As the summer months approach, many of us are already dreaming of ways to beat the heat and stay refreshed. But if you don’t drink coffee, finding a satisfying beverage that is both flavorful and has less caffeine can be a little difficult. Luckily, Starbucks has got you covered with its Iced London Fog Latte. This delicious drink has lower caffeine content than traditional coffee drinks and is perfect for those who want to indulge in something different. But how does it actually taste? Read our Iced London Fog Latte Starbucks review below and learn more about the unique drink.
What is Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte?
First released in the summer of 2016, the Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte is made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup, and milk, and is finished with a light layer of foam on top. Featuring a bright, citrusy spark of bergamot blends with subtle hints of lavender, the drink is a twist on the classic London Fog tea latte, which is traditionally served hot.
The name of the drink comes from the hue of a typical foggy afternoon in London. That particular shade is similar to the color of a blend of hot milk and black Earl Grey tea, which results in a misty cloud-like appearance. Thus, it was named after the city it was inspired by.
What does Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte taste like?
If you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea, you’re likely to enjoy the Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte. The latter’s base is made with Earl Grey tea, so the two drinks taste similar, but the addition of milk makes the London Fog creamier than the tea alone.
Earl Grey tea gets its trademark flavor from a type of bitter orange called bergamot and this explains where London Fog’s citrusy flavor comes from. Because of the addition of milk, London Fog also has a hint of sweetness similar to a vanilla latte when you take your first sip. This is then followed by hints of black floral tea and its savory notes that develop on your taste buds gradually as you drink.
Is London Fog tea sweet?
Yes. London Fog tea is sweet. As mentioned above, the Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte has a hint of sweetness similar to a vanilla latte because of the milk and vanilla syrup that comes with it. Some would say the drink even tastes like a vanilla creamsicle.
London Fog vs Chai Tea Latte
The Chai tea latte is arguably more popular than the London Fog tea latte. So, if you have had a cup Chai tea latte before but have yet to try London Fog, the main difference between the two tea lattes lies in the spices used in the former.
The combination of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and other spices gives Chai tea its distinct and unique flavor. In contrast, the London Fog has a milder taste profile, thanks to its gentle notes of vanilla, Earl Grey tea base, and milk, resulting in a tea latte similar to milk tea. Due to these soft flavors, London Fog is often infused with additional flavors like honey or lavender, which add a delightful twist to the drink.
How much caffeine does Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte have?
A Grande cup (16oz) of the Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte contains 40mg of caffeine. In comparison, a Grande cup of the chain’s regular iced coffee has 165mg of caffeine while a Grande cup of Earl Grey tea comes with 40mg of caffeine.
Does Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte have coffee in it?
No. The Starbucks London Fog Tea Latte doesn’t have coffee in it, making it the perfect beverage for non-coffee drinkers or those who are cutting back their caffeine intake.
How many calories are there in Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte?
There are 140 calories in a Grande cup of Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte.
How much sugar does Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte have?
A Grande cup of the Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte has 25g of sugar. If you’re watching your sugar consumption, you can actually order a sugar-free version of London Fog by simply asking your Starbucks barista to replace the vanilla syrup with sugar-free vanilla syrup. If you’re on a keto diet, you can also ask your barista to replace the drink’s regular milk with almond milk.
Is Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte a healthy drink?
In terms of nutritional content, Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte contains an excessive number of calories per cup, so it’s not much of a healthy drink compared to its base tea, Earl Grey Tea. But having a cup of London Fog can provide an energy boost just like drinking coffee, though with a gentler effect due to its less caffeine content. This means you can enjoy it without worrying about it affecting your ability to sleep later at night. Additionally, consuming London Fog may also help enhance your metabolism.
How to order Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte
Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte is not a secret menu item. It’s actually on the menu of the coffeehouse chain, so there’s no need to break down the entire ingredient list for your barista. However, just like most drinks at Starbucks, London Fog is customizable. You can replace the drink’s regular milk with a dairy alternative like Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, or Soy. You can also add or reduce the number of vanilla syrup pumps or add other types of syrup. There’s also an option to change the amount and kind of tea bags and sweeteners as well as add espresso shots.
How much is an Iced London Fog Tea Latte at Starbucks?
According to StarbucksMenuPrices.com, the chain’s Iced London Fog Tea Latte has a starting price of around $5 but may vary depending on location.
Iced London Fog Tea Latte Starbucks recipe
Want to make a copycat version of Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte at home? It’s probably easier than you might think. According to TheLazyKitchen.com, all you need are the following:
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag
- 3/4 cup water boiled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
Steep the tea in hot water on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. While waiting for the tea to be brewed, froth the milk using a milk frother. Once the brewing is done, remove the tea bag and mix in the vanilla syrup with the brewed tea. Pour the frothed milk over the tea, and voila, your Starbucks Iced London Fog Tea Latte copycat is ready.
