How to Brew Earl Grey Tea Perfectly Every Time
Earl Grey is more than just a tea; it's a timeless British tradition that has been adored by tea lovers for over two centuries. Whether enjoyed during a refined afternoon tea or as a comforting daily ritual, this iconic blend is truly unique. In this guide, we'll explore the origins, varieties, brewing techniques, and serving suggestions that will show you how to brew the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea.
What is Earl Grey
Earl Grey is a black tea, usually Ceylon, which is flavoured with bergamot, a type of citrus fruit. The combination of bold, brisk black tea and tangy bergamot creates an unmistakable flavour and an intense yet soothing aroma.
The popular story suggests that the tea was invented by Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, although there is no proof to say with certainty that he created the blend. Nonetheless, Earl Grey tea has been a staple of Afternoon Tea ceremonies for over 200 years and is a quintessentially British brew.
Earl Grey can have multiple varieties and different recipes;
Supreme Earl Grey:
Supreme Ceylon black tea, subtly scented with bergamot flavour and mixed with vibrant blue cornflowers for an aromatic infusion.
Mary Grey:
A delicate, fruitier take on traditional Earl Grey. A blend of superlative Ceylon black tea, bergamot oil, citrus oil and marigold flowers, Mary Grey features a bright copper-coloured infusion and fruity citrus flavours.
Brewing Guide: How to Brew The Perfect Cup of Earl Grey
To truly get the best out of your cup of Earl Grey, just follow a few simple steps to make the perfect brew. We breakdown all you need to know about brewing this beloved tea.’
What Equipment Do You Need?
The tools you need will depend on whether you prefer loose-leaf or teabags -
Loose-leaf tea is traditional, straightforward and simple. The key thing you need is an infuser.
Infusers can come in different forms; there are infusers which double as scoops for loose-leaf tea, and there are basket infusers.
The Step-by-Step Process of Brewing Earl Grey Tea
Measure the Tea
Use 3 to 4 grams of Earl Grey tea leaves.
Heat the Water
Bring 200ml of water to a temperature of about 100°C (boiling).
Steep the Tea
Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
Enjoy
Remove the tea leaves and serve your Earl Grey tea hot. You can add milk or sugar if desired.
Enjoy your perfectly brewed cup!
Earl Grey Serving Instructions
Earl Grey is closely associated with Afternoon Tea because it’s a delicious accompaniment to cucumber sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Adding milk can help mellow out the intensity of the tea, and for those with a sweet tooth the addition of honey really brings out the bergamot flavour.
What About Earl Grey in Other Forms?
We offer our best-selling Supreme Earl Grey in teabags and teabag envelopes; our teabags are made of biodegradable corn starch and can be composted.
If you’re searching for gifts for the Earl Grey Tea lover in your life, our Tea Infuser Mug Gift for One comes with our simple and stylish mug with integrated infuser, alongside a tea of your choice – including our Supreme Earl Grey – for a perfect treat.
