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Earl Grey Tea Recipe

Inspired by Dough for Dough Cake & Bakery

Time8m

Serves1

Make Earl Grey Tea Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Tea

1 1/2 cups water2 tsp Earl Grey loose leaf tea1/4 tsp bergamot oil or bergamot-flavored tea leaves (if needed)

Optional additions

2 tbs milk (whole or to preference)1 tsp honey or sugar1 slice lemon slice

Method

Tea

Heat water

Pour 1.5 cups (about 350 ml) of fresh cold water into a kettle and bring it just to a simmer. For delicate bergamot aromatics avoid a rolling boil; target about 195–205°F (90–96°C). If using an electric kettle with no temperature control, bring to a boil and let sit 30 seconds.

Pre-warm teapot or cup

Pour a small amount of the hot water into your teapot or mug, swirl to warm, then discard the rinse water. This helps maintain steeping temperature.

Measure tea

Place 2 teaspoons of Earl Grey loose leaf tea into an infuser or teapot. If you have a very mild bergamot flavor and prefer it stronger, add up to 1/2 teaspoon extra. If using bagged Earl Grey, use one standard tea bag instead of loose leaves.

Steep

Pour the hot water over the tea leaves (about 1.5 cups) and cover. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes for characteristic balanced flavor. Steep 2.5–3 minutes for lighter taste, 4–5 minutes for stronger, but avoid steeping beyond 5 minutes to prevent bitterness.

Adjust bergamot (optional)

If your tea is made from non-flavored black tea and you wish to add bergamot, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of bottled bergamot oil (or a drop — bergamot is potent) or a pinch of bergamot-flavored leaves after tasting. Do this sparingly and mix well.

Remove leaves

After recommended steep time, remove the infuser or strain the leaves to stop extraction and avoid bitterness.

Finish & Serve

Taste the tea plain first. If desired, add 1–2 teaspoons of honey or 1 teaspoon of sugar and stir to dissolve.

For a creamier cup, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and stir. Note: if you add lemon, omit milk (lemon will curdle milk). Place a thin slice of lemon on the rim or squeeze a wedge for a citrusy variation.

Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy plain or with your chosen accompaniment (milk, honey, or lemon).