London Fog Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

A chef-tested recipe for a cozy London Fog Latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and homemade lavender-vanilla syrup. As a chef who has spent years crafting small-batch syrups and working with herbal flavors, I'll show you how to create a café-worthy version at home.

Why You Need to Try a London Fog Tea Latte

Many years ago, on a cold, windy afternoon in Seattle with a friend, we tucked into a coffee shop and experienced our first London Fog. I'll never forget it-the citrusy bergamot shone through, bright yet cozy, and warmed me to my bones. I've been recreating and refining it ever since.

As a chef who has spent years developing recipes, fermenting, preserving, and crafting small-batch syrups, I've learned how tiny details in balance can transform a drink from ordinary to extraordinary. This version uses my homemade lavender vanilla honey syrup to elevate the classic London Fog into something truly special.

I personally use Rishi Earl Grey, an organic, high-quality tea with a vibrant bergamot flavor (and no microplastics in the tea bags). With the right tea, proper steeping technique, and a few professional tips, you can create a café-worthy London Fog latte at home that tastes even better than what you'll find at most coffee shops.

What is a London Fog?

A London Fog latte is a cozy drink made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, often topped with a light froth. It’s named after the city of London and is known for its soothing bergamot and lavender flavors.

Homemade London Fog Ingredients

• Earl Grey Tea: Use 1-2 Earl Grey Tea bags or 1-2 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea. I prefer to use 2!
• Honey: Or use vanilla simple syrup. See notes for how to make our vanilla lavender honey simple syrup!
• Vanilla extract: Infuses latte with cozy, sweet flavor.
• Steamed milk: Your choice of milk- whole milk, oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
• Dried lavender: For a pretty garnish!

How to Make a London Fog Latte

1. Boil water. Use a tea kettle to boil water.

2. Steep tea. Pour 3/4 cup boiling water into an 8-ounce serving mug and add 1-2 earl grey sachets. If using loose leaves, use a tea basket or strainer. Steep 3-4 minutes.

3. Warm and froth milk. While tea steeps, warm milk over medium heat in a small saucepan. Use a mini frother to froth the milk.

4. Add sweetener and milk. Remove the tea bags, add the honey or simple syrup to the hot tea, along with vanilla and pour in the foamy milk.

5. Garnish. Garnish with dried lavender if you’d like!

How to Make Vanilla Lavender Honey Simple Syrup

1. Heat 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon lavender in a saucepan on the stovetop. Simmer until reduced by half.
2. Strain.
3. Place 1/2 cup honey in a jar and stir in the warm lavender water. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Taste and adjust, adding more vanilla if desired.

How to Make a Perfect Foam for Lattes

1. Start with cold milk. It foams better than warm milk.
2. Use a frother, steam wand, or French press (pump the plunger up and down until thick foam forms).
3. Keep milk temperature under 150F. Overheating collapses the foam.
4. Pour the foam gently over the tea, then spoon the last bit on top.

Chef’s Tips

• Steeping temperature: For the best latte, heat your water to 200F.
• Be careful not to over-steep. Over-steeping can lead to bitterness.
• Let latte cool before adding milk. Let the tea cool for 1-2 minutes before adding milk. This prevents a burnt taste and helps preserve the foam.
• Taste and adjust the sweetness. Use 1-2 teaspoons of syrup or honey, adjusting as needed. Start small. The bergamot should shine, not be overpowered by sweetness.
• Try decaf tea. Earl Grey is available in decaf, making a cozy bedtime drink!

London Fog Tea Latte Variations

• To make an iced London Fog latte: Chill the brewed Earl Grey tea in the fridge, pour over ice in a 12-16 ounce glass, stir in sweetener and vanilla, and top with cold milk.
• If you want a richer latte: Steep two bags of Earl Gray tea directly in 1 ½ cups of hot milk. Add vanilla and sweetener to taste.
• Espresso: Add a shot of espresso for a London Fog with a little extra kick!
• Maple syrup: Can be used instead of the honey or vanilla syrup.
• Coconut milk: Try coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Tea: Try making this recipe with your other favorite types of tea, such as lavender tea, black tea, breakfast tea, or even chai tea or matcha! You could even create your own blends, like earl grey and lavender tea.
• Bergamot oil: Add a little bergamot oil if you want to amplify this citrusy flavor.

How to Store a London Fog (Drink)

If prepping your London Fog in advance, you’ll want to store each component separately- the brewed tea, simple syrup, and milk. If the components are already combined, you can store the latte in a sealed jar in the fridge for a day or two. Simply reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave, or pour it over ice!

What to Serve with this London Fog Drink

We especially love this beverage with our favorite crumbly scones, cookies, or breakfast pastries.

May this cozy London Fog Latte bring comfort and hug you from the inside out! Enjoy!

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