Wednesday, November 3, 2021

London Fog #recipe by Mia P. Manansala @MPMtheWriter

My cozy drink reign continues! This will be the last lavender-inspired drink I share for a while (I think). Back when I posted my lavender chai latte recipe, I was reminded of a similar drink that I loved. People might be familiar with London Fogs at Starbucks, but I try to support my local cafes rather than chains as much as possible. Does that mean I don't get to enjoy those drinks anymore? No, it just means I have to get creative and figure out how to make them at home.

I sprinkled this with lavender buds to make it prettier and forgot to take a picture

A London Fog, which is essentially an earl grey tea latte with vanilla and sometimes lavender, is easy, delicious, and so, so comforting. Last time, I shared a way to froth steamed milk with no fancy equipment. That method is OK, but today I'll be sharing the French press method, which is so much better. Hope you give it a try!

London Fog Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp loose leaf earl grey tea OR 2 earl grey tea bags
  • 6 oz boiling water
  • 4 - 6 oz milk
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp vanilla extract (depending on how strong you want it)
  • 1 tsp lavender simple syrup OR sweetener of choice (more to taste)

Directions:

  1. Steep the tea in the boiling water according to the time on the package (usually 4-6 minutes). Make sure it's strong, since you'll be adding milk.
  2. While the tea is steeping, steam and froth the milk (see below for my French press method).
  3. Strain the tea into a clean mug, stir in the vanilla extract and lavender syrup or sweetener, and top with the frothed milk.
  4. Enjoy!

How to froth milk with a French Press:

  1. Heat milk on stove or in microwave until hot but not boiling.
  2. Pour heated milk into a French press and cover it with lid.
  3. Pump the plunger again and again until the milk doubles in volume.
  4. Pour the frothed milk on top of your latte.
Cast of characters: French press, looseleaf earl grey tea, lavender syrup, vanilla extract, milk

Steep 2 tsp/2 tea bags of earl grey tea in 6 oz of boiling water.

Strain the tea into a mug and stir in vanilla extract and lavender simple syrup/sweetener.

While tea is steeping, heat the milk.

Pour the heated milk into a French press.

Pump the plunger until milk doubles in volume.

Pour frothed milk on top of latte and enjoy!

Have you ever tried to recreate a cafe drink at home? What's your go-to drink at coffee shops? Let me know in the comments!

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5 comments:

  1. I'm sure this is lovely for those who like these flavors.
    And the frothing hint is quite clever.
    BUT I can't tolerate lavender or earl grey flavors and smells. Oh well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know someone who loves tea but absolutely hates earl grey--she says it tastes like potpourri. So you're definitely not alone, Libby! Lavender in particular is an acquired taste and not for everyone. Thanks for commenting!

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  2. How is it that I've never frothed milk? I don't have a French press, but I do have a stick blender, milk, earl grey, and vanilla. No lavender, but that'll be easy to fix. Looking forward to a cozy afternoon of writing. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually don't bother when making an everyday cuppa (I take my tea and coffee black most days), but there's something special about slowing down and taking the time to prepare a fancy drink. Hope you enjoy it, Molly!

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  3. conney.parkhurst@gmail.com I don't drink much coffee but your recipe sounds good. Think I'll try it.

    ReplyDelete