London Fog is a “tea latte” made from Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup or flavoring. It is particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest and along Canada’s West Coast. Interestingly, in Scotland, it is often referred to as the “Vancouver Fog.” Like many stories of recipe creation, the exact originator is unknown, but there is one widely recognized tale. Read more on ivancouver.
The Recipe Was Invented by Loria from Vancouver
The London Fog is believed to have originated and gained popularity in the mid-1990s. Vancouver resident Mary Loria frequently visited the Buckwheat Cafe, a small but cozy spot near her home, with her husband. The couple often stopped by for coffee during their walks with their dog or on their way to work, drawn by the café’s delicious pastries.
During her first pregnancy, Loria experienced morning sickness and developed an aversion to many tastes and smells, including her favourite coffee. However, she still craved a hot, caffeinated beverage and searched for an alternative.
The idea of steeping tea in hot milk came to her as a coffee replacement. One day, at the café, she requested Earl Grey tea made with skim milk. After clarifying the unusual order, the barista prepared her drink. Loria then added vanilla sugar from the café’s mixing station. The result was perfect, and she continued to order the tea latte at this café and others, even recommending it to other patrons.
Interest in London Fog Declined After Her Daughter’s Birth
After giving birth to her daughter Molly, Loria returned to her old coffee habit and forgot about the tea latte altogether. Upon moving to Victoria, she began visiting new cafés, where a server once suggested trying a London Fog instead of coffee. A few sips revealed a familiar taste. Soon, Loria noticed the tea latte appearing on menus in cafés far from where she had first ordered it.
By the mid-2000s, the drink had gained popularity in Calgary, where Loria frequently visited family. It’s likely she encouraged people to try it during her trips. Eventually, it was added to the menus of major coffeehouse chains and became widely beloved across Canada. Today, London Fog is enjoyed worldwide, with people crafting various versions to suit their tastes. In most North American cities, it’s easy to order a London Fog from a local café. Starbucks lists it as Earl Grey Latte on their menu.
How the Drink Got Its Name
The internet is full of stories connecting Loria to the London Fog, and she is often credited as its creator. However, Loria herself is unsure who first wrote about her involvement but agrees with the origin story.
Initially, Loria didn’t recognize her connection to the drink because she was unfamiliar with the name, which had been coined by someone else.
A London Fog is typically made by steeping Earl Grey tea with equal parts steamed milk, a small amount of foam, two pumps of vanilla syrup, and two pumps of caramel syrup.
The name likely comes from the steam created when warm milk is added to Earl Grey tea, resembling a midday fog in London.
A Family Favourite
Even after her daughter’s birth, Loria continued drinking Earl Grey but as regular tea instead of a latte. Her children, however, fell in love with London Fog, particularly her eldest daughter, perhaps because she had inspired her mom to create this now-famous drink.