London Fog

Apr 20, 2022 | Recipes

A clean mug of London Fog tea sits on a table surrounded by a platter of biscotti and some white and lavender roses

Rumour has it, spring is coming.   From the looks of things outside the window of my mountain-side house though, winter is not ready to let go.  A late-season snowstorm sent everyone up the gondolas this morning to enjoy what may be (maybe?) the last powder day of the season.  As you may have heard, we made a relatively recent move out to the mountains of British Columbia.  In honour our new home, and of a very slow winter-to-spring transition, it only seemed appropriate to trade in our usual afternoon plain cup of tea for the much more interesting London Fog.  Made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, honey and lots of frothy milk, it’s a warming treat on a cold not-quite-spring afternoon.  But what does a London Fog have to do with the west coast of Canada?  Despite its deceiving name, it was invented in Vancouver and it a very popular order in coffee shops across the province.  It seems like the perfect Après Ski drink for this afternoon – wam, fragrant, a little sweet and topped with a layer of frothy milk.  A 1oz shot of gin is an optional add-in for anyone who needs a little extra warming after a day on the slopes!

 

London Fog

Time: 10 minutes including brewing and milk frothing time   Yield: 1 drink

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup of hot strongly brewed Earl Grey tea
  • 1 tsp honey (or more to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • (optional 1oz of gin)
  • 3 Tbsp milk, frothed

INSTRUCTIONS

Add hot tea, honey and vanilla extract (and gin if using) to a mug and stir to combine.  Hold some of the foam back with a spoon as you pour the milk into the tea.  Spoon the remaining foam on top. Taste and add more honey if you like it sweeter.

 

RECIPE NOTES

  • Whole milk makes a richer, creamier foam than lower fat milks, but 2% also works nicely
  • At home I use an older model of the Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother, but have been travelling around with this little hand held frother.   It’s battery powered, cleans up quickly and slips easily into a suitcase (I’ve also used it to whip cream to top hot chocolate and fresh berries while travelling!)
  • It’s easy to make several London Fogs at once.  Simply brew a large pot of Earl Grey tea and warm enough milk for everyone.  To make enough for 4, add 2-3 tea bags and 4 cups of boiling water to a teapot.  Heat and froth 3/4 cup of milk.   While the tea steeps, add 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of vanilla to each mug.  Top with the hot tea, stir and add the milk.

 

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