London Fog Latte – {Healthy} Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Starbucks London Fog latte recipe: Make a healthy, delicious copycat version of the popular tea latte at home with this healthy recipe.
I have a love & hate relationship with caffeine. There are times when drinking my egg yolk coffee feels amazing, and then there are times when I simply can’t handle the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee. At times like that. a delicious, yolky Starbucks copycat London Fog Latte is my favorite drink. While it has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, it still pleasantly wakes me up in the morning or gives me a mid-day boost. I love the frothy milk on the top as well as the smooth consistency of the latte itself. Similarly to my egg yolk coffee recipe, this recipe combines an egg yolk as well as a tough of brown sugar, which helps your body process the caffeine, even if you’re caffeine sensitive like me.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure policy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This London Fog Recipe is a great alternative to a morning cup of coffee if you want a gentler start to your day fueled with a little less caffeine
- Unlike the Starbucks London Fog Tea Latte, this recipe is much lower in sugar and does not contain artificial sweeteners. It is also packed full of real, simple ingredients.
- Homemade London Fog is a delicious, cozy drink perfect for any time of year – or day! With a lower caffeine content, you can drink it any time of day.
Ingredients
- Black tea – you can use any variety of black tea that you like. Earl Grey tea is a great option, but any will do! You can either use tea bags, or loose leaf tea. I generally prefer to use loose tea leaves.
- Collagen powder – unflavored, from a good source
- 1 egg yolk
- 1cup of milk of choice – I love to use our raw cow’s milk, but use whatever milk you like!
- 1-2tsp of brown sugar
Tools
- tea strainer
- electric frother or handheld frother
Instructions
Brew the Tea
- If using tea bags, simply brew your tea according to the instructions. If using loose leaf, boil water in your kettle, place about 2tsp of tea leaves in the tea strainer. Pour hot water over the tea leaves and allow to brew for about 5 minutes, preferably with the top covered.
Make the Egg Yolk & Collagen Mixture
- Crack open the egg, and separate egg yolk from egg white. Save the egg white for future use, and place the egg yolk in a large cup.
- Add 1 serving of collagen to the egg yolk, along with 1-2tsp of brown sugar. Mix everything very well together with a small whisk or spoon, until the mixture is silky smooth and well incorporated.
Steam Milk & Assmble
- Steam your milk in the electric frother. If using a handheld frother, make sure to warm the milk up before frothing.
- Pour foamy milk over the collagen & egg yolk mixture. Gently stir, to incorporate together. Do not overmix, so that you don’t loose the puffiness of the milk foam.
- Strain the tea, and pour into the milk & egg yolk mixture
- Enjoy right away, while hot & frothy
FAQ
What type of tea should I use?
​Use high-quality Earl Grey tea, which is black tea flavored with bergamot oil. Loose leaf tea or tea bags can both be used.
How do I froth the milk without a frother?
​If you don’t have a frother, you can heat the milk and then whisk it vigorously, shake it in a sealed jar, or use a French press to froth it.
Can I make a London Fog Latte without sugar?
​Yes, you can omit sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
How can I make the latte more flavorful?
You can add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract or lavender syrup for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the milk from curdling when added to the tea?
​Ensure the tea isn’t too hot when adding the milk, and gradually mix the two to prevent curdling.
What are some variations of the London Fog Latte?
​You can experiment with different types of milk, sweeteners, and additional flavorings like lavender, cardamom, or a splash of lemon juice for a unique twist.
Can I make an Iced London Fog Tea Latte?
Yes! Just make sure to incorporate the collagen & egg yolk with warm milk before adding ice and cooled tea.
Tips
1. Use High-Quality Earl Grey Tea:
- Choose high-quality loose leaf or bagged Earl Grey tea for the best flavor. The bergamot in Earl Grey is key to the unique taste of a London Fog Latte.
2. Choose Healthy Sweeteners:
- Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of refined sugar to keep the recipe healthier.
3. Select the Right Type of Milk:
- Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, for a dairy-free option. Whole milk or delicious raw milk create a lovely creamy texture and great taste. These milks froth well and complement the tea’s flavor.
4. Properly Froth the Milk:
- If you don’t have a milk frother, you can heat the milk and then whisk it vigorously, use a French press, or shake it in a sealed jar until frothy.
5. Control the Temperature:
- Heat the milk to a temperature just below boiling (about 150°F or 65°C) to create the perfect froth and avoid scalding.
6. Gradually Combine Ingredients:
- To prevent curdling, allow the brewed tea to cool slightly before adding the warm frothed milk. Mix gently to combine.
7. Add Vanilla Extract Sparingly:
- Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor without overpowering the tea.
8. Brew the Tea Strong:
- Brew the Earl Grey tea stronger than you would for regular drinking, as the milk will dilute the flavor. Use 2 tea bags or double the amount of loose leaf tea.
9. Garnish Creatively:
- Top your latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a touch of lavender syrup, or a twist of lemon zest for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Storage
1. Brewed Tea:
- Storage: Brew the Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: The brewed tea can be stored for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Usage: When ready to use, simply reheat the tea on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
2. Milk:
- Fresh Milk: It’s best to froth the milk fresh each time you want to enjoy a latte for the best texture and flavor.
- Frothed Milk: If you have leftover frothed milk, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and re-froth if necessary.
3. Complete Latte:
- Not Recommended for Storage: It’s not recommended to store the fully prepared latte (tea mixed with milk) as the texture and flavor of the frothed milk can degrade.
- Individual Components: Store the tea and milk separately for the best results, combining them just before serving.
Tips for Reheating and Combining
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the tea and milk separately. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors and prevent the milk from curdling.
- Re-Froth Milk: If the frothed milk loses its foam, you can re-froth it by shaking it in a jar, whisking, or using a milk frother.
- Combine Carefully: Mix the warmed tea and frothed milk together gently to maintain the latte’s smooth texture.
Healthy London Fog Latte
Starbucks London Fog latte recipe: Make a healthy, delicious copycat version of the popular tea latte at home with this healthy recipe.
Ingredients
- Black tea - you can use any variety of black tea that you like. Earl Grey tea is a great option, but any will do! You can either use tea bags, or loose leaf tea. I generally prefer to use loose tea leaves.
- Collagen powder - unflavored, from a good source
- 1 egg yolk
- 1cup of milk of choice - I love to use our raw cow's milk, but use whatever milk you like!
- 1-2tsp of brown sugar
Instructions
Brew the Tea
- If using tea bags, simply brew your tea according to the instructions. If using loose leaf, boil water in your kettle, place about 2tsp of tea leaves in the tea strainer. Pour hot water over the tea leaves and allow to brew for about 5 minutes, preferably with the top covered.
Make the Egg Yolk & Collagen Mixture
- Crack open the egg, and separate egg yolk from egg white. Save the egg white for future use, and place the egg yolk in a large cup.
- Add 1 serving of collagen to the egg yolk, along with 1-2tsp of brown sugar. Mix everything very well together with a small whisk or spoon, until the mixture is silky smooth and well incorporated.
Steam Milk & Assmble
- Steam your milk in the electric frother. If using a handheld frother, make sure to warm the milk up before frothing.
- Pour foamy milk over the collagen & egg yolk mixture. Gently stir, to incorporate together. Do not overmix, so that you don't loose the puffiness of the milk foam.
- Strain the tea, and pour into the milk & egg yolk mixture
Notes
1. Use High-Quality Earl Grey Tea:
- Choose high-quality loose leaf or bagged Earl Grey tea for the best flavor. The bergamot in Earl Grey is key to the unique taste of a London Fog Latte.
2. Choose Healthy Sweeteners:
3. Select the Right Type of Milk:
- Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, for a dairy-free option. Whole milk or delicious raw milk create a lovely creamy texture and great taste. Â These milks froth well and complement the tea's flavor.
4. Properly Froth the Milk:
- If you don't have a milk frother, you can heat the milk and then whisk it vigorously, use a French press, or shake it in a sealed jar until frothy.
5. Control the Temperature:
- Heat the milk to a temperature just below boiling (about 150°F or 65°C) to create the perfect froth and avoid scalding.
6. Gradually Combine Ingredients:
- To prevent curdling, allow the brewed tea to cool slightly before adding the warm frothed milk. Mix gently to combine.
7. Add Vanilla Extract Sparingly:
8. Experiment with Flavors:
- Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or lavender syrup for an extra twist. Lavender pairs particularly well with Earl Grey tea.
9. Brew the Tea Strong:
- Brew the Earl Grey tea stronger than you would for regular drinking, as the milk will dilute the flavor. Use 2 tea bags or double the amount of loose leaf tea.
10. Sweeten to Taste:
- Start with a small amount of sweetener and adjust to your preference. Remember that some plant-based milks are naturally sweeter than others.
11. Garnish Creatively:
- Top your latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a touch of lavender syrup, or a twist of lemon zest for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Storage
1. Brewed Tea:
- Storage:Â Brew the Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life:Â The brewed tea can be stored for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Usage:Â When ready to use, simply reheat the tea on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
2. Milk:
- Fresh Milk: It’s best to froth the milk fresh each time you want to enjoy a latte for the best texture and flavor.
- Frothed Milk:Â If you have leftover frothed milk, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and re-froth if necessary.
3. Complete Latte:
- Not Recommended for Storage: It’s not recommended to store the fully prepared latte (tea mixed with milk) as the texture and flavor of the frothed milk can degrade.
- Individual Components:Â Store the tea and milk separately for the best results, combining them just before serving.
Tips for Reheating and Combining
- Reheat Gently:Â Reheat the tea and milk separately. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors and prevent the milk from curdling.
- Re-Froth Milk:Â If the frothed milk loses its foam, you can re-froth it by shaking it in a jar, whisking, or using a milk frother.
- Combine Carefully: Mix the warmed tea and frothed milk together gently to maintain the latte’s smooth texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 243mgSodium: 368mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 0gSugar: 44gProtein: 33g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically and may not always be accurate, especially calories.
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This article may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure policy.