Earl Grey Tea

Your Guide to Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea, with its distinctive bergamot flavour, is one of the most popular tea blends. Traditionally made as a blend of Chinese black tea flavoured with aromatic bergamot oil, Earl Grey may also be made with other black teas, as well as green, white, oolong and rooibos. Its delicate flavour lends itself well to blending with other ingredients, such as flower petals, fruits and spices.

Sections

• The History of Earl Grey Tea
• Types of Earl Grey Tea
• Reviews of Earl Grey Tea
• FAQs

The History of Earl Grey Tea

There are various interpretations of why Earl Grey tea was given its name, but it is generally accepted that it was named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and Britain’s Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834, who was also the author of the Reform Bill of 1832 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

One story suggests that the tea was specially prepared for him by a Chinese friend, with bergamot oil added to the leaves to offset the taste of minerals in the water at the Earl’s Northumberland estate. It has also been suggested that Chinese diplomats sent the Earl a gift of black tea, and that during its passage to England it took on the flavour of bergamot oranges being shipped at the same time.

Whether Earl Grey tea was created on purpose or by accident, most stories suggest the tea was gifted to the Earl as a token of gratitude.

Various tea companies have argued over ownership of the original recipe for Earl Grey tea, but since it was never registered as a trademark, companies have been free to produce their own versions of this well-loved tea.

Types of Earl Grey Tea

The versatile flavour of Earl Grey tea means it can be enjoyed in various forms. Below are a few examples.

Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey Tea gives you a luxurious blend of large leaf Ceylon black tea and fresh, citrusy bergamot oil that will awaken your senses as soon as you open the pack. Typically served as a black tea, it can also be enjoyed with a splash of milk or a slice of lemon.

Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea

Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea is flavoured with the natural oils of bergamot to create a strong black decaffeinated tea full of delicate notes and a wholly unique aroma.

Earl Grey Green Tea

Earl Grey Green Tea delivers the intoxicating aroma of bergamot in a Chinese green tea blend. It makes a delightful alternative to traditional Earl Grey tea.

Rooibos Earl Grey Tea

Rooibos Earl Grey Tea is made using South African rooibos flavoured with bergamot for a delightful twist on classic Earl Grey flavours.

Reviews of Earl Grey Tea

Below are comments and opinions from some customers who have enjoyed Earl Grey tea products.

Earl Grey Tea

A wonderful large leaf Ceylon black tea infused with the fresh flavour derived from oil of bergamot oranges, Earl Grey Tea is sometimes regarded as the quintessential English tea. It is delicious served as a black tea, or with milk if desired, and also works well as an energising iced tea.

“This is my regular Earl Grey tea purchase now and yes I drink plenty of it. The balance with bergamot is just right and it is a proper pick you up type of tea.”

“Some can be too citrusy for my taste. This one maintains that perfect blend of bergamot with black tea and is not overwhelmed with other flavours.”

Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea

A decaffeinated tea that is still full of flavour, made with Ceylon black tea leaves flavoured with aromatic bergamot oil. It is a wonderful decaf Earl Grey tea, full of delicate notes and a distinctive aroma.

“I have recently changed to leaf tea from tea bags. I was very happy to try the Earl Grey Decaf Tea and it was everything I hoped it would be. I was not disappointed.”

Earl Grey Citrus Tea

This glorious blend of Earl Grey tea with aromatic lemon and orange flavours makes a delightful fresh and zesty beverage to be enjoyed at any time of day.

“Love this tea. Enjoy several cups throughout the day. Just the right amount of citrus flavour. Would recommend.”

Earl Grey Green Tea

A flavoursome Earl Grey variety made with China green tea, making it a good source of antioxidants. Earl Grey Green Tea offers a well-balanced beverage with an intoxicating aroma.

“I’m a fan of green tea and Earl Grey. During the pandemic my daughter sent me Earl Grey Green Tea for my birthday. I loved the tea and have now replenished my supply with the bargain bulk buy. I’m so pleased to have found a supplier of the tea I like.”

Rooibos Earl Grey Tea

Made using South African rooibos, this tea offers zesty citrus aromas and a rounded orange rind flavour for a wonderfully refreshing drink.

“Very refreshing, lovely drink.”

“Love this. So much better loose.”

Russian Earl Grey Tea

A luxury black tea blend made with orange pekoe leaves, naturally dried orange peel, cornflower petals and lemongrass. Revealing zesty citrus notes and a subtle sweetness, Russian Earl Grey is a most refreshing drink.

“An intense and rich flavour which makes this tea feel like a special treat.”

French Lavender Earl Grey Tea

Classic Earl Grey flavours are evident in this exquisite mix of luxury black tea, aromatic French lavender and pretty cornflower petals. Slightly sweet and fruity, it reveals wonderful floral flavours and an incredible aroma.

“Very delicious!”

FAQs

What gives Earl Grey its unique flavour and fragrance?

Earl Grey tea gets its distinctive flavour and aroma from the addition of oil of bergamot, extracted from the rinds of bergamot oranges. This citrus fruit is a cross between a lemon, lime and bitter orange, and is green or yellow in colour. Bergamot is grown commercially in Calabria, Italy.

Although its taste is quite acidic, it complements the full-bodied flavour of black tea perfectly, as well as green, white, oolong and rooibos varieties, providing a fresh citrus scent with sweet, floral and spicy notes.

Earl Grey flavours also work well in baked goods, confectionery and desserts such as Earl Grey ice cream. An Earl Grey tea cocktail can be a refreshing summer drink, and a London Fog made with Earl Grey tea, frothed milk and vanilla syrup is a popular hot beverage.

How should I prepare and serve Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey tea should be prepared using freshly boiled water. Filtered tap water or bottled spring water are often the best options. Use one teaspoon of Earl Grey loose tea leaves for every 200 ml of water. Allow the leaves to steep at temperatures between 90°C and 95°C for 2 to 3 minutes.

Take care not to infuse for too long, as tannins in the tea may overpower its delicate flavour. Earl Grey tea is often enjoyed black, but it may also be taken with a little milk and the addition of sugar, honey or lemon if desired. For something cooler, iced Earl Grey tea or cold-brewed Earl Grey tea are refreshing alternatives.

Where can I buy the best Earl Grey Tea?

If you’re looking to buy Earl Grey loose leaf tea online, there is a wide range of options available, including classic Earl Grey, decaffeinated Earl Grey, green Earl Grey and more unusual variations blended with citrus, lavender or rooibos.

We deliver across the UK and to selected EU countries using Royal Mail. Available delivery options and charges are shown at checkout. Our standard delivery service takes 1–2 working days.

Some third-party supplied products may have different delivery times and costs, which will be clearly shown at checkout.

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All of our teas remain fresh unopened for up to 12 months.