Are you a tea lover and wondering whether London Fog and Earl Grey are the same? While both teas have a similar taste profile, they are not exactly the same. Let’s explore the differences between these two popular teas.
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey is a black tea that is flavored with oil extracted from the rind of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit that is primarily grown in Italy. The tea has a distinct aroma and flavor of bergamot that gives it a unique taste. Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey, who was a British Prime Minister in the 1830s.
The History of Earl Grey Tea
The history of Earl Grey tea is shrouded in mystery. One legend states that it was created by accident when a shipment of tea from China was flavored with bergamot oil to mask its musty smell caused by moisture during transportation. Another story suggests that Earl Grey was gifted this special blend by a Chinese mandarin as a token of gratitude for saving his son’s life.
London Fog Tea
London Fog is not actually a type of tea but rather an espresso-based drink that originated in Vancouver, Canada. It is made by combining steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and earl grey tea. The result is a creamy and aromatic beverage with hints of vanilla and bergamot.
The Origin of London Fog
The origin of London Fog can be traced back to Vancouver in the 1990s when Mary Loria, owner of Artigiano Espresso Bar, experimented with different ways to incorporate earl grey into her coffee drinks. She eventually came up with the idea of combining steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and earl grey tea to create what we now know as London Fog.
Differences Between London Fog and Earl Grey
While London Fog contains earl grey tea, it is not the same as a cup of Earl Grey. The addition of steamed milk and vanilla syrup gives London Fog a creamy and sweet taste that is not present in a cup of Earl Grey. On the other hand, Earl Grey has a stronger taste of bergamot, which is not as noticeable in London Fog.
How to Serve Earl Grey and London Fog
Both teas can be served hot or cold. Earl Grey tea is traditionally served without any additions, although some people prefer to add milk and sugar. London Fog is best served hot with whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both teas have similarities, they are not the same thing. Earl Grey tea is flavored with bergamot oil while London Fog combines earl grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup to create a unique beverage. So next time you’re at your local coffee shop, remember that if you want to try something different from your usual cup of Earl Grey, order a delicious London Fog instead!