Key takeaways
- Earl Grey is black tea flavored with oil from the bergamot orange, which gives it a citrusy, floral aroma.
- It contains caffeine because it is made with black tea, usually less than the same amount of coffee.
- Brew it with hot water (200–212°F) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Variations include London Fog, Lady Grey, green Earl Grey and decaf versions.
Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, which gives it a fragrant, citrusy, slightly floral taste. It is one of the most recognized flavored teas in the world, and it is easy to brew: use about 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 oz cup, water at 200–212°F (93–100°C), and steep 3 to 5 minutes.
This guide explains what Earl Grey is, what it tastes like, its caffeine content, how it compares with other black teas, and how to enjoy it.
What is Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey is a flavored black tea. The distinctive aroma comes from bergamot, a citrus fruit that is grown commercially mainly in southern Italy. The oil from the peel is sprayed or blended onto the tea leaves. The tea is named after a British nobleman, though the exact origin of the blend is uncertain, and historians tell the story in different ways. You can find an overview on the Earl Grey tea page on Wikipedia.
The base tea can vary. Many blends use Chinese or Indian black teas, or a mixture such as a Ceylon or Assam. A good base matters because bergamot flavor is strong and a quality tea will balance it.
What is bergamot?
Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia) is a small citrus fruit with a floral, sharp and slightly bitter aroma. It is not the same as the plant called bee balm, which is sometimes called wild bergamot. See the entry on bergamot orange for more background.
What does Earl Grey taste like?
- Aroma: bright, citrusy, floral, sometimes compared to orange blossom or lemon peel.
- Taste: the briskness and mild maltiness of black tea with a citrus lift.
- Body: medium, smooth, slightly astringent depending on the base tea.
Quality differs. Blends scented with natural bergamot oil taste more refined, while some flavored products use artificial flavoring, which can taste perfumed. Check the ingredients list for “natural bergamot oil” or “bergamot flavor.”
Earl Grey varieties
| Variety | What is different |
|---|---|
| Classic Earl Grey | Black tea with bergamot |
| Lady Grey | Often adds lemon, orange peel or cornflower for a gentler flavor |
| Earl Grey Cream | Includes vanilla or cream flavor |
| Green Earl Grey | Uses green tea as the base |
| Earl Grey Blue Flower | Adds blue cornflower petals for appearance |
| Decaf Earl Grey | Uses decaffeinated black tea |
| Rooibos Earl Grey | Caffeine-free, with rooibos as the base |
| London Fog | A drink made with Earl Grey, steamed milk and vanilla syrup |
How to brew Earl Grey tea
Follow these steps for a balanced cup.
- Measure: use 1 teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag per 8 oz (240 ml) cup. See how much tea per cup.
- Heat water: bring fresh water to a boil, or 200–212°F (93–100°C).
- Steep: pour over the tea and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Start with 3 minutes if you want a lighter cup.
- Strain and serve: remove the leaves or bag promptly.
- Adjust: add milk, honey or a slice of lemon if you like.
For a full walkthrough, read how to brew loose leaf tea.
Hot, iced and latte
- Hot: classic, with or without milk.
- Iced: brew double strength and chill. See how to make iced tea.
- London Fog latte: combine strong Earl Grey, steamed milk and a little vanilla syrup.
Does Earl Grey have caffeine?
Yes. Standard Earl Grey is a black tea, so it contains caffeine. The amount depends on the tea used, the quantity, water temperature and steeping time. In general, a cup of black tea contains less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. Our guide to caffeine in tea vs coffee provides comparisons and general ranges.
If you want to cut back, choose decaf Earl Grey or a caffeine-free alternative. See our list of caffeine-free teas.
Earl Grey vs English breakfast
| Feature | Earl Grey | English breakfast |
|---|---|---|
| Flavoring | Bergamot oil | None |
| Taste | Citrusy, floral | Malty, robust |
| Common use | Afternoon, with lemon or honey | Morning, often with milk |
| Base tea | Varies | Usually a blend of black teas, often Assam and Ceylon |
Neither is better; they serve different moods. For more on the black tea bases behind blends like these, see Assam vs Darjeeling.
Health: what can we say?
Earl Grey contains the same family of plant compounds, such as polyphenols and caffeine, found in other black teas. Beyond that, be cautious. General statements about “benefits” in articles and on product pages are often overstated. Reputable health sources describe tea as a beverage that can be part of a normal diet. For anything related to your health, speak with a healthcare professional. The Mayo Clinic’s guidance on caffeine is a helpful, trustworthy place to start for general information on caffeine.
Some people are sensitive to bergamot or to caffeine. If you notice headaches, jitteriness or other reactions, reduce your intake and consult a professional.
How to choose a good Earl Grey
- Look at the ingredients. “Black tea, natural bergamot oil” is a good sign.
- Smell it. Quality bergamot is fresh and citrusy, not soapy.
- Prefer loose leaf or whole-leaf bags for more nuance. See loose leaf tea vs tea bags.
- Check freshness. Bergamot aroma fades with time.
Storing Earl Grey
Earl Grey has a strong aroma, so store it in an airtight tin away from other teas to prevent scent transfer, and away from light and heat. See how to store loose leaf tea.
Cooking and drink ideas
- London Fog: Earl Grey, steamed milk, a little vanilla.
- Earl Grey shortbread: finely ground tea leaves added to dough.
- Earl Grey syrup: steep strong tea in simple syrup for cocktails or sodas.
- Earl Grey with honey and lemon: a simple classic.
Serving ideas and pairings
Earl Grey is versatile at the table. Its citrus notes pair well with lemon cake, shortbread, scones with cream and light fruit desserts. It also stands up to dark chocolate and nutty biscuits. For savory pairings, try smoked salmon, cucumber sandwiches or mild cheeses. If you serve it with milk, choose a full-bodied Earl Grey on a strong black base, since a delicate blend may be overwhelmed.
Cooking and baking with Earl Grey
Earl Grey is also an ingredient. To infuse milk or cream for custards, panna cotta or ice cream, warm the dairy with a tablespoon of loose tea per cup, steep 10 to 15 minutes off the heat, strain and proceed with the recipe. For baking, grind a teaspoon of loose Earl Grey and mix it into shortbread dough or cake batter. For drinks, steep strong Earl Grey, sweeten it into a simple syrup, and use it in sodas and cocktails. Cook with tea that you would enjoy drinking, since its flavor concentrates.
Choosing between Earl Grey styles
If you are new to Earl Grey, a classic blend on a black tea base is the easiest introduction. If you find it too perfumed, try Lady Grey, which is usually gentler, or a version on a green tea base. If you love strong flavor, look for blends labeled “double bergamot.” Read reviews, because brands differ widely in how much bergamot they use. Whatever you choose, store it separately from other teas so the scent does not travel, as described in how to store loose leaf tea.
Summary
Earl Grey is a black tea scented with bergamot, with a bright citrus aroma and a smooth, brisk taste. It contains caffeine, brews in minutes and comes in many variations. Choose a quality blend, brew it at the right temperature and enjoy it plain or with milk, honey or lemon.
For more about black teas and their families, explore our complete guide to tea and the Chai & Black Tea hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Earl Grey tea taste like?
Earl Grey tastes like a malty or smooth black tea with a distinct citrus and floral aroma from bergamot. Some blends add cornflower petals, lavender or vanilla for extra notes.
What is bergamot?
Bergamot is a citrus fruit, Citrus bergamia, grown mainly in southern Italy. The aromatic oil from its rind is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. It is different from the herb also called bergamot or bee balm.
Does Earl Grey have caffeine?
Yes. Traditional Earl Grey is made from black tea, so it contains caffeine. The amount depends on the base tea and how it is brewed, and it is typically lower than the same size of brewed coffee. Decaf versions exist.
What is the difference between Earl Grey and English breakfast tea?
English breakfast is a robust black tea blend with no added flavoring. Earl Grey is black tea scented with bergamot oil. Earl Grey tastes more aromatic and citrusy, while English breakfast is maltier and bolder.
Is Earl Grey safe to drink every day?
For most healthy adults, moderate amounts of tea are considered acceptable. If you are pregnant, take medications, or have a health condition, talk with a healthcare professional. See our article on drinking tea every day for more.
Want the bigger picture? Read our complete guide to tea or explore more in Chai & Black Tea.
