My Secret Healthy London Fog Latte (Way Better than Starbucks)
I used to think only my favorite coffee shop could make a London Fog Latte just right, but once I started making my Earl Grey latte at home, I realized how easy (and honestly, better) it is when I do it myself. No extra syrups or artificial flavors. Just a simple, homemade version recipe that’s perfect for what I love.
It gives me a gentle morning boost despite the lower caffeine ratio in it. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. And if you already love it as much as I do, just wait until you see how simple it is to make at home!
Why This Earl Grey Latte is a Hit!
I make mine homemade with simple ingredients like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or monk fruit. A delicious alternative to a Starbucks copycat. I love that this has lower cafeine but still gives me a gentle morning boost or a mid-day boost.
You know what I love about this latte?
You can pull it in a hundred different ways depending on your mood. Some days I want it classic and comforting; other days I’m craving something a little extra. I will also share my favorite riffs on London Fog later in the post. Stay tuned!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk – light, creamy, and dairy-free.
- If you prefer another milk, go for oat, coconut, or regular dairy milk works beautifully too!
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (or 1-2 teaspoons loose leaf) – the soul of this latte! Earl Grey’s signature bergamot essence adds that irresistibility.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – a touch of warmth.
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup – naturally sweetens your latte while enhancing the tea’s delicate flavors. Adjust to taste and keep it refined sugar-free!
- A pinch of lavender (optional, but highly recommended!) for floral vibes.
- Optional
- Steamed milk foam or cream – for that coffee shop feel! A foamy topping takes this latte to the next level.
Instructions
1. Brew the Tea
Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a gentle simmer in a small pot. The moment it’s hot (but not boiling), remove it from the heat and drop it into your Earl Grey tea bag (or loose-leaf tea).
If you’re feeling fancy, add that pinch of lavender for a subtle floral aroma. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
2. Warm the Milk
While your tea is steeping, pour almond milk into a separate saucepan and warm it over low heat. Do not let it boil! Gentle heating keeps it creamy and smooth.
Once it’s warm, stir in vanilla extract and your chosen sweetener. Give it a little taste – too sweet? Too mild? It is up to you ‘to customize it to perfection.
3. Strain and Blend
If you used loose-leaf tea or lavender, strain it now by using a sieve. Slowly pour the warm, infused milk into your tea for a smoother, creamy drink by Bringing It All Together.
4. Get Frothy
If you have a milk frother, whisk, or even a tightly sealed jar, now’s the time to use it. Froth a little extra milk and gently spoon it over your latte for that signature airy finish.
5. Garnish & Sip
Your Perfect London Fog Moment: For the final touch, sprinkle a bit of dried lavender or cinnamon on top – because a latte should look as good as it tastes. Take a sip. Feel the warmth.
You just made a healthier, more delicious version of a Starbucks favorite!
Variations to try to keep things exciting!
Here are my favorite riffs on the London Fog that I’ve tested (and obsessed over) in my kitchen.
1. The Iced London Fog
I used to think tea lattes were strictly a hot-weather drink… until I tried this. It’s so refreshing on a warm afternoon.
Brew the Earl Grey strong (I let it steep for a full 6 minutes since ice will dilute it), then chill it completely. Pour over a tall glass of ice and add your frothed cold milk with honey and a splash of vanilla, making it perfect for warm days.
2. The “ Spice” Fog for Fall Vibes
Sometimes plain vanilla doesn’t cut it. On those days, I steal a pinch of my chai spice blend (cinnamon + cardamom + a tiny bit of clove) and whisk it right into the warm milk Like a chai latte, if you’re a cinnamon freak like me, a light dusting on top makes it a chef’s kiss.
3. The Keto Fog (Zero Guilt)
My friend’s keto, so I’ve made this version for her more times than I can count. Swap the honey for monk fruit syrup (or your favorite keto sweetener), and use unsweetened vanilla almond milk + a splash of heavy cream.
4. The “Earl Grey Hot Chocolate”
This one’s for those days when you need a hug in mug form. Brew the tea extra strong, then stir in a tablespoon of real dark chocolate chunks (or cocoa powder) while the milk is heating. The bergamot + chocolate combo is weirdly amazing. You can top it with whipped cream if you’re feeling extra (I always am).
It’s a Wrap
The beauty of this latte is how forgiving it is. Too sweet? Add more tea. Not creamy enough? Froth longer. Want more kick? Add an extra tea bag. Play around—it’s your latte. You can also enjoy the sip with my vegan pumpkin waffles as an evening treat to your taste buds.
Now tell me: Which version are you trying first? Or better yet, have you invented your twist? ( I’m always looking for new ideas to steal.) Drop your creations in the comments!
You Might Also Like
- Strawberry Accai Refresher – Starbucks Copycat
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte – Also a Starbucks Copycat
- Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee
Too busy to make this right now? Pin for later to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Healthy London Fog Latte
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons loose leaf
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of lavender optional, but highly recommended! for floral vibes.
- Steamed milk foam or cream
Instructions
Brew the Tea
- Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a gentle simmer in a small pot. The moment it’s hot (but not boiling), remove it from the heat and drop it into your Earl Grey tea bag (or loose-leaf tea).
- If you’re feeling fancy, add that pinch of lavender for a subtle floral aroma. Let it steep for 5 minutes
Warm the Milk
- While your tea is steeping, pour almond milk into a separate saucepan and warm it over low heat. Do not let it boil! Gentle heating keeps it creamy and smooth.
- Once it’s warm, stir in vanilla extract and your chosen sweetener. Give it a little taste—too sweet? Too mild? It is up to you ‘to customize it to perfection.
Strain and Blend
- If you used loose-leaf tea or lavender, strain it now by using a sieve. Slowly pour the warm, infused milk into your tea for a smoother, creamy drink by Bringing It All Together.
Get Frothy
- If you have a milk frother, whisk, or even a tightly sealed jar, now’s the time to use it. Froth a little extra milk and gently spoon it over your latte for that signature airy finish.
Garnish & Sip
- Your Perfect London Fog Moment For the final touch, sprinkle a bit of dried lavender or cinnamon on top—because a latte should look as good as it tastes. Take a sip. Feel the warmth.
- You just made a healthier, more delicious version of a Starbucks favorite!
