Name: Creamy Shanghai Fog: Your Cozy Jasmine Tea Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 shots jasmine tea (use tea bags or loose leaf); 1 cup hot water (approximately 85°C/185°F); 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (adjust to taste); 1 cup milk of choice (oat or soy milk for vegan option); 2 tablespoons whipped cream (for iced version); 2 tablespoons chopped white chocolate (use for extra sweetness)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As I sipped on my latest creation, a wave of calm washed over me, instantly transporting me to a cozy tea house nestled in the heart of Shanghai. The Creamy Shanghai Fog, a soothing jasmine tea latte, offers a delightful fusion of floral notes and creamy richness that’s perfect for any time of day. In just five minutes, you can whip up this Asian-inspired drink, making it a wonderful alternative to fast food or quick caffeine fixes. Whether you enjoy it hot on a chilly evening or iced during a sunny afternoon, it’s a quick, indulgent escape that invites you to relish every comforting sip. Curious about how to bring this enchanting drink to life? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is the Shanghai Fog so comforting?

Herbal Bliss: The fragrant jasmine tea serves as a gentle hug in a cup, beckoning you to sit back and unwind.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, this drink adapts effortlessly to your mood or the season.
Quick to Make: In just 5 minutes, you can indulge in a café-quality drink at home, saving time while treating yourself.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to explore variations like the Tokyo Fog or Dublin Fog, allowing you to discover new favorites with ease.
Perfect for Sharing: This delightful drink is sure to impress guests, making it an excellent addition to brunch gatherings or relaxing evenings together.
Pairing Potential: Serve it alongside light pastries or cookies for a delightful afternoon tea experience, elevating your snack time!

Shanghai Fog Ingredients

• Dive into the delightful components that make this creamy drink a soothing experience!

For the Tea

Jasmine Tea – The floral base that delivers a serene aroma; choose between tea bags or loose leaf for convenience.
Hot Water – Essential for steeping; aim for about 85°C/185°F to capture the best flavor.

For the Sweetness

Vanilla Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness; feel free to adjust depending on your palate. Alternatively, opt for vanilla extract for a natural twist.

For the Creaminess

Milk (of choice) – Provides the rich body; oat or soy milk are fantastic alternatives for vegan enjoyment.

Optional Indulgence

Whipped Cream – Add this dreamy topping for an extra layer of delight, especially in the iced version.
Chopped White Chocolate – A sweet addition that enhances richness; consider reducing or skipping other sweeteners if used.

Enjoy crafting your Shanghai Fog, a comforting escape in a cup that’s easy to make and utterly delightful!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shanghai Fog

Step 1: Prepare the Tea
Begin by boiling water until it reaches approximately 85°C/185°F. Use this hot water to steep 2 shots of jasmine tea, either using tea bags or loose leaf. If you’re using the espresso method, pull the shots for about 2 minutes, ensuring the tea’s delicate floral flavor is perfectly extracted, and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sweeten the Tea
Once the jasmine tea has steeped to perfection, remove the tea bags or strain the loose leaf. Stir in vanilla syrup, adjusting the amount to your sweetness preference, and consider adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor depth. The tea should now have a comforting aroma from the warm sweetness, creating a cozy base for your Shanghai Fog.

Step 3: Froth the Milk
While the tea cools slightly, prepare the milk. Heat about 1 cup of your chosen milk in a saucepan over medium heat, or microwave it for about 30 seconds. Use an electric frother to create a light foam, ensuring the milk is warm but not boiling. The frothed milk should have a creamy texture, ready to complement the floral tea.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
For a hot Shanghai Fog, gently pour the frothed milk over the sweetened tea, allowing it to mix beautifully while creating a lovely layered effect in your cup. If you prefer an iced version, cool the steeped tea for a couple of minutes, then fill a glass with ice cubes, add milk, and finally, pour in the jasmine tea to create a refreshing drink.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To elevate your Shanghai Fog, consider topping it with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch, especially if served iced. If desired, sprinkle some chopped white chocolate on top. This not only adds sweetness but creates an inviting visual appeal, making your drink irresistible. Enjoy your soothing cup of Shanghai Fog!

Expert Tips for the Best Shanghai Fog

Steeping Temperature: Ensure the water is at 85°C/185°F for ideal jasmine tea extraction. Too hot can result in bitterness.
Sweetness Balance: If using white chocolate, reduce vanilla syrup to prevent overwhelming sweetness. Taste as you go for perfect balance.
Milk Choices: Experiment with different milk types like almond or oat for unique flavor profiles and creaminess in your Shanghai Fog.
Frothing Technique: Aim for light, airy foam when frothing milk. Overfrothing can create a dry texture; keep it silky!
Chill It: For a refreshing iced version, let the tea cool to room temperature before adding ice to maintain flavor intensity.

Make Ahead Options

These Shanghai Fog drinks are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the jasmine tea base up to 24 hours in advance. Simply steep the tea and store it in the refrigerator; this helps maintain its floral flavor while allowing for easy assembly later. You can also pre-sweeten the tea with vanilla syrup and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply froth your milk fresh or reheat it gently if you prefer a warm drink. For iced versions, mix the chilled sweetened tea with your cold milk and pour over ice, ensuring each sip is just as delightful as if made fresh! Enjoy the convenience of this delicious drink without sacrificing quality.

Shanghai Fog Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your Shanghai Fog even more special!

Tokyo Fog: Use matcha instead of jasmine tea for a vibrant green tea latte experience. This swap offers a unique flavor while keeping the sweetness.
Dublin Fog: Swap in robust Irish breakfast tea for a heartier, morning-friendly version. The strong tea base gives you a delightful wake-up call with every sip.
Bangalore Fog: Adding masala chai introduces exotic spices for a warming twist. This variation transforms your drink into a comforting spiced latte reminiscent of traditional Indian flavors.
Oregon Fog: Go for peppermint tea complemented with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Here, you get a refreshing menthol kick perfect for a cozy winter night.
New York Fog: Try herbal apple cinnamon tea combined with caramel syrup. This delightful pairing creates a sweet, comforting drink reminiscent of fall in the city.
Non-Dairy Delight: Replace regular milk with your favorite plant-based options, such as almond or coconut milk, for a rich and creamy vegan alternative.
Sweetness Switch: For a healthier choice, replace vanilla syrup with agave nectar or honey. This adjustment retains sweetness while allowing you to feel good about your indulgence.
Frothy Alternatives: Instead of frothed milk, try using coconut cream for a luscious, tropical twist. It adds an unexpected depth of flavor that can transport you to a sunny beach.

Curious for more ideas? Check out how to elevate your tea game with these quick and easy tea recipes or learn about other delicious tea pairings to enjoy alongside your Shanghai Fog!

How to Store and Freeze Shanghai Fog

Fridge: Keep brewed jasmine tea in the fridge for up to 48 hours; ensure it’s covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. Perfect for iced versions later!
Freezer: Avoid freezing the prepared Shanghai Fog, as frothy milk doesn’t thaw well. However, you can freeze brewed jasmine tea in ice cube trays for a flavorful iced drink base.
Reheating: If enjoying warm, reheat the brewed tea gently on the stove or in the microwave, taking care not to overheat it to preserve flavor.
Preparation Tips: For best taste, enjoy your Shanghai Fog fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain quality and flavor.

What to Serve with Creamy Shanghai Fog?

Warm up those cozy evenings while crafting the perfect meal to enjoy alongside this delightful jasmine tea latte.

Savory Cheese Scones: These flaky, buttery scones bring a savory touch that balances the floral notes of the Shanghai Fog beautifully.
Light Pastries: A buttery croissant or a delicate Danish pastry enhances your tea enjoyment, making each sip feel even more luxurious.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: The sweet and gooey goodness of fresh cookies creates an irresistible pairing, inviting moments of pure indulgence.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits offers a bright contrast to the creamy warmth, adding a burst of natural sweetness to the experience.
Lemon Bars: The tangy complexity of lemon bars beautifully complements the soothing notes of jasmine, providing a zesty lift to your afternoon tea.
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing sip between flavorful bites, sparkling water cleanses your palate, elevating the entire tasting experience.
Matcha Muffins: Combining earthy flavors with the floral aroma, these muffins create a delightful harmony that pairs well with your Shanghai Fog.
Caramel Flan: For dessert, this creamy, rich flan enhances the sweetness from the vanilla syrup, rounding out your cozy meal in delightful fashion.

Shanghai Fog Recipe FAQs

What type of jasmine tea should I use for the Shanghai Fog?
Absolutely! You can use either tea bags or loose leaf jasmine tea. When selecting, look for high-quality jasmine tea with a strong floral aroma. This ensures you capture that soothing essence in your Shanghai Fog. I often recommend loose leaf options for a fuller flavor, but tea bags offer convenience if you’re in a hurry!

How should I store leftover brewed jasmine tea?
To preserve freshness, store your brewed jasmine tea in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Make sure to keep it covered; this prevents it from absorbing any strong odors. If you want to enjoy an iced Shanghai Fog later, this is a perfect way to have the base ready and waiting!

Can I freeze the Shanghai Fog?
While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the prepared Shanghai Fog due to the frothed milk’s texture, you can freeze brewed jasmine tea. Simply pour the cooled tea into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a refreshing drink, pop a few cubes into your glass, and let the tea melt over ice!

What if the milk doesn’t froth well?
Very good question! If your milk isn’t frothing nicely, it could be due to the milk type or the temperature. Make sure to use fresh milk and heat it just until warm—not boiling. Almond milk, for example, froths differently than cow’s milk. If you’re not getting the froth you want, consider using an electric frother or a French press for better results!

Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re making the Shanghai Fog for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using plant-based milk like oat or soy for a vegan option. Also, be mindful of added sweetness if allergies to certain ingredients, like white chocolate or certain syrups, are a concern. Always check labels or opt for homemade versions where you can control the ingredients!