When it comes to tea infused cocktails, nothing quite hits the spot like an Earl Grey tea cocktail. Earl Grey, a bold black tea flavored with fragrant bergamot, has long been a favorite among tea enthusiasts. However, this sophisticated brew is no longer confined to teacups. Mixologists worldwide are experimenting with Earl Grey tea in cocktails, giving classic drinks a refreshing twist. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a beginner looking to impress your guests, these five must-try Earl Grey tea cocktail recipes will elevate your bartending skills and make you the star of any gathering.
Why Earl Grey Tea is Perfect for Cocktails
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a closer look at why Earl Grey tea is such a fantastic ingredient for cocktails. Earl Grey tea is known for its robust, slightly citrusy flavor due to the addition of bergamot oil. This unique flavor profile lends itself well to both sweet and savory drinks, making it a versatile ingredient that can complement a wide range of spirits.
The tannins in black tea add depth and complexity to cocktails, while the bergamot offers a hint of bitterness and citrus. Whether you’re mixing it with gin, vodka, or whiskey, Earl Grey tea can provide a nuanced flavor that balances out stronger alcoholic notes. Additionally, tea infused cocktails are not only delicious but also offer a touch of sophistication that’s sure to impress.
How to Brew Earl Grey Tea for Cocktails
The foundation of any good Earl Grey tea cocktail is, of course, the tea itself. To get the best flavor in your drinks, you’ll need to brew a strong cup of Earl Grey. Here’s how to brew Earl Grey tea for cocktails:
Boil Water: Use fresh, filtered water and bring it to a boil.
Steep the Tea: Place two Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea into a teapot and pour about 6-8 ounces of hot water over it. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
Sweeten if Desired: If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, add honey, simple syrup, or sugar while the tea is still hot.
Cool It Down: Allow the tea to cool before using it in your cocktails. You can speed up this process by placing it in the fridge or adding ice cubes.
Now that you have your Earl Grey base ready, let’s get into the fun part—mixing up some delicious cocktails!
Tea Infused Cocktails
1. Earl Grey French 75
The Earl Grey French 75 is a sophisticated twist on the classic champagne cocktail. With the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea and the bubbly effervescence of champagne, this cocktail is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
1 oz Earl Grey tea (cooled)
1 oz gin
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Champagne or prosecco to top
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the Earl Grey tea, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice and shake until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
Top with champagne or prosecco and garnish with a lemon twist.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Earl Grey tea adds depth to the citrusy tang of the lemon, while the gin provides a botanical complexity. The champagne bubbles bring a lightness that makes this cocktail both refreshing and refined.
2. Earl Grey Sour
The Earl Grey Sour is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter, making it an ideal drink for those who enjoy more complex flavor profiles. This cocktail combines whiskey, a classic base for sour cocktails, with the rich, fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea.
Ingredients:
1 oz Earl Grey tea (cooled)
2 oz bourbon or whiskey
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
1 egg white (optional, for froth)
Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the Earl Grey tea, whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
Shake vigorously without ice to create froth.
Add ice and shake again until chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with lemon peel.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Earl Grey tea adds an extra layer of complexity to the traditional whiskey sour, with the bergamot providing a slightly bitter, citrusy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the whiskey and the tartness of the lemon.
3. Earl Grey Martini
If you’re a fan of martinis, this Earl Grey Martini will soon become a favorite. This cocktail combines vodka with the distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea for a smooth, citrusy drink that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz Earl Grey tea (cooled)
½ oz honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water)
Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the vodka, Earl Grey tea, and honey syrup.
Add ice and shake until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Why You’ll Love It:
The honey syrup adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the bergamot’s citrusy notes, while the vodka keeps the drink clean and crisp. This is a perfect cocktail for those who like their drinks on the drier side.
4. Earl Grey Negroni
The Earl Grey Negroni is a twist on the classic Negroni, a bittersweet cocktail traditionally made with gin, vermouth, and Campari. The addition of Earl Grey tea adds a layer of complexity to this already sophisticated drink.
Ingredients:
1 oz Earl Grey tea (cooled)
1 oz gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine the Earl Grey tea, gin, Campari, and vermouth.
Add ice and stir until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Garnish with an orange peel.
Why You’ll Love It:
The bitterness of the Campari and the sweet, herbal notes of the vermouth are beautifully balanced by the floral, citrusy flavors of the Earl Grey tea, making this a drink for true cocktail connoisseurs.
5. Earl Grey Mojito
For a refreshing, summertime twist on the classic mojito, try the Earl Grey Mojito. The herbal mint, citrusy lime, and fragrant Earl Grey tea come together to create a light, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
1 oz Earl Grey tea (cooled)
2 oz white rum
½ oz lime juice
1 tsp sugar
Mint leaves
Soda water to top
Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
Add the Earl Grey tea, rum, and lime juice.
Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Why You’ll Love It:
The mint and lime provide a refreshing contrast to the slightly bitter, floral notes of the Earl Grey tea, while the soda water keeps the cocktail light and effervescent.
Final Thoughts
An Earl Grey tea cocktail is the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to your home bar. The unique flavor profile of Earl Grey tea pairs beautifully with a variety of spirits, and its versatility means you can experiment with different recipes to find your perfect mix. Whether you’re celebrating with a sparkling Earl Grey French 75 or relaxing with a refreshing Earl Grey Mojito, these recipes are sure to impress.
So, brew up some Earl Grey, grab your shaker, and start mixing! With these delicious tea infused cocktails, you’ll never look at your favorite tea the same way again. And now that you know how to brew Earl Grey tea properly for cocktails, you can enjoy these unique drinks any time you like!
