Name: Iced London Fog: The Ultimate Guide to Making It At Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 6 Earl Grey tea bags (high quality recommended); 2 cups boiling water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract); 1 cup Earl Grey tea concentrate (cooled); 1/4 cup vanilla syrup (or to taste); 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, your preference! Oat milk is fantastic); Ice cubes; Optional: Whipped cream, a sprinkle of dried lavender, or a dusting of cocoa powder for garnish

Iced London Fog: Prepare to be utterly captivated by this enchanting twist on a classic tea latte! Imagine the soothing aroma of Earl Grey tea, the creamy richness of milk, and the subtle sweetness of vanilla, all transformed into a refreshing, iced beverage perfect for a warm afternoon. This isn't just a drink; it's an experience.

The traditional London Fog, a comforting blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, has its roots in Vancouver, Canada, dating back to the 1990s. Legend has it that a pregnant woman, seeking a caffeine-free alternative to coffee, requested a unique tea latte from her local coffee shop. The result? A beloved beverage that has since spread across the globe. But we're taking it a step further, giving it a cool and contemporary makeover.

What makes an Iced London Fog so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bergamot in the Earl Grey provides a distinctive citrusy note that complements the creamy milk and sweet vanilla. The ice adds a refreshing coolness that makes it incredibly satisfying, especially on a hot day. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make at home! Forget expensive coffee shop runs; with just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own delicious Iced London Fog in minutes. So, are you ready to elevate your iced tea game? Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the Earl Grey Tea Concentrate:

6 Earl Grey tea bags (high quality recommended)
2 cups boiling water

For the Vanilla Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

For the Iced London Fog:

1 cup Earl Grey tea concentrate (cooled)
1/4 cup vanilla syrup (or to taste)
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, your preference! Oat milk is fantastic)
Ice cubes
Optional: Whipped cream, a sprinkle of dried lavender, or a dusting of cocoa powder for garnish

Preparing the Earl Grey Tea Concentrate

Okay, let's start with the most important part – the Earl Grey tea concentrate. This is what gives our Iced London Fog that distinctive bergamot flavor. Don't skimp on the tea bags; we want a strong brew!

Boil the Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. I usually use an electric kettle because it's quick and easy, but a stovetop kettle works just as well.
Steep the Tea: Place the 6 Earl Grey tea bags into a heat-resistant pitcher or large measuring cup. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags, making sure they're fully submerged.
Steep for 5-7 Minutes: This is crucial! We want a strong, concentrated tea. Let the tea steep for at least 5 minutes, but no more than 7. Over-steeping can make the tea bitter. I usually set a timer to make sure I don't forget.
Remove Tea Bags: Carefully remove the tea bags from the pitcher. Don't squeeze them too hard, as this can also release bitter tannins. Just gently press them against the side of the pitcher to extract any remaining liquid.
Cool Completely: This is super important! Let the tea concentrate cool completely to room temperature before using it. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator. I usually make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later.

Making the Vanilla Syrup

Next up, we're making the vanilla syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness and that lovely vanilla aroma that complements the Earl Grey perfectly. You can use vanilla extract if you don't have a vanilla bean, but trust me, the bean makes a world of difference!

Combine Sugar and Water: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
Add Vanilla Bean (or Extract): If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan. If using vanilla extract, hold off on adding it until the syrup has cooled.
Heat and Stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Simmer: Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the syrup thicken slightly.
Remove from Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you used a vanilla bean, remove the pod.
Add Vanilla Extract (if using): If you're using vanilla extract, stir it into the syrup now.
Cool Completely: Let the vanilla syrup cool completely to room temperature. As with the tea concentrate, you can speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator.
Store: Store the vanilla syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.

Assembling the Iced London Fog

Alright, now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where the magic happens, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Feel free to adjust the amounts of tea concentrate and vanilla syrup to your liking. I like mine a little on the sweeter side, but you might prefer a more subtle flavor.

Fill Glass with Ice: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. I like to use crushed ice, but regular ice cubes work just fine.
Add Earl Grey Tea Concentrate: Pour 1 cup of the cooled Earl Grey tea concentrate over the ice.
Add Vanilla Syrup: Add 1/4 cup of the vanilla syrup to the glass. Adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed.
Add Milk: Pour 1 cup of milk over the tea and syrup. I highly recommend using oat milk for a creamy and delicious dairy-free option. Almond milk and soy milk also work well. If you're using dairy milk, whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but 2% or skim milk will also work.
Stir Well: Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the vanilla syrup is fully incorporated.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness or tea strength as needed. If it's not sweet enough, add a little more vanilla syrup. If it's too strong, add a splash more milk.
Garnish (Optional): If you're feeling fancy, you can garnish your Iced London Fog with whipped cream, a sprinkle of dried lavender, or a dusting of cocoa powder. I sometimes add a cinnamon stick for a warm, comforting touch.
Serve Immediately: Serve your Iced London Fog immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Make it a Dirty London Fog: Add a shot of espresso for an extra caffeine kick!
Use Different Teas: While Earl Grey is the classic choice, you can experiment with other black teas like English Breakfast or Darjeeling.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the vanilla syrup for a warm and spicy twist.
Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and ensure your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly.
Adjust Sweetness: The amount of vanilla syrup can be adjusted to your personal preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more until you reach your desired sweetness level.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the tea concentrate and vanilla syrup ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to whip up an Iced London Fog whenever you're in the mood.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a few drops of almond extract, rose water, or orange blossom water for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting:

Tea is Too Bitter: Make sure you're not over-steeping the tea. 5-7 minutes is the sweet spot. Also, avoid squeezing the tea bags too hard.
Syrup is Too Thick: Add a little more water to the syrup and heat it gently until it thins out.
Drink is Not Sweet Enough: Add more vanilla syrup to taste.
Drink is Too Strong: Add more milk to dilute the tea concentrate.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Iced London Fog!

Conclusion:

This Iced London Fog recipe is more than just a drink; it's an experience, a little pocket of calm in a busy day. The creamy, subtly sweet, and refreshingly cold combination of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and milk is simply irresistible. If you're looking for a sophisticated and easy-to-make beverage that will impress your friends and family (or just yourself!), then this is absolutely a must-try. I truly believe this will become your new go-to drink! But don't just take my word for it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a richer, more decadent treat, try using half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream instead of milk. Almond milk or oat milk are fantastic dairy-free alternatives that add their own unique flavor profiles. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a dash of lavender syrup for an extra floral note that complements the Earl Grey beautifully. A sprinkle of dried lavender buds on top also adds a lovely visual touch. For those who prefer a sweeter drink, adjust the amount of vanilla syrup to your liking. You can also use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners. If you're watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar-free vanilla syrup or a natural sweetener like stevia. The key is to find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities! This Iced London Fog is perfect on its own as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks and desserts. Imagine sipping on this while enjoying a warm scone with clotted cream and jam, or a delicate slice of lemon cake. It's also a fantastic complement to savory treats like a cheese and charcuterie board. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of rich chocolate brownie. And don't limit yourself to just enjoying it at home! This recipe is easily adaptable for picnics, barbecues, or even a fancy brunch. Simply prepare the tea concentrate and vanilla syrup ahead of time, and then assemble the drinks when you're ready to serve. You can even pre-mix the tea and milk in a large pitcher for easy pouring. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover your own perfect version of the Iced London Fog. It's a simple yet elegant drink that's sure to become a favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, brew some Earl Grey tea, and get ready to indulge in a truly delightful experience. I can't wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please try this recipe! And when you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using #IcedLondonFogRecipe. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the overall flavor. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. Happy sipping!