A Surprising Favorite
When I opened Ocha Tea Bar in 2001, we offered over 60 different teas. Customers would often ask me, "What's your favorite?" with an expectant look, hoping I would name something exotic or rare. But my answer was always Earl Grey. Surprised? Hear me out—nostalgia is a powerful thing.
Memories of My English Grandma
Smells and tastes can transport us instantly to another time and place, and for me, Earl Grey does just that.My love for Earl Grey is deeply tied to memories of my English grandma from Yorkshire. Whenever we visited her, she would make me Earl Grey tea and cookies. She loved the ritual of tea, and it became a cherished tradition for us. She would entertain me with paper cut-out dolls, tell me wild stories about the latest scandals in The National Enquirer (her favorite “newspaper”), and keep me company amidst the comforting chaos of her home. The smell of old cigarette smoke, wet dog, and Earl Grey tea still makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
From Memories to Creation: The Perfect London Fog
When I started Domo Tea, I knew I had to create the most amazing London Fog. For me, the perfect London Fog is more than just a drink; it's an experience. It captures that exquisite blend of black tea, bergamot, and vanilla—a combination that's both comforting and sophisticated. It had to be perfect, not only because of my deep love for Earl Grey but because I wanted to offer others the same warmth and connection I feel every time I sip it.
A Daily Ritual of Self-Care
Every day at 2 PM, I make myself a London Fog. It’s my moment of peace in the middle of the day, a beautiful pause to think, breathe, and just be. The ritual is as much about the process as it is the tea: the sound of the kettle boiling, the aroma of the tea leaves steeping, and the frothy steamed milk meeting the amber liquid. It’s a small but significant act of self-care.
The Origins of Earl Grey Tea
The history of Earl Grey tea dates back to the 19th century and is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, a British Prime Minister. The tea is traditionally flavored with bergamot oil, derived from the bergamot orange, which lends its distinctive citrusy aroma. Legend has it that the tea was created as a gift for the Earl, possibly to offset the mineral taste of water at his estate. While the exact origins remain unclear, Earl Grey became a staple of British tea culture and a beloved classic worldwide.
The Birth of the London Fog
As for the London Fog, this modern twist on Earl Grey is believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada, in the 1990s. (so cool!) A pregnant woman named Mary Loria, seeking an alternative to coffee, requested a drink combining Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup at a local coffee shop. The drink gained popularity and was eventually named the "London Fog," evoking the misty, atmospheric weather of England's capital. Since then, it has become a favorite in cafes around the world, celebrated for its comforting and aromatic qualities.