A London Fog latte tastes like a creamy, lightly sweet cup of Earl Grey tea, with soft citrus notes from bergamot, smooth steamed milk, and a subtle vanilla finish. Compared to coffee drinks, it’s less bitter, more mellow, and brings a comforting flavor.

Key Takeaways

• A London Fog latte gets its flavor from three main ingredients: Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.
• Bergamot gives the drink its floral citrus taste, which some people love immediately, while others find it slightly perfumey.
• Hot London Fogs taste softer and cozier, while iced versions taste brighter, crisper, and more refreshing.
• If a London Fog tastes too sweet, asking for less vanilla syrup is usually the easiest fix.
• London Fog lattes contain a moderate amount of caffeine because they’re made with black tea, not espresso.

What a London Fog Latte Actually Tastes Like

The flavor of a London Fog latte comes from three distinct parts working together:

• Earl Grey tea
• Steamed milk 
• Vanilla syrup

 

The Earl Grey base gives the drink its signature taste. It is floral, lightly citrusy, and slightly earthy, thanks to bergamot oil. 

The citrus note is not sharp. It is closer to orange peel than lemon juice. You still get the structure of black tea underneath, but it’s smoother and less tannic once milk is added.

The steamed milk rounds everything out and softens the edges of the tea. It gives the drink the right amount of creamy texture. 

Whole milk gives the best smoothness, but oat milk can also work really well since it highlights the vanilla and bergamot combination in a different way.

Vanilla adds a gentle sweetness and gives the latte a warm finish that makes the floral notes feel softer and more balanced. A good London Fog latte should taste lightly sweet and creamy, not sugary.

It’s also worth mentioning the bergamot taste. Some customers love the floral citrus flavor immediately, while others think it tastes slightly perfumey or even a little soapy at first. If you already enjoy Earl Grey tea, there’s a good chance you’ll like a London Fog latte too.

Hot vs. Iced: Does It Taste Different?

Yes, a London Fog latte tastes noticeably different depending on whether it’s served hot or iced.

Hot London Fog lattes feel softer. The steam brings out the aroma of the bergamot, which makes the drink smell slightly floral and almost spice-like. This version is usually the better choice if you want something calming, cozy, or easy to sip slowly.

An iced London Fog tastes cleaner. Cold temperatures make the citrus side of the bergamot stand out more, so the drink feels a little sharper and more refreshing. The tea flavor can come through more clearly too. When made well, it tastes crisp, creamy, and lightly sweet.

In coffee shops, we usually see people gravitate toward the hot version in colder weather or as an evening drink, while the iced version is popular during warmer days. 

Is a London Fog Too Sweet? How to Adjust It

A London Fog latte shouldn’t taste too sweet. But some coffee shops do add several pumps of vanilla syrup by default, which can overpower the tea.

If your London Fog tasted too sweet, then ask for half the vanilla syrup. This should best adjustment. You’ll still get the smooth, warm flavor without covering up the bergamot.

The milk you choose can also change the sweetness. If you went with oat milk, next time choose whole or almond milk. 

Does a London Fog Latte Have Caffeine?

Yes, a London Fog latte has caffeine because it’s made with Earl Grey tea, which is a black tea.

The caffeine level is moderate, usually much lower than a typical coffee latte. On average, black tea contains around 42 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup, though the exact amount depends on how long the tea is steeped.

Steeping time makes a noticeable difference:

• A 5-minute steep of 1 tea bag in 6 oz of water has about 29 mg of caffeine.
• A 1-minute steep of 1 tea bag in 6 oz of water has about 19 mg of caffeine.

For a bigger boost of caffeine, try dirty chai – it packs 90-110 mg of caffeine.

London Fog vs. Chai Latte vs. Matcha Latte

All three drinks are tea-based lattes, but they taste very different.

A London Fog is the softest and most mellow of the three. The flavor is creamy, lightly sweet, and citrusy. 

A chai latte is much bolder. It has warm spice flavors like cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and ginger, with a stronger sweetness in most coffee shop versions.

A matcha latte tastes earthier. Good matcha has a smooth grassy flavor with slight bitterness, while sweeter café versions can lean creamy and rich.

 

Drink	Main Flavor	Sweetness	Overall Feel
London Fog	Citrus, vanilla, black tea	Light to moderate	Smooth and gentle
Chai Latte	Warm spices, black tea	Moderate to high	Bold and cozy
Matcha Latte	Earthy, grassy green tea	Low to moderate	Rich and grounding

 

We usually recommend London Fog lattes to people who already enjoy Earl Grey tea or want a softer alternative to coffee, chai to people who like spice-forward drinks, and matcha to people who prefer more earthy flavors.

How Canal Coffee Makes Its London Fog

At Canal Coffee, our London Fog is made with organic Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla. The flavor is perfectly balanced, so you don’t have to worry about if it’s going to be too sweet. 

We also blend in 10g of undetected protein. It won’t change the flavor or texture of the drink. For a slightly sweeter and creamier finish, we recommend that you go with oat milk.

You can order a London Fog latte here. 

FAQ

Why is it called a London Fog?

The exact origin is debated, but most people trace the London Fog back to tea shops and cafés in Canada during the 1990s. The name likely comes from the drink’s Earl Grey tea base, which is associated with British tea culture, along with the soft, misty look created by steamed milk.

 

Is a London Fog the same as an Earl Grey tea latte?

Yes, in most coffee shops, a London Fog and an Earl Grey tea latte are essentially the same drink.

 

Can you drink a London Fog latte at night?

You can, but keep in mind that it still contains caffeine because Earl Grey is a black tea. Even though it can taste calming and relaxing, caffeine may interrupt your sleep. 

 

Does a London Fog latte taste similar to lavender drinks?

A little. Both drinks have floral notes, but a London Fog tastes more citrusy and tea-forward because of the bergamot in Earl Grey. Lavender drinks usually taste more herbal and perfumed.

 

Is a London Fog latte usually made with Earl Grey or another tea?

Traditionally, a London Fog is made with Earl Grey because this type of tea is what gives the drink its signature bergamot taste.