Sit Back and Relax with the Perfect Cup of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea has a unique flavour profile and offers a lighter, more refreshing brew than just a regular black tea. Earl Grey uses a blend of black teas, known for their robust and full-bodied character, yet its defining characteristic is that of bergamot oil, derived from the rind of the Italian bergamot orange, which transmits a distinct floral and tangy flavour to the black tea base.

Like other black teas, Earl Grey boasts a host of antioxidants and health benefits, including boosting energy levels, supporting heart health and promoting digestion, and its reputation as a soothing beverage comes from the calming and mood-stabilizing properties of the bergamot oil that is used in its production.

Earl Grey is a versatile and popular choice for tea lovers and can be enjoyed hot or cold, with or without milk, and sweetened or natural. The choice is yours, but the brewing technique should be perfected to get the most out of that perfect cup of tea!

Earl Grey Brewing Techniques

Start at the beginning by always making sure you buy a high-quality tea, whatever your flavour preference or type of tea, that way you will always get a better flavour and a healthier brew. The next decision is whether to use tea leaves or a tea bag. That comes down to individual preference and convenience. Loose tea often gives a fuller aroma and richer flavour than tea bags, but tea bags offer a more convenient option.

Many people think water is just water, wherever it comes from, but water quality and taste can differ greatly, and it can also affect the flavour of your tea. Certain tap waters can be very hard, full of limescale or have a strong taste of chemicals or chlorine. Using filtered or bottled water can definitely give you a cleaner brew. 

The temperature of the water can also affect the Earl Grey brewing technique, and getting the right temperature is important because if the water is too cold it won't brew properly, and if it's too hot you can risk burning the leaves. The ideal temperature should be around 96*C, which for those of us without a thermometer to hand is just a minute or two off the boil...

If you are using tea bags then use one bag per cup, and as a general rule, one teaspoon of loose tea leaves is the right amount for 250mls of water. A standard mug or cup is considered to hold approximately 250mls of water. Whether you are using a cup or a pot the same ratio of tea to water will apply.

Warming the pot or mug before adding the tea helps to maintain the temperature while it is steeping. Steeping time is a personal preference but remember the saying "longer for stronger". Adjust the steeping time to suit your personal taste, but generally anywhere between 3-5 minutes is optimum - leave for a shorter time for a lighter brew and a longer time for a stronger flavour. If you leave the tea steeping for too long, it can make the tea taste bitter. It is always worth covering your tea while it is steeping to lock in the heat and flavour.

If you are using loose tea then using a tea infuser or strainer will help to keep the leaves out of your cup, alternatively, squeeze your bag gently so it doesn't burst when removing it.

Earl Grey can be enjoyed with or without milk, but if you do wish to add milk ensure that the tea has been brewed long enough to balance the creaminess of the milk should you choose to add it. Some people like to add a little sweetness to Earl Grey, and honey can add great flavour and is a healthy option as it is natural and good for you. Sugar, being refined, is a little less healthy but will still add a palatable sweetness to your tea, whilst sweeteners are best avoided as they are chemically synthesized and can leave an undesirable aftertaste in your mouth.

Beyond Your Average Cup of Earl Grey...

With such a versatile flavour it is worth trying something a little different with your favourite cuppa. If you want to indulge yourself brew a strong cup of Earl Grey, add some steamed, frothy milk and a dash of vanilla syrup and enjoy a delicious latte. For a floral twist add some dried lavender buds or a splash of lavender syrup or use Earl Grey tea as a base for a great flavoured cocktail. Earl Grey tea can also add a distinct but subtle flavour to cakes, tarts and other desserts.

Once you've mastered the perfect Earl Grey brewing technique the options to enjoy this uniquely flavoured tea are endless!

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