Earl Grey teas, traditionally, were blends comprised of varying black teas with Bergamot oil added to them. Today, any tea (green, white, herbal) that is sprayed with Bergamot oil is known as Earl Grey (such as our Emerald Green Earl Grey, Rooibos Earl Grey, etc).  Every tea merchant carries an Earl Grey black tea blend, but they are all very different due to the variations in black teas used for the blend and the quality of the bergamot oil. Earl Grey is also used in a wide variety of recipes - check out our delicious Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies! If baking isn't for you, Earl Grey pairs well with liquor too.

Earl Grey Marteani 

Makes one 6 oz. cocktail 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. gin 
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. earl grey simple syrup (recipe below)
• 1 egg white (optional) (or substitute 1 Tbsp aquafaba)
• 1/4 cup brewed earl grey tea, chilled
• Ice
• Lemon wedge
• Dried blue cornflowers (optional)

Earl Grey Simple Syrup

Makes approximately 1 cup

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp earl grey tea leaves 
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar 

Directions:

Bring the sugar and water to a simmer in a small saucepan, cooking on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from  heat and add the tea leaves. After 30 minutes strain out the tea and set aside until the syrup has cooled to room temperature. 

* Leftover syrup can be drizzled over yogurt or ice cream or added to sparkling water.

Directions for the Marteani:

Add the gin, lemon juice, syrup and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. 

Add a handful of ice and shake again for another 30 seconds until the cocktail is foamy. 

Strain into a chilled martini glass and fill to the top with the reserved earl grey tea. 

Garnish with a lemon wedge and the cornflowers (optional). 

Enjoy!

*Recipe by Katheen Phipps.