Iced Earl Grey Tea Latte Recipe

Heat water

Bring 1 cup (240 ml) water to a near-boil (about 200°F / 93°C). If you don't have a thermometer, allow water to come to a rolling boil then cool for 30 seconds.

Steep tea

Place 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose leaf in an infuser) into the hot water. Steep 4 minutes for a strong, slightly bold concentrate. For lighter flavor steep 3 minutes; for more pronounced bergamot steep 4–5 minutes. Do not over-steep longer than 5 minutes to avoid bitterness.

Remove tea bags or strain leaves. If using vanilla extract, stir 1/4 teaspoon into the hot tea now so it integrates. Allow the concentrated tea to cool 5–10 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator or an ice bath to chill quickly if desired.

While the tea is still warm (but not piping hot), add your chosen sweetener so it dissolves easily. For balanced sweetness add 2 tablespoons simple syrup, or if using honey add 1 teaspoon, or 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust: add more simple syrup 1/2 tablespoon at a time if you prefer sweeter.

Fill a 16-ounce (about 475 ml) glass with 1.5 cups of ice cubes.

Pour the chilled sweetened Earl Grey concentrate over the ice, filling roughly 1/3 of the glass (about 3.5–4 ounces / 100–120 ml).

Add 1 cup milk (240 ml) to the glass. If you prefer a creamier latte, instead use 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup half-and-half (or stir in the 1/4 cup half-and-half on top).

Stir gently to combine. Taste and add more sweetener (simple syrup) 1 teaspoon at a time if needed. If you want a layered look, pour milk slowly over the back of a spoon so tea remains partially separate.

If desired, garnish with a small pinch (about 1 teaspoon) of grated lemon zest or a thin lemon wheel on the rim to accent the bergamot in the Earl Grey. Optionally, add a barely perceptible pinch (a few grains) of ground bergamot or a drop of bergamot oil for aromatic lift—use sparingly.

Serve immediately with a straw. If you prepared the tea concentrate ahead, keep it refrigerated up to 48 hours; add ice and milk just before serving.