Vanilla London Fog Latte: A Magical Escape

There’s something magical about a warm, comforting drink that seems to wrap you in a blanket of coziness. The Vanilla London Fog Latte is one of those drinks that instantly transports you to a peaceful moment—a cozy nook with a good book, a rainy afternoon, or an intimate chat with a friend. The smooth Earl Grey tea, combined with velvety steamed milk and a touch of sweet vanilla syrup, makes it a perfect treat for those quiet moments when you just need to unwind.

This latte isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. The slight floral notes of the tea, the richness of the milk, and the subtle warmth of vanilla create a symphony of flavors that’ll make you look forward to every sip. Whether you’re settling in with a cup on a chilly morning or sharing it with loved ones on a crisp evening, this Vanilla London Fog Latte is bound to become your go-to for those feel-good moments.

Healthy Aspects of the Vanilla London Fog Latte

1. Rich in Antioxidants:
   Earl Grey tea, made with black tea leaves and bergamot oil, is loaded with antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids. These help combat free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
2. Mood Enhancer:
   The bergamot oil in Earl Grey tea is known for its mood-boosting properties, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
3. Customizable Sweetness:
   Using a homemade vanilla syrup allows you to control the sugar content. Opting for natural sweeteners or reducing the syrup can make this drink lower in sugar compared to commercial alternatives.
4. Dairy-Free Options:
   This recipe is highly adaptable. Using non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy can lower the calorie and fat content while catering to dietary restrictions.
5. Calcium Source:
   If made with milk (dairy or fortified non-dairy), the latte provides a good source of calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth.
6. Low in Calories (Customizable):
   By adjusting the amount of vanilla syrup and choosing low-fat or unsweetened non-dairy milk, this latte can be made light while still being satisfying.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

With 2% Dairy Milk and 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Syrup:

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Protein: ~5 g
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g (includes sugar from syrup)
• Fat: ~3.5 g
• Fiber: ~0 g
• Calcium: ~20% of the daily recommended intake

With Unsweetened Almond Milk and Reduced Vanilla Syrup:

• Calories: ~70 kcal
• Protein: ~1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~10 g
• Fat: ~2 g
• Fiber: ~0 g
• Calcium: ~15% of the daily recommended intake

Tips for Boosting Nutrition

• Add Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor and add health benefits like improved metabolism and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fortified Milk Alternatives: Use fortified almond or oat milk for added calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
• Natural Sweeteners: Replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a more natural touch.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Syrup:

• 1 cup Redpath Simply Raw™ sugar (or any raw sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor)
• 1 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 vanilla bean (for a rich, authentic vanilla flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, if you prefer a more intense vanilla taste)

For the Latte:

• 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or loose leaf Earl Grey tea)
• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy of your choice—options below)
• Hot water (for steeping the tea)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (per latte, adjust sweetness to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Syrup

1. In a medium-sized, heavy saucepan, combine the Redpath Simply Raw™ sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low once the sugar has dissolved.
2. Using a sharp paring knife, slice the vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and add both the seeds and the pod into the syrup. Stir, cover, and let the syrup simmer gently for 5 minutes.
3. If using, stir in the vanilla extract, then cover and let the syrup continue to infuse.
4. Allow the syrup to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

Step 2: Prepare the Latte

1. Preheat two 16-ounce mugs or heatproof glasses by filling them with hot water. Set them aside.
2. Heat 2 cups (500 ml) of water in an electric kettle to about 200°F (90°C) or bring it to a boil. Pour the hot water into each mug, discarding it once the mugs are preheated.
3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup into the bottom of each mug. Place 2 Earl Grey tea bags into each mug, then pour ¾ cup (188 ml) of just-boiled water into each mug. Let the tea steep for 5 minutes.
4. While the tea steeps, gently heat the milk in a medium saucepan over low heat until steaming, ensuring that small bubbles appear at the edges but the milk doesn’t boil.
5. After 5 minutes of steeping, carefully press and remove the tea bags from the mugs.
6. Pour half of the hot milk into a large French press. Froth the milk by pumping the plunger until it doubles in size.
7. Pour the remaining hot milk from the saucepan evenly into each mug.
8. Hold back the foam with a large spoon, and pour the liquid milk from the French press into the mugs. Finish each cup by spooning the foam on top.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef’s Tips

• Vanilla beans can be found at bulk food stores or specialty grocery stores. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, use 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in place of the pod.
• You can prepare the vanilla syrup several days in advance. Leftover syrup can be used in more lattes, to sweeten regular teas and coffees, or as a flavoring for steamed milk or cakes.
• The vanilla pod can remain in the simple syrup. After finishing the syrup, rinse and dry the pod, then place it into a container of Redpath Granulated Sugar or Simply Raw™. Over time, it will scent the sugar, which can be used for baking or sweetening beverages.
• If you have an electric milk frother or an espresso machine with a steam wand, feel free to use them to heat and froth the milk. Alternatively, a mini handheld frother can also be used to make foam with milk heated on the stove.

For a richer syrup, you can also use Redpath Golden Yellow Sugar instead of Redpath Simply Raw™. It will lend the syrup a deeper flavor with caramel undertones.