instructions- London Fog
Save your hard-earned money by skipping the pricey trip to the nearest chain coffee shop for a latte. While lattes may seem like a luxurious treat reserved for barista-manned espresso machines, you don't need to break the bank or invest in specialized equipment. Making steamed milk at home is surprisingly simple, and you can achieve the desired frothy texture without fancy gadgets. My preferred method involves heating and frothing the milk until it nearly doubles in size, and it's both efficient and cost-effective. You could also simply shake the milk in a jar until it develops a foam and nearly doubles in size if you don’t have access to a frother.
There are two components to making this drink. One is to brew your tea, and the other is to make your steamed / frothed milk. As luck would have it, it takes about as long to make the steamed milk as it does for the tea to brew.
Instructions- London Fog
Preparing the tea:
Get this part started by brewing a comforting cup of Earl Grey tea using your preferred method. Personally, I opt for the classic approach of bringing the kettle to a spirited whistle and then pouring that hot water over a tea bag. However, feel free to choose the method that suits you best; the goal is to get yourself a cuppa that sets the foundation for the London Fog experience.
Making the steamed / frothed milk:
While the teabag is steeping, we move on to the steamed milk. For simplicity, we are going to make more of a frothed milk because not every home has a milk steamer just laying around. Plus, it only takes about as long to make the milk as it does for the tea to steep so it is honestly the perfect pairing. Honestly this could nearly be a tutorial and recipe all by itself.
Start by heating 1 cup of whole milk (roughly 240 ml.) in a small pot over medium heat. Ensure you whisk or stir gently, preventing the milk fats and sugars at the bottom from burning. Heat it until you notice steam rising, right before it starts to bubble. If the milk simmers, it's gotten too hot, so promptly remove it from the heat. Aim for a temperature between 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-72 Celsius), as it works well. Transfer the steaming milk to another container, like a mason jar, and use a milk frother to aerate it until it almost doubles in volume. The result? Several ounces of velvety liquid at the bottom, crowned with a luscious layer of whipped foam on top.
Constructing the London Fog:
Once the tea has completed its steeping, squeeze out and discard the tea bag. In your mug, stir in a teaspoon (5ml) of sugar and a tablespoon (15ml) of vanilla extract. As a proponent of homemade extracts, my preferred vanilla is a budget-friendly bottle of brandy infused with a few split open vanilla beans. This concoction is then blissfully forgotten in a cupboard for a glorious 6-month maturation period.
Next, gently pour in the steamed milk, using a spoon to retain the foam in the jar while letting the velvety liquid flow into the tea. Gently scoop the foam and spoon it onto the top of the tea. My preferred garnish is a pinch of dried tea leaves sprinkled over the foam, as the black flecks provide a visually pleasing contrast against the bright white foam.
The beauty of this drink lies in its versatility, offering nearly as many variations as there are shades in the autumn leaves. For instance, if you opt for Lavender tea, you'll find yourself sipping on a Victoria Fog. Choose Irish Breakfast, and it transforms into a Dublin Fog. Experimenting with Matcha turns it into a Tokyo Fog. The possibilities extend to the choice of tea, where a rooibos tea could replace the traditional Earl Grey. Additionally, honey or brown sugar can stand in for the sugar, while almond or lemon extract provides an alternative to vanilla. Feel free to explore and create your own unique twist on this comforting classic.
Alternatively, allow me to introduce you to a unique creation: the ‘Green Mountain Fog’. This delightful concoction is a well-kept secret, one that I've had the pleasure of discovering. While the classic London Fog is beloved for its Earl Grey base and hints of sugar and vanilla, the Green Mountain Fog takes a bold departure. In this variation, we swap out the Earl Grey tea for Red Clover Tea, infusing the beverage with a distinct herbal essence. But the magic doesn't stop there. Instead of the traditional sweeteners, we opt for the rich, earthy notes of Maple Syrup, carefully selected for its deepest amber hue. The result? A comforting blend that pays homage to Vermont's verdant landscapes and rich maple heritage. Give it a try and experience a taste of the Green Mountain State like never before
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