For anyone who gets it, iced coffee is more than just a caffeine delivery system—it’s a genuine moment of joy. It’s the clink of the ice, the swirl of the milk, and the mental reset that keeps the afternoon together. But lately, my ritual had hit a wall of diminishing returns. I love a reliable pour, but I found myself bored with the same one-note profile every single day. In an effort to add non-dairy milks into my day, I needed an option that I actually enjoyed, rather than one I was just tolerating to avoid more dairy.
The Halfway Point: Where Most Milks Fail
The struggle wasn't just finding a milk; it was the flavor fatigue. I’ve struggled to find a non-dairy milk that doesn't eventually become overwhelming. Whether it was too nutty or too artificial, the milk would end up being the only thing I could taste. I’d start a drink with high hopes, but halfway through, the taste was so distracting that I couldn't even convince myself to finish it. I needed a way to break up that flavor and turn it into something I actually wanted to make.
The Plot Twist: Tea in Your Espresso
Instead of reaching for another heavy syrup to mask the milk or abandon it completely, I thought of the trendy drinks I have recently seen on social media. I decided to try the Vancouver Fog—an espresso and Earl Grey hybrid—out of complete curiosity. By steeping the tea directly into the hot espresso, the bergamot provides a sophisticated "top note" that cuts right through the overwhelming flavor of the Silk Cashew-Almond milk.
This drink is known as the Vancouver Fog because this specific combination of espresso and Earl Grey was first crafted in Vancouver, BC - think of the dark, misty mornings of the Pacific Northwest.
The Method: Steeping for Success
I pulled a double shot of espresso and immediately dropped in a decaf Earl Grey tea bag while the liquid was still hot. I let it steep for five minutes, allowing the heat to extract the tea directly into the coffee.
The result was a surprise: the tea plays back and forth with the espresso, creating a layered profile that keeps your palate interested. It’s a clean, functional "hit" that makes the afternoon ritual feel new again. My husband tried it and gave me a look of pure confusion (not his vibe), but for me? It’s a drink I actually finish. And is now a drink I have made every day since I first tried it!
Note: some of these images were created using GenAI.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth the Hype?
If you’ve been struggling to find a non-dairy drink that doesn't feel like a flavor struggle, the Vancouver Fog is your pivot! It changes the way you experience your afternoon moment of joy. Try this infusion method today and tell me: are you finishing the whole glass, or are you on my husband’s side of the fence?
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