Tokyo Fog Recipe: Earl Grey & Matcha Foam
Amber tea, a cloud of green matcha cream, and a little vanilla. This iced Tokyo Fog recipe brings fragrant Earl Grey and creamy matcha together in a glass that looks as good as it tastes.
The tea stays light and refreshing underneath, while the matcha cold foam adds a soft, velvety finish. Sip through the layers first, then stir gently to bring the flavours together.
What Is a Tokyo Fog?
In this recipe, a Tokyo Fog is an iced Earl Grey tea topped with matcha cold foam. Earl Grey brings its distinctive bergamot aroma, while matcha adds green tea flavour and a gently savoury depth.
Unlike a classic London Fog made with Earl Grey, vanilla and steamed milk, this version keeps the tea base clear and puts the creaminess on top.
Iced Tokyo Fog Recipe
Makes: 1 drink
Prep time: approximately 5 minutes
Steeping time: 4 minutes
Cooling time: approximately 10–15 minutes in an ice bath
Total time: approximately 20–25 minutes
Glass: 400–450 ml
Ingredients
For the Earl Grey tea base
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag, approximately 2 g, or 2 g loose-leaf Earl Grey
- 150 ml freshly boiled water
- 5 ml vanilla syrup (1 teaspoon), or more to taste
- 100–120 g ice, enough to fill the glass about halfway
For the matcha cold foam
- 2 g BYG MATCHA powder
- 15 ml cold whole milk (1 tablespoon)
- 40 ml cold whipping cream or heavy cream, approximately 35–36% fat
- 5 ml vanilla syrup (1 teaspoon)
Optional finish
- A very light dusting of matcha powder
Equipment
A heatproof jug, fine sieve, small mixing bowl, handheld milk frother or small whisk, and a clear serving glass.
How to Make a Tokyo Fog
1. Brew the Earl Grey.
Add the tea bag or loose leaves to a heatproof jug and pour over 150 ml freshly boiled water. Steep for 4 minutes, or follow the tea’s brewing instructions. Remove the bag or strain out the leaves, then stir in 5 ml vanilla syrup.
2. Cool the tea.
Set the jug in a bowl of ice water, keeping the water outside the jug. Stir occasionally until the tea is cold, allowing approximately 10–15 minutes. Cooling before assembly helps prevent the serving ice from melting too quickly.
3. Make a smooth matcha mixture.
Sift 2 g matcha into a small bowl. Add the cold milk a little at a time, whisking into a smooth mixture. Work out any visible lumps before adding the cream.
4. Whip the matcha cold foam.
Transfer the matcha mixture to a narrow jug. Add the cold cream and remaining 5 ml vanilla syrup. Froth in short bursts until thickened, glossy and still pourable, checking after about 20 seconds. Depending on your frother, it may take 30–60 seconds.
Aim for softly flowing foam that falls from a spoon in a thick ribbon. Stop before it becomes stiff whipped cream.
5. Build the layers.
Add the ice to a clear glass and pour in the chilled Earl Grey. Slowly spoon the matcha foam over the ice and tea, holding the spoon close to the surface. Leave room for a generous green layer.
6. Finish and enjoy.
Dust just one side of the foam with a little sifted matcha. Serve immediately, with a long spoon for stirring.
Tips for a Beautiful Matcha Foam Layer
Keep everything cold. Use cream and milk straight from the fridge, and let the tea cool fully before assembling.
Pour gently. Spooning the foam close to the surface helps it settle on top. Some green swirls are part of the appeal.
Watch the texture. If the topping becomes too thick, gently stir in cold milk a teaspoon at a time until it flows again.
Keep the finish simple. A clear glass, a few large ice cubes and a small crescent of matcha powder let the two colours stand out.
Adjust the sweetness after tasting. Vanilla syrups vary. Start with the recipe quantities, then add a little more to the tea if you prefer.
Easy Variations
Creamier Tokyo Fog: Add 30–50 ml cold milk to the chilled tea before topping. This gives a softer, milk-tea flavour and a pale beige base.
More matcha flavour: Increase the matcha to 3 g. If the foam becomes too thick, add an extra teaspoon of cold milk.
Dairy-free option: Try a plant-based whipping cream suitable for whipping and oat or soya milk. Results vary between brands; ordinary plant milk alone will not give the same rich topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tokyo Fog the same as an Earl Grey matcha latte?
The flavours overlap, but the presentation and texture can differ. This recipe uses an iced Earl Grey base with a separate matcha cream topping. For a milkier drink, try our Earl Grey Matcha Latte recipe.
Can I make matcha cold foam without a frother?
Yes. Use a small hand whisk and a narrow bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes airy and lightly thickened. It will take longer than an electric frother.
Why does my matcha foam sink?
The topping may be too thin, the tea may still be warm, or the foam may have been poured too quickly. Start with cold ingredients, thicken the foam until it falls in a ribbon, and spoon it gently over the ice.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Brew and chill the Earl Grey in advance. Make the foam and assemble the drink just before serving for the freshest texture and clearest layers.
Does a Tokyo Fog contain coffee?
No. This recipe contains tea, milk, cream and vanilla syrup, with no coffee.
Make Your Next Matcha Moment
Start with BYG MATCHA and make this Tokyo Fog your next home café recipe. A little whisking, a gentle pour, and a new way to enjoy your everyday matcha.
Matcha for everyone.