Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular types of tea in the world. Many people consider Earl Grey tea to be an 'elegant' drink. What makes this classic black tea so unique is the addition of oil from the bergamot orange. This oil gives Earl Grey tea its distinct character and flavour.

What is Earl Grey tea?

Earl Grey tea is a type of black tea blend that is flavoured with oil extracted from the rind of bergamot oranges. The bergamot gives it its distinctive citrusy aroma and flavour. It can be enjoyed both hot or iced, and is traditionally served with milk and sugar.

History of Earl Grey tea

There are several stories about how earl grey tea came to be, but it is uncertain what the truth is. 

The tea is widely believed to be named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was a British Prime Minister in the 19th century. This however is probably not true.

It is more likely that earl grey tea was named after Charles Grey’s son, Henry, the 3rd Earl Grey, who served as queen Victoria’s Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. According to the earliest historical evidence, it was namely during his lifetime that the name Earl Grey is connected to the tea blend for the first time.

One thing is clear: Earl Grey tea quickly became a popular and beloved tea in the United Kingdom and around the world. Today, Earl Grey tea is enjoyed by millions of people and is available in many different varieties.

Types of Earl Grey tea

Earl Grey tea does not have a very strict recipe, so many companies produce their own version of Earl Grey. The main thing all “Earl Grey” tea varieties have in common is the addition of bergamot orange oil to the tea.

Next to the traditional Earl Grey tea, there are many other types of Earl Grey available on the market. There is Lady Grey, The Staunton Earl Grey, French Earl Grey, Aged Earl Grey, herbal Earl Grey and many more.

We all know the traditional classic Earl Grey, which is a blend of black teas and bergamot oil, but there are other classic and contemporary types of Earl Grey tea as well.

1. The Staunton Earl Grey

What is specific about this blend, is that in addition to the bergamot oil, present is all Earl Grey teas, this tea also contains neroli oil. This oil comes from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.

The Staunton Earl Grey is named after Sir George Staunton, because he was the first to use bitter orange blossoms to scent his tea.

The neroli oil adds a sweeter floral scent to the traditional Earl Grey, where the citrus flavour from bergamot often dominates.

2. Lady Grey

In contrast to Earl Grey tea, Lady Grey has a very strict recipe and is trademarked. The main difference between the two teas is that Lady Grey tea contains less bergamot than Earl Grey. In order to make sure the tea still has plenty of flavour, orange and lemon peel are added. 

3. Russian Earl Grey

Russian Earl Grey is similar to Lady Grey tea, but typically has a much stronger aromatic flavour.

In addition to bergamot and citrus peel, Russian Earl Grey also contains lemongrass. Sometimes, dried flowers are also added to give this tea even more flavour.

4. French Earl Grey

This is probably the most floral and perfumed type of Earl Grey tea out there. In addition to the bergamot, present in all Earl Grey teas, French Earl Grey tea often contains rose petals, lavender, hibiscus, and other flowers.

5. Earl Grey Crème

This wintery Earl Grey blend is excellent for making your own Earl Grey latte at home. In addition to bergamot, this tea also contains vanilla, which makes the tea smooth, warming, and malty. 

The tea can also contain many other flavours in addition to the vanilla, such as cream, coconut, or any kind of flower.

If you want to make Earl Grey latte, simply blend yourself a cup of Earl Grey Crème, add your favourite sweetener to taste, and top it off with some frothed milk.

6. Smoky Earl Grey

This could be an acquired taste for some. Smoky Earl Grey tea typically includes Lapsang Souchong tea in the blend. This tea is made by drying tea leaves over a pine wood fire, which gives them a unique smoky aroma. This tea is very robust in taste.

In addition to Lapsang Souchong, Smoky Earl Grey can also contain other kinds of black tea, and also always contains bergamot.

7. Plummy Earl Grey

This unusual tea blend was developed by Twinings. In addition to the black teas and bergamot, it also contains sweet plum, citrus, and star anise.

Really recommend it if you are looking for something out of the ordinary to tickle your tastebuds!

8. Double Bergamot

Well, as you can expect, double bergamot Earl Grey is basically regular earl grey tea, with extra bergamot added to it. So, if the bergamot in classic Earl Grey tea is not strong enough for you, you can try this one.

9. Aged Earl Grey

This Assam tea is aged, usually for several weeks, giving the bergamot aroma the opportunity to sink into the leaves. Very aromatic Earl Grey.

10. Decaf Earl Grey

This Earl Grey is basically the same as classical Earl grey tea, but with less caffeine. It is a good option for people looking to lower their caffeine intake. But be careful, this tea still contains some caffeine, typically less than 3%.

11. Earl Grey Rooibos

This tea does not contain actual tea leaves, but is a herbal tea instead. Designed for people who are looking to reduce their caffeine intake, this Earl Grey is caffeine-free. You can even drink it before bed.

Instead of tea leaves, the tea is made with rooibos leaves, these naturally contain less tannins. So this tea is much lighter in taste, and is somewhat earthy and fruity in flavour. 

This tea is naturally sweet, so no need for sugar or other sweeteners. This tea is a good option for people who are looking to reduce their sugar intake.

12. Earl Grey Honeybush

Even sweeter than Earl Grey Rooibos is Earl Grey Honeybush tea. This caffeine-free tea is very similar to rooibos, but has a much stronger honey-like flavour. This is an even better option for people with a sweet tooth, looking to reduce their sugar intake.

How Earl Grey tea is made

Earl Grey tea is made from black tea leaves that are flavoured with oil from the rind of bergamot orange. 

The process of making Earl Grey tea begins with harvesting and processing the tea leaves. After that, the tea is usually flavoured with the bergamot.

Earl Grey tea processing:

Fresh tea leaf → withering → rolling → oxidising → drying → flavouring → sorting and packaging

During this process, the tea leaves are typically sprayed with bergamot oil and given time to absorb its aroma. 

• The amount of bergamot oil used can vary depending on the brand and type of Earl Grey tea. The goal is to strike a balance between the tea's natural taste and the bright, citrusy notes of bergamot.

• Not all Earl Grey tea blends contain natural bergamot oil. Some contain artificial flavouring instead of the oil. This is especially true for the more affordable Earl Grey teas.

Properties of Earl Grey tea

Earl Grey tea combines many of the beneficial properties of bergamot and black tea in one.

• Bergamot has antiseptic and antidepressant properties 

• Earl Grey tea is rich in catechins

• Contains caffeine

• Source of L-theanine

• Contains fluoride that can help prevent cavities

• Can provide trace amounts of some vitamins and minerals 

Health benefits of Earl Grey tea

Earl Grey tea combines many of the potential health benefits of both black tea and bergamot.

Here are some of the potential benefits of drinking Earl Grey tea:

• Boosts the immune system: Catechins found in tea can have anti-inflammatory effects and stimulate the immune system. This could help prevent diseases and promote better overall health (source). 

• Antiviral activity: Recent scientific studies suggest that certain polyphenols found in black tea can have antiviral properties (source).

• Relieves anxiety: The antidepressant properties in bergamot can help relieve anxiety and improve mood (source). There is also some limited scientific evidence that L-theanine, which is also found in black tea, can help with symptoms of stress and anxiety (source).

• Helps with weight management: There is some scientific evidence that polyphenols found in black tea can help reduce lipid absorption and promote lipid metabolism in the body (source). 

• Provides energy: The caffeine in Earl Grey tea provides a boost of energy, while the L-theanine can help to keep you focused and alert (source).

• Antioxidant properties: Earl Grey tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and promote a healthy cell function (source). In addition, bergamot also has some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (source).

• Lower levels of uric acid: There is some evidence that tea catechins and theaflavins might be able to help lower levels of uric acid in the body (source).

Risks of drinking Earl Grey tea

Earl grey Tea is generally well tolerated, when consumed with moderation. But some people could experience side effects. These side-effects are normally either related to the bergamot or the tea itself.

• Earl Grey tea contains plenty of caffeine, which might interfere with sleep. A lack of sleep consequently, can cause many other negative side effects.

• Drinking too much Earl Grey tea can lead to intoxication. This can cause muscle cramps and other health issues. According to a case study, this is what happened to a 44-year-old man, who consumed 4 litres of Earl Grey tea per day (source).

• The bergamot in Earl Grey tea can interfere with potassium channels and inhibit influx of Ca(2+) in cells. This can cause the cells in your body to overreact to stimuli and lead to muscle cramps, as described above (source).

• Bergamot intoxication can also lead to feeling pressure in the eyes and blurred vision (source). 

• Earl Grey tea is not recommended for people with low iron levels, as the tannins found in this tea can interfere with the absorption of iron in the body (source).

• Do not use Earl Grey tea for DIY skincare recipes, because the bergamot oil in it is phototoxic and could cause skin lesions. This is especially true for people with higher exposure to UV-radiation (source).

Cooking with Earl Grey tea

Earl grey tea can add lots of depth and flavour to food. From desserts to all kinds of savoury foods, Earl Grey tea could certainly make a difference and be your secret ingredient.

Here are some of the culinary uses of Earl Grey tea:

1. Baking

Earl Grey tea can be used in baking cakes, cookies, and scones. The tea leaves can be ground into powder and added to the batter, or brewed and added to the liquid ingredients.

2. Desserts

Earl Grey tea can be used to flavour desserts, such as ice cream, custards, and puddings. The tea can be infused into the cream or milk, and then used as described in the recipe.

3. Cocktails

Earl Grey tea can be brewed and added to cocktails.

4. Sauces and marinades

Earl Grey tea can be used to flavour sauces and marinades for meats. The tea can either be brewed and added to the sauce, or used to make a dry rub for the meat.

5. Infused oils and vinegars

Earl Grey tea can be used to infuse oils and vinegars, which can then be used in dressings, marinades, or even dipping bread.

My favourite way to incorporate Earl Grey tea in recipes, is to find a recipe that calls for coffee and substitute that with a mixture of coffee and earl grey tea. 

There are basically two ways to do this. Here is how:

Method 1: For this method you first brew a small cup of strong coffee and then add a cup of strong Earl Grey to it. Stir and then use the amount of coffee the recipe calls for. Don’t use this method if the recipe calls for espresso.

Method 2: Steep the Earl Grey tea directly in the hot coffee. Make sure you have prepared a bit more coffee than the recipe calls for.