Named after the Prime Minister of the UK between 1830-1834 and the second Earl Grey, the delicate, ever-so slightly aromatic alternative to a classic English Breakfast tea blend has become synonymous with sophistication.
It naturally has an array of mythic origin stories outside the widely accepted theory that bergamot was popularly added to low-quality teas to improve the taste and quality.
Twinings claims to have been the first house to craft the specialist tea blend, though Jacksons of Piccadilly have also declared ownership of the original recipe. From Earl Grey himself having been acquainted with a Chayishi who crafted the blend especially for the nobleman, to the entirely accidental mixing of orange rinds with a black tea blend – its exact origins remain unknown, though we’re thankful it came to be.
We spoke with Marion Mackonochie, Herbal Science Manager at Pukka Herbs for some insight into the beloved Earl Grey tea.
What is Earl Grey tea and how is it made?
“Earl Grey tea is a citrus-flavoured black tea typically made with a combination of black tea and bergamot orange,” explains Mackonochie. “It is one of the earliest blended teas and has been drunk since the 19th century.”
What are the most popular variations of Earl Grey tea?
“There are many ways to adapt Earl Grey blends. To provide the bergamot flavour, either pieces of bergamot rind or bergamot essential oil can be added. If you’re a big fan of fruitier flavours, citrus fruits such as lemon are sometimes added to boost the citrus notes,” Mackonochie tells us, which explains why one Earl Grey blend may taste vastly different from the next.
She adds, “Flowers such as lavender and rose can also be added to boost the floral notes. At Pukka, we add bergamot essential oil, lemon essential oil and lavender flowers to create a delicate and well-rounded blend.”
Does Earl Grey tea have any health benefits?
“Black tea itself is a healthy drink as it is rich in bioactive flavonoids, which are compounds found in fruit and vegetables that can support our health,” says the Herbal Science Manager. Indeed, flavonoids (previously known as vitamin P) are known to be rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
She continues, “In fact, tea is actually one of the top sources of flavonoids in UK diets – which probably isn’t too surprising given the nation’s love of tea! The small amount of bergamot added to Earl Grey in particular is unlikely to add any additional benefit beyond providing a delicate and interesting flavour”.
What's the best way to prepare a cup of Earl Grey
“That’s a controversial question!” says the tea lover. “Everyone has their favourite way to brew, but at Pukka we recommend using freshly boiled water and leaving the teabag in the cup for two minutes before removing, sitting back, and enjoying your cuppa.” Though Mackonochie neglects to comment on the use of milk in an Earl Grey tea, let the record show that we at ES Best thoroughly support it.
We’ve curated a selection of the best Earl Grey teas to indulge the senses morning, afternoon and night.
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Fortnum & Mason Earl Grey Classic, 250g Loose Leaf Caddy
Fortnums is the place to go for luxury tea that takes the biscuit. The royal grocer is home to a dazzling array of teas ripe for gifting. Complete with a beautiful decorative tin, the Earl Grey Classic caddy has long been considered a must-have for a classic afternoon tea. The sumptuous flavour is made up of simple black tea topped with stimulating oil of bergamot, perfect for midday sipping.
Buy now £16.50, Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason Earl Grey Classic, 50 Tea Bags, 100g
Same, but different. For those who prefer their Fortnum’s tea bagged, scoop up a box of 50 silken Earl Grey Classic tea bags to add to your shelf. The blend was created 90 years after Earl Grey tea was first invented, showcasing a dedication to crafting the perfect oil of bergamot-infused blend. Simply steep for between three and five minutes before enjoying.
Buy now £10.95, Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason Countess Grey, 25 Tea Bags, 50g
This delightful, feminine variation of the classic Earl Grey from Fortnum’s has notes of orange citrus and pairs beautifully with summer fruits. Think of it as the warmer season’s alternative to the traditional bergamot blend. The famed tea connoisseurs recommend sipping it alongside a bowl of muesli, fresh yoghurt and honey.
Buy now £6.95, Fortnum & Mason
Mariage Frères Earl Grey Provence
When it comes to loose-leaf teas, it simply doesn’t get more luxurious than an artisanally crafted tin from the Parisian tea house Mariage Frères. This beloved Earl Grey blend features hints of Provence lavender which temper the zesty citrus flavours to create an all-round silky, delicate blend.
Buy now £19.00, Mariage Frères
Twinings Earl Grey Tea 120 Tea Bags
Twinings claims to have invented the Earl Grey blend back in 1831 in its original shop on the Strand at the request of the Prime Minister himself. Though multiple other origin stories exist, one sip of Twinings’ classic blend might just sway your opinion. The 19th-century tea makers appear to have perfected the morning brew with a blend that is perfectly balanced between a classic earth black tea and an energising, uplifting bergamot top note. The decaffeinated version tastes almost identical.
Buy now £5.00, Amazon
Pukka Earl Grey
Sourced from some of the world’s most renowned tea estates, each Pukka tea is crafted by experts to provide a subtle twist on classic blends. This beautifully aromatic and wonderfully delicate Earl Grey features a blend of organic black teas from India and East Africa with classic bergamot, and added aromatic, organic essential oils of lemon and lavender flower.
Buy now £6.29, Amazon
Brew Tea Co Earl Grey 40 Tea Bags
Crafted with 100 per cent hand-rolled whole leaves with no artificial ingredients, Brew Tea Co’s Earl Grey is a cult-favourite for a reason. The rainforest alliance-certified blend features ceylon black tea, orange peel, bergamot oil and marvellous marigold petals for a hint of zesty tangerine. Light and citrusy, it’s even better with a dash of whole milk.
Buy now £8.20, Amazon
Bird & Blend Earl Grey Creme Tea
A personal favourite here at ES Best, drinking a cup of perfectly steeped Earl Grey Crème Tea by Bird & Blend is a sumptuous treat. With hints of vanilla which shine through the Sri Lankan black tea and bergamot blend, it’s like a hug in a mug with a burst of floral flavour.
Buy now £6.25, Bird & Blend
Clipper Fairtrade Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags
Famous for its Fairtrade organic and plant-based biodegradable teabags, an investment in Clipper is an investment in the future. Sustainability aside, the Earl Grey blend is simply fantastic. Fruity and silky smooth, each tea bag is bursting with herbaceous and floral flavour.
Buy now £2.95, Amazon
Rare Tea Company Earl Grey
Perfect for those who prefer to leave their tea bags in their brews yet enjoy a slightly more subtle flavour, this hand-crafted black tea by the Rare Tea Company features pure bergamot oil. Thanks to a lack of artificial additives, concentrates or flavourings, the Earl Grey blend has heady citrus notes which develop over the course of your breakfast routine. Plus, the lovely decorative tin will look fabulous on your shelf.
Buy now £7.00, Ocado
