
Earl Grey Tea
| Flavor Notes | Floral · Citrus · Aromatic |
| Aroma & Taste | Bright & Citrusy |
| Steep Instructions | Steep 3–5 min |
For the person who wants their tea to feel classic and unhurried. This is the cup for slow mornings, quiet afternoons, or anyone who appreciates a ritual that's stood the test of time. | |
| Region | Sri Lanka / India / China (blended black tea + bergamot) |
| Altitude | 300–2,000 MASL |
| Variety | Camellia sinensis (Ceylon, Assam cultivars) |
| Process | Full Oxidation (Black Tea) + bergamot flavoring |
| Fermentation Type | Fully oxidized |
| Fermentation Time | 2–4 hours (oxidation) |
| Drying Method | Hot-air fired / orthodox |
| Drying Time | 20–30 minutes |
| Moisture Content | 4%–6% |
| Water Activity | 0.40–0.50 aw |
| Screen / Grade | OP / Orange Pekoe |
| Harvest Period | Year-round |
| Roast Date | Roasted to order — same day as shipment |
| Rest Time | No rest needed — brew immediately |
Earl Grey is one of the most iconic teas in the world — and one of the most frequently done wrong. Most Earl Grey uses artificial bergamot flavoring that produces a synthetic, perfumed character with no resemblance to actual bergamot. Ours is different. We build on bold Ceylon OP black tea, add real bergamot essential oil, and finish with blue cornflowers for a delicate floral nuance and visual elegance. The classic, elevated.
The History of Earl Grey
Earl Grey is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s. The tea is flavored with bergamot — a fragrant citrus fruit grown primarily in Calabria, Italy — which gives it the distinctive citrus-floral character that makes it immediately recognizable. The exact origin of the combination is disputed, but the result has been one of the world's most beloved teas for nearly two centuries.
The Blend
Our Earl Grey is built on Ceylon OP (Orange Pekoe) black tea — a high-quality Sri Lankan black tea known for its bold body, bright astringency, and full, satisfying character. Ceylon OP provides the backbone that Earl Grey needs — strong enough to hold up to bergamot, smooth enough to drink with or without milk.
Yield: ~50–100 cups per 12oz. Tea is more concentrated — a little goes a long way.
We add real bergamot essential oil — not artificial flavoring — which produces a true, lasting citrus note that integrates with the tea rather than sitting on top of it. Blue cornflowers add a delicate floral nuance and visual elegance that makes every cup feel special.
Flavor Profile
Our Earl Grey delivers:
- Orange and citrus brightness — from real bergamot essential oil, vibrant and genuine
- Floral nuance — from the blue cornflowers, delicate and elegant
- Malt and body — from the Ceylon OP base, bold and satisfying
- Bright astringency — the characteristic Ceylon character that makes it work with milk
- Long, citrus-floral finish — the bergamot lingers beautifully
How to Brew Earl Grey
Hot (Traditional)
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf per 8oz of water
- Heat water to 212°F (full boil — black tea can handle it)
- Steep 3–5 minutes
- Strain and serve
- Add milk and sugar to taste if desired
Earl Grey Latte (London Fog)
- Brew double-strength (2 teaspoons per 4oz of water)
- Steep 4–5 minutes
- Add 4–6oz of steamed milk
- Add vanilla syrup to taste
Iced Earl Grey
- Brew double-strength
- Pour over ice immediately
- Add cold milk or lemon to taste
Best For
- Morning rituals — the bold Ceylon base provides real caffeine and body
- Afternoon tea — the classic British tradition
- Earl Grey lattes (London Fog) — one of the most popular tea latte preparations
- People who want a sophisticated alternative to coffee — bold enough to satisfy, complex enough to be interesting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bergamot flavoring natural?
Yes — we use real bergamot essential oil, not artificial flavoring. The difference is significant: real bergamot produces a true, lasting citrus note. Artificial flavoring produces a synthetic perfumed character.
Is Earl Grey good with milk?
Yes — the bold Ceylon OP base holds up beautifully to milk. Traditional British Earl Grey is often served with milk. For a London Fog latte, brew strong and add steamed milk with a touch of vanilla.
Explore our full tea lineup — or browse everything we carry.
If you love Earl Grey, try...
Our coffee comes from our roasting partner, Temecula Coffee Roasters, in Temecula, CA. They source 100% Arabica specialty-grade beans, roast each batch fresh to order, and handle packaging, labeling, and shipping — often the same day it's roasted.
Yes — save 15% on your first order and 5% on every recurring order. Pause, skip, or cancel anytime.