There’s something wonderfully cozy about sipping a London Fog — that creamy blend of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and steamed milk. It’s a hug in a cup, balancing the floral notes of bergamot with smooth sweetness and warmth. Traditionally made fresh in coffee shops, this drink has become a modern classic, offering both comfort and elegance in every sip.
But what if you could enjoy that same café-quality drink anytime, without the wait or expense? Enter the Homemade London Fog Concentrate — an easy, make-ahead version that lets you enjoy this fragrant tea latte in minutes. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply craving a soothing pick-me-up, this concentrate delivers convenience without sacrificing flavor.
With just four simple ingredients and five straightforward steps, you’ll have a rich, aromatic base that keeps beautifully in the fridge all week. Let’s brew some calm and create your own little moment of London luxury.
Recipe Overview
London Fog Concentrate is a fragrant tea base made from steeped Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness. It’s stored cold and mixed with milk when ready to serve — hot or iced. With this concentrate on hand, you can easily craft a creamy, comforting latte anytime, no barista required.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 8 teaspoons Earl Grey tea (loose leaf or 8 tea bags)
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Water
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan over medium heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, remove from heat to prevent the tea from becoming bitter during steeping.
2. Steep the Tea
Add the Earl Grey tea — either loose leaf or tea bags — to the hot water. Cover the pot or kettle to trap the aromatic oils from the bergamot, then let it steep for about 5 minutes.
If you prefer a stronger flavor, extend the steeping time by another minute or two.
3. Strain and Sweeten
Once steeped, remove the tea bags.
If using loose leaf tea, pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean glass jar or bottle.
Stir in the vanilla extract and sugar (if using). The sugar helps mellow the tannins of the tea and adds a pleasant sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer a naturally flavored concentrate.
4. Cool and Store
Allow the tea concentrate to cool completely to room temperature before sealing. Once cooled, cover tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Pro Tip: Shake or stir before each use, as natural separation can occur.
5. Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to enjoy your London Fog:
- Hot Version: Mix equal parts concentrate and warm milk (regular, almond, oat, or soy). Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and whisk or froth for a café-style texture.
- Iced Version: Pour equal parts concentrate and cold milk over ice. For a stronger brew, add more concentrate to taste.
You’ll get that signature London Fog aroma — citrusy, floral, and smooth — in every sip.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Choose Your Tea Wisely
The flavor of your London Fog depends heavily on the Earl Grey you use. Go for a high-quality loose leaf or premium tea bags that feature natural bergamot oil for the most authentic aroma.
2. Make It Creamy
Experiment with different milks for variety:
- Whole milk adds a rich, comforting texture.
- Oat milk complements the tea’s floral notes beautifully.
- Almond milk offers a subtle nuttiness and is great for dairy-free drinkers.
3. Flavor Twists
Add your personal touch with small tweaks:
- Lavender London Fog: Add 1 teaspoon of culinary lavender during steeping.
- Maple London Fog: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup for depth and warmth.
- Spiced Version: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy, aromatic finish.
4. Make It Stronger or Sweeter
Adjust the tea-to-water ratio for a bolder concentrate, or add more vanilla extract for a sweeter, dessert-like flavor.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Keep the London Fog Concentrate in a sealed glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays — perfect for adding directly to iced milk for quick drinks.
Serving Ideas
- Morning Comfort: Heat and mix with milk for a soothing morning ritual.
- Afternoon Boost: Pour over ice for a refreshing, creamy pick-me-up.
- Dessert Drink: Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa for an indulgent finish.
Pair your London Fog with biscotti, scones, or butter cookies for the ultimate cozy treat.
This Homemade London Fog Concentrate transforms your favorite café latte into an easy, elegant home ritual. It’s fragrant, comforting, and endlessly customizable — whether you enjoy it hot with steamed milk or cold over ice. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a week’s worth of London Fog bliss, ready whenever you crave it.
Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe proves that luxury doesn’t have to come from a café — sometimes, it just takes a teapot, a little vanilla, and a cozy cup at home.
FAQs
1. How long does London Fog concentrate last?
It stays fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
2. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Absolutely! The sugar is optional. You can sweeten your latte later with honey, agave, or maple syrup if you prefer.
3. Can I use another type of tea?
Yes. While Earl Grey gives the signature flavor, English Breakfast, Lady Grey, or chai blends also make delicious alternatives.
4. How can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy) and vegan sugar or maple syrup.
5. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Gently warm your milk and concentrate mixture on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate tea flavor.
Make your own London Fog Concentrate at home with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and milk. Perfect for quick hot or iced London Fog lattes — easy, aromatic, and café-style comfort in every sip.
