Earl Gray tea is a type of tea that contains bergamot, which gives it those citrus notes that characterize it so much. Various ways to drink it have been devised around the world and in this post we will tell you 5 easy ways to make Earl Gray tea taste better .
The bergamot in the earl gray tea gives it that light, refreshing taste. Most people think of it as quintessentially English tea, although it is served at some social events in Britain.
Its name is due to the second Earl Gray who in 1830 held the position of Prime Minister. Legend has it that this count received it as a gift for having saved someone’s life. From that moment on he was part of the offerings that were served at his private parties and then he asked his merchant to replicate it. So it was Twining in the Strand that officially launched Earl Gray tea.
1. How To Make Earl Gray Tea Taste Good With Loose Leaf
The first way to make Earl Gray tea taste good is by brewing it with loose leaves. If you choose to use tea bags, skip this step. The proper measure of tea leaves is 6 grams per 204 ml of water. If you prefer it a little stronger you can add a little more. If you use tea bags and want it a little more intense, use two.
For added convenience when using loose leaf, wrap in empty tea bags or tea filters so you don’t have to strain. Follow the steps to prepare it:
- Bring a pot of water or a kettle to a boil over high heat, keep it for about 4 to 10 minutes, until you see it start to boil. When it boils, turn it off and let it rest for 1 or 2 minutes so that its temperature from the boiling point drops a little (ideal is 98 ° C).
- Where you are going to steep the tea, pour the hot water, but first stir it.
- Pour the tea into the cup or teapot (either teabags or loose herbs). You should soak it for 3 to 5 minutes. Once in the water, it will start to turn the color of tea.
- Then strain the tea if it is loose leaf or remove it if it is a tea bag.
2. Adding Stuff to Earl Gray Tea
The steps to add things to tea are as follows:
- If you prefer a black tea, then drink it neat, without adding anything to it. If you drink it like this you will enjoy a stronger flavor.
- You can add sugar if you like to drink it sweet. The amount is from 2 to 12 grams of sugar. Stir to dissolve. The sweetness will take away some of the bitter taste that the tea has.
- You can add a few drops of lemon to Earl Gray tea to give it that citrus touch. If you like more citrus then add more lemon. Adding lemon and sugar is one of the most common ways to drink it.
- Also, you can add cream to the tea to give it creaminess. A small amount of milk and cream will cut through the floral and citrus flavors.
3. How to make Earl Gray tea taste good with milk
- To prepare Earl Gray tea as a latte, heat 120 ml of milk, or the equivalent of 5 cups, in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Heat it over medium-high heat and as you stir the milk, trying not to let the milk start to boil or burn. Once it is ready it should look creamy and foamy.
- You can use almond or coconut milk if you prefer it to be very creamy.
- Once you have steeped your Earl Gray tea for 3-5 minutes, pour the milk over it. She stirs with a spoon.
- Finally, to find out how to make Earl Gray tea taste good add a little vanilla and stir. When you add it, the flavors of the milk will stand out.
4. Bergamot flavored
The particular flavor of earl gray tea is the one that gives the bergamot, intensifying it and making it unique. It is very different to, for example, orange pekoe tea which is a Dutch tea, Earl Gray has a citrus flavor and can be drunk neat. The bergamot orange is cultivated in the Mediterranean. Each Earl Gray tea is brewed according to the producer and its flavor is described as refreshing, bold and bright.
5. How to make Earl Gray Tea taste good with other variations
There are variations of Earl Gray tea including:
- Russian Earl Grey. Which has a mixture of pieces of citrus peel.
- Decaffeinated Earl Gray is also available.
- Earl Rooibos that adds bergamot rooibos flavor.
- Earl Green. It is a green tea flavored with bergamot.