Explore the world of Earl Grey tea, that delicious blend with the citrusy aroma of bergamot. Here are our suggestions for the best Earl Grey tea to try.
Additional reporting from Joan Carlson Bardin, Cardamom Magazine Research Editor.
Earl Grey tea, a beloved blend characterized by the distinct flavor of bergamot oil, has been a staple in the tea world for centuries. Its unique combination of black tea and citrusy bergamot offers a refreshing and aromatic experience that many tea enthusiasts cherish.
With numerous brands and varieties available, choosing the best Earl Grey can be daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we explore seven of our favorite Earl Grey teas. There’s something for everyone: traditional, organic, decaf, crystals, and more.
Teatulia Organic Earl Grey Tea Pyramid Bags
Teatulia offers a modern twist on traditional tea bags with their innovative Earl Grey Tea Pyramid Bags. These biodegradable tea bags contain organic loose leaf tea and are designed to be eco-friendly and convenient. This provides a perfect solution for tea drinkers who are conscious of their environmental footprint.
Brewing the tea is straightforward—simply drop a tea pyramid into hot water and watch as it unfurls, releasing a rich, amber-colored infusion. The flavor is a harmonious blend of robust black tea and bright bergamot, creating a smooth and balanced cup that is both refreshing and satisfying. The convenience and quality of these tea pyramid bags make them an excellent choice for daily use. As an added bonus, you can also cold brew this tea.
Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Earl Grey
Harney & Sons is renowned for their premium teas, and their Earl Grey is no exception. Packaged in an elegant tin, the loose tea leaves are a visual treat, promising a high-quality brew. This tea makes a beautiful gift for someone who enjoys the tradition of brewing loose leaf tea.
The Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Early Grey Tea is ideal for mornings when you need an invigorating start or afternoons that call for a classic, comforting cup. I recommend pairing Harney & Sons’ Earl Grey with a slice of tea loaf or lemon cake, enhancing the overall tea experience.
Stash Decaf Earl Grey
For those who love Earl Grey but prefer to avoid caffeine, Stash Decaf Earl Grey offers an excellent alternative. Decaffeinated teas often face criticism for lacking depth, but Stash manages to deliver a full-flavored experience without the caffeine. Another advantage is that this tea is budget friendly.
The aroma is slightly milder than its caffeinated counterparts, yet it retains the characteristic bergamot fragrance. The tea itself is smooth and mellow, with the black tea base providing a solid foundation for the gentle bergamot flavor. This decaf version is perfect for evening relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Earl Grey without compromising your sleep. I recommend a touch of honey to enhance its natural sweetness, making it a great choice for a calming night-time beverage.
Sencha Tea Bar Earl Grey Starlight
Sencha Tea Bar’s Earl Grey Starlight takes a creative approach to the traditional blend by infusing it with sweet vanilla and cream. This loose leaf tea is great hot, iced, or as a tea latte with milk (dairy or otherwise). Tea lover’s tip: you can get a one ounce sample of this premium tea for only $3.99 if you would like to try it out.
Twinings Earl Grey Loose Tea
No discussion of Earl Grey would be complete without mentioning Twinings, a brand synonymous with this iconic blend. Twinings Earl Grey Loose Tea has been a household favorite for generations, and for good reason. The familiar tin is a comforting presence in many kitchens, assuring tea drinkers of a consistent, high-quality brew.
The loose tea leaves have a rich, earthy scent with bright notes of bergamot. It comes in a decorative tin, making it a great gift for any tea lover.
The Tea Spot Earl Grey Sachets
The Tea Spot’s Earl Grey Sachets offer a blend of convenience and elegance. These individually packaged sachets contain high-quality, whole tea leaves, promising a superior brewing experience. The packaging is not only convenient but also aesthetically pleasing, making it a great choice for both personal use and gifting.
Upon brewing, the bergamot aroma is potent and invigorating, setting the stage for a rich and flavorful cup. The black tea base is deep and satisfying, while the pronounced bergamot flavor adds a refreshing zest. The Tea Spot’s Earl Grey is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, providing a well-balanced and robust flavor that can be enjoyed with or without milk. The convenience of the sachets makes it easy to enjoy a premium tea experience, whether at home or on the go.
Mariage Frères Earl Grey French Blue Loose Tea
Mariage Frères, the distinguished French tea company, offers its own spin on the traditional Earl Grey. Mariage Frères Earl Grey French Blue Loose Tea comes in a beautiful (and giftable!) tin. This blend combines Earl Grey with blue flowers, giving it a slight floral note. I visited a Mariage Frères tea shop the last time I was in Paris and was impressed with both their presentation and their high-quality teas.
The Best Earl Grey Tea: Summing It Up
Exploring the world of Earl Grey tea reveals a diverse range of options, each offering a unique take on this classic blend. From the eco-friendly innovation of Teatulia Earl Grey Tea Pryamid Bags to the bold, traditional flavors of Harney & Sons Earl Grey, and the French twist of Mariage Frères Earl Grey, there is an Earl Grey to suit every preference and occasion.
Each of these teas brings something special to the table, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of Earl Grey. Whether you’re a seasoned tea aficionado or new to the world of Earl Grey, these options offer a range of experiences that are sure to delight and satisfy. So brew a cup, sit back, and enjoy the rich, aromatic journey that is Earl Grey tea.
What’s your favorite Earl Grey tea? Let us know in the comments!
Are you a tea lover? Check out our article about our favorite Irish teas.
Questions About Earl Grey Tea
The origin of Earl Grey tea is steeped (hehe) in both history and legend. Named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s, this distinctive blend of black tea and bergamot oil has a fascinating backstory. One popular tale suggests that the tea was created to compensate for the lime-heavy water at the Earl’s estate, with the bergamot oil balancing the taste. Another version of the story claims it was a diplomatic gift from a Chinese mandarin whose son was saved from drowning by one of Grey’s men. While the true origin remains somewhat mysterious, the blend has undeniably become a timeless classic, beloved for its unique and aromatic flavor profile.
Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit, scientifically known as Citrus bergamia. It is roughly the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness. Native to the Mediterranean region, bergamot is primarily grown in Italy, especially in the coastal province of Calabria. The fruit is inedible due to its sour taste, but its peel is highly valued for its essential oil. This oil is what gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive, aromatic flavor. Beyond its use in tea, bergamot oil is a common ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, celebrated for its bright, citrusy, and slightly floral scent.
Looking for something to eat, are you? Earl Grey tea’s distinctive bergamot flavor lends itself to a variety of culinary creations beyond the traditional cup of tea. It is often used in baking, where its aromatic profile enhances cakes, cookies, and scones, creating delightful treats like Earl Grey tea cakes or shortbread cookies. The tea is also infused in desserts such as panna cotta, ice cream, and crème brûlée, adding a sophisticated citrusy note. In savory cooking, Earl Grey can be used to flavor marinades and brines for meats, imparting a unique depth of flavor. Additionally, creative mixologists incorporate Earl Grey into cocktails, where its bold taste complements spirits like gin and bourbon, resulting in elegant drinks like the Earl Grey Martini or Earl Grey Old Fashioned.
The ideal steeping time for Earl Grey tea typically ranges from 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the black tea leaves to fully infuse the water with their rich flavors while letting the bergamot oil impart its distinctive citrusy aroma. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can extend the steeping time by a minute or two, but be cautious as over-steeping can lead to a bitter taste. For the best results, use freshly boiled water cooled slightly to about 200-210°F (93-99°C) and adjust the steeping time according to your taste preferences and the specific instructions provided by the tea manufacturer.
1 comment
My favorite is Oolong tea. Second Earl Grey.