Earl Grey tea is a flavored tea, typically black, infused with oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit primarily grown in Italy. The tea was named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s.

According to legend, the Earl was gifted the tea by a Chinese official as thanks for saving his son from drowning. While this tale is charming, there's little historical evidence to support it. What we do know is that Earl Grey's name became synonymous with this unique blend, cementing its place in tea culture.

What Is Bergamot?

Bergamot is the key ingredient that defines Earl Grey tea. It's a fragrant citrus fruit that looks like a small, bumpy lemon or lime. The oil extracted from its peel has a floral, slightly bitter flavor with a hint of sweetness, which gives Earl Grey its distinctive taste and aroma.

Bergamot oil has been prized for centuries not only for its culinary uses but also for its therapeutic properties. It’s used in perfumes, essential oils, and even some medicinal applications due to its calming effects.

The Base Tea: Usually Black but Not Always

While most Earl Grey teas are made with black tea, the base can vary:

• Black Tea: The most common base, offering a rich, robust flavor that pairs well with the bergamot.
• Green Tea: Some variations use green tea as the base, resulting in a lighter, more delicate version of Earl Grey.
• White Tea: An even more subtle option, often with a higher price point due to the delicacy of white tea leaves.
• Rooibos: For those avoiding caffeine, Earl Grey rooibos uses the naturally caffeine-free South African red bush as the base.

Earl Grey Tea Varieties

Over the years, tea makers have crafted several variations of Earl Grey, each with its own twist on the classic flavor. Here are some popular types:

1. Lady Grey: A lighter, more floral version of Earl Grey with added notes of lemon and orange peel.
2. Lavender Earl Grey: This blend incorporates lavender flowers, adding a soothing, floral layer to the tea.
3. Double Bergamot Earl Grey: For those who love the citrus flavor, this version amps up the bergamot, resulting in a bold, aromatic tea.
4. Cream Earl Grey: With added vanilla or cream flavor, this variety has a smooth, dessert-like taste.

Each version retains the essential characteristic of Earl Grey—bergamot—but introduces new flavors for a different experience.

How to Brew Earl Grey Tea

Brewing the perfect cup of Earl Grey requires attention to a few details to fully enjoy its flavor:

1. Water Temperature: Ideally, the water should be just below boiling (around 200°F or 93°C). Boiling water can sometimes make black teas bitter, but you want it hot enough to bring out the bergamot's aroma.

2. Steeping Time: For black tea, steeping for about 3-5 minutes is ideal. If you're using a green or white tea base, steep for a shorter time (around 2-3 minutes) to avoid bitterness.

3. Milk or No Milk?: While this is a matter of preference, many enjoy Earl Grey with a splash of milk to complement the tea’s citrusy notes. Some also add honey or sugar for sweetness.

4. Lemon: A slice of lemon can enhance the citrus flavor in Earl Grey tea. However, avoid adding milk and lemon together, as the acidity in lemon may cause the milk to curdle.