Starbucks London Fog Latte (Copycat)

The Starbucks London Fog Latte copycat starts with a simple truth: Earl Grey tea is the whole show. The bergamot oil in the tea leaves gives the drink its bright, citrusy perfume, and the lavender notes that come through in the steam make it feel more like a cozy ritual than a quick caffeine fix. Add vanilla syrup and frothed milk, and you have a creamy tea latte that stands up to any coffee drink on the menu.

This version skips the espresso machine entirely. A mug, a kettle, and a milk frother are all it takes to bring the tea house experience home. The result is a warm, soothing drink that works just as well on a rainy afternoon as it does as a morning pick-me-up.

What Makes This Starbucks Copycat Worth Making

• It comes together in about five minutes with just four ingredients, most of which are probably already in the pantry.
• The flavor profile is distinct: bergamot and lavender from the tea, sweet vanilla, and creamy milk create a drink that feels special without any fancy equipment.
• It is a gentler caffeine option than coffee, so it works for anyone who wants a warm latte but prefers tea.

Key Ingredients for an Authentic Earl Grey Tea Latte

• Earl Grey tea bags: The bergamot oil in Earl Grey is what gives this tea latte its signature flavor. Look for a brand that uses real bergamot rather than artificial flavoring, and use two bags for a strong brew that holds up against the milk and syrup.
• Vanilla syrup: This is the sweetener and the flavor bridge between the tea and the milk. A good quality vanilla syrup makes a difference, but a homemade simple syrup with vanilla extract works in a pinch.
• 2% milk: The milk provides the creamy body of the latte. Whole milk will make it richer, while oat or almond milk can be swapped in for a dairy-free version without changing the method.

Kitchen Tools for a Creamy Tea Latte

• A large mug, at least 12 ounces, to hold the full drink
• A kettle or small saucepan to boil the water
• A milk frother, either handheld or electric, to create the foam that makes this a true latte
• A microwave-safe measuring cup or mug for heating the milk

Tips for Making the Best London Fog Latte at Home

• Steep the tea for the full 3 to 5 minutes. Less time leaves the tea weak and the bergamot flavor barely there, while more time can turn it bitter.
• Heat the milk until it is hot but not boiling. Boiling milk can scorch it and ruin the creamy texture.
• Froth the milk right after heating it, while it is still warm. Cold milk does not foam as well and will deflate quickly.
• Pour the vanilla syrup into the tea before adding the milk so it dissolves evenly into the hot liquid.

How to Froth Milk Without a Fancy Machine

A milk frother is the easiest way to get that thick, foamy top on a London Fog, but it is not the only way. If you do not have one, heat the milk in a saucepan until it is steaming, then pour it into a French press. Pump the plunger up and down for about 20 seconds, and the milk will double in volume with a nice layer of foam. This method works surprisingly well and uses a tool many people already own.

Another option is to use a handheld immersion blender directly in the mug of warm milk. Just be careful not to overfill the mug, since the milk will expand as it froths.

London Fog Latte Variations to Try

• Dairy-free: Swap the 2% milk for oat milk or almond milk. Oat milk froths especially well and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the bergamot.
• Extra lavender: Add a pinch of culinary lavender buds to the tea while it steeps for a more pronounced floral note.
• Iced version: Brew the tea double strength, let it cool, then pour it over ice with cold milk and vanilla syrup for a refreshing summer take.
• Sweetness adjustment: Use half the vanilla syrup for a less sweet drink, or add a little honey if you prefer a different kind of sweetness.

What to Serve with a Warm Earl Grey Latte

This tea latte is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with a few simple sides. The floral, citrusy flavor of the bergamot works nicely with buttery pastries and light desserts.

• A buttery shortbread cookie or biscotti for dipping
• A slice of lemon loaf or pound cake to echo the citrus notes
• A simple scone with clotted cream or jam for a proper tea-time feel

How to Store Leftover London Fog Latte

This drink is best enjoyed right after it is made, since the frothed milk loses its airy texture as it sits. If there are leftovers, pour the cooled latte into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The tea and milk will separate, so give it a good stir or shake before drinking. To serve it again, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then froth the milk again if you want to bring back some of the foam.

Source recipe: Starbucks London Fog Latte (Copycat) (SnapChef ID d8f9573d-59b9-48c5-89f7-af45f36ad0b9). Nutrition is estimated per serving.

Recipe

Starbucks London Fog Latte (Copycat)

★★★★★ 5.0/5 (10 ratings)

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Prep

5 min

Cook

5 min

Total

10 min

Servings

1 servings

Cuisine

American

1x2x3x

1 servings

US Metric

Copy list

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 ounce vanilla syrup

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil. When the water is boiling, pour it into a large mug.
2. Add the tea bags and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags.
3. Meanwhile, heat the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. When the milk is hot, froth it using a milk frother.
5. Pour the vanilla syrup into the tea, and stir.
6. Pour the frothed milk into the tea and spoon any remaining milk froth on top.

Notes

• This tea latte is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with a few simple sides. The floral, citrusy flavor of the bergamot works nicely with buttery pastries and light desserts. A buttery shortbread cookie or biscotti for dipping A slice of lemon loaf or pound cake to echo th
• This drink is best enjoyed right after it is made, since the frothed milk loses its airy texture as it sits. If there are leftovers, pour the cooled latte into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The tea and milk will separate, so give it a good stir or shake

Nutrition per serving, estimated

Calories	194 kcal	10% DV
Protein	8 g	16% DV
Fat	5 g	6% DV
Carbs	32 g	12% DV
Sugar	33 g	—
Sodium	139 mg	0% DV

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?

Yes. Use about 2 teaspoons of loose leaf Earl Grey per cup of water, or the equivalent of what two tea bags would hold. A tea infuser or a fine mesh strainer works well to keep the leaves out of the final drink.

What if I don't have a milk frother?

You can still get a decent foam. Heat the milk, then pour it into a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Or use a whisk and beat the milk quickly until it froths. The foam won't be as fine as a frother, but it will still add a creamy top layer.

Is the lavender flavor natural in this drink?

The lavender flavor comes from the Earl Grey tea itself. Many Earl Grey blends include lavender as a complementary note to the bergamot, which is why the drink has that subtle floral character. If your tea doesn't have lavender, you can add a pinch of dried culinary lavender while steeping.

Can I make this drink with a different type of milk?

Absolutely. Whole milk will make the latte richer and creamier, while skim milk will be lighter. Non-dairy milks like oat, almond, or soy all work, though oat milk tends to froth the best and has a natural sweetness that complements the vanilla.