Are you a coffee or tea person? I love my coffee in the morning, but after that I move to water and tea. I do love an afternoon coffee, (especially if my husband is around as he adores coffee) but I often gravitate towards a tea. If I'm out, I also like a tea - especially a chai or a London Fog. Have you ever had one? First off, you need to like Earl Grey Tea...if not, this beveragino is not for you.
Vancouver, British Columbia - Canada - lays its claim to the ever popular London Fog beverage for which I am ever so grateful. Even more so, that it made its way to the east coast of New England however many ages ago that was. This comforting cup is a hot tea-based drink made up of Earl Grey Tea, steamed milk and vanilla syrup (and sometimes a garnish of lavender). It has also been called an Earl Grey Tea Latte, a Vancouver Fog and a Vanilla Tea Misto.
Last week I was tackling some work at one of my favorite cafes in Portsmouth, NH - Wild Valentine. It's darling! It's a cafe and a flower shop! Right?! Anyways, I ordered a London Fog and it was so delicious, I had a second one. This of course made me come home to concoct my own version of a London Fog. I decided to make mine more like a pre-made beverage to hit under the steamer, nice and hot or even have it chilled over ice.
It was so tasty and simple. I used four bags of Stash Double Bergamot Earl Grey tea steeped in two cups of hot water (85-95ºC or 185-203ºF) for fifteen minutes. I wanted it to be nice and dark and strong! Into the hot water, I dissolved about two tablespoons of coconut sugar and added in a whole vanilla bean pod to steep.
After steeping, I wrung out the tea bags and removed the vanilla bean pod. Next I poured in about two and a half cups of whole milk and gave everything a stir. Now you have an easy peasy "London Fog" mix made up to use at your convenience. Mine is being stored, covered, in the fridge. I just pour the desired amount into my little cafe carafe and steam until hot and frothy. If I want to be extra, I may even garnish it with fresh lavender from the garden!
This mix could totally be enjoyed chilled over ice, but my preference is a hot London Fog. Enjoy!
Here is the exact recipe without the whole song and dance. :)
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