Lavender London Fog Recipe

Make syrup

Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture just comes to a simmer.

Add 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender to the simmering syrup, reduce heat to low, and gently simmer for 3–4 minutes to infuse. Do not boil vigorously—keep a low simmer so the floral oils stay delicate.

Remove the pan from heat, cover, and let the lavender steep in the syrup for 15–20 minutes for stronger flavor (10 minutes for lighter flavor).

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container, pressing the lavender gently to extract the syrup. Discard solids. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature; refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.

Brew tea

Bring fresh water to just below boiling (about 200°F / 93°C). Pour 12 oz hot water into a teapot or heatproof pitcher and steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags for 3–4 minutes for medium strength (4–5 minutes for stronger). Remove tea bags, gently squeezing once to release remaining liquid.

Sweeten and finish tea

Stir 1–2 tablespoons of the prepared lavender syrup into the hot brewed Earl Grey to taste (start with 1 tablespoon per serving; recipe proportions below use about 1.5 tbs per serving). If you prefer a stronger vanilla background, add the optional 1/2 teaspoon vanilla now.

Froth milk

Heat 8 oz milk to about 140–150°F (60–65°C) without boiling. Froth the milk using a milk frother, French press, or by shaking heated milk in a sealed jar for 30–45 seconds until foamy. For a creamier texture, use whole milk or a barista-style alternative.

Pour the sweetened Earl Grey into a large cup (approx. 10–12 oz). Gently pour the frothed milk over the tea, holding back foam with a spoon, then spoon foam on top.

Lightly sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds over the foam (use less if you prefer a subtler presentation). Optionally add a tiny pinch (1/4 teaspoon) ground cinnamon or a little grated lemon zest to brighten the drink.

Serve immediately. Stir before drinking if lavender has settled; adjust sweetness with additional lavender syrup to taste.