Earl Grey tea—imbued with the distinct citrusy and floral essence of bergamot—has long been associated with refinement. But this beloved tea is not just for quiet mornings; it’s also a wonderful base for cocktails that are both aromatic and complex. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink for a warm day or an elegant sip for evening relaxation, these Earl Grey and Bergamot-spiced iced tea cocktails will infuse your routine with sophistication and charm.
Also Read: Bergamot: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
Here are five sophisticated cocktail recipes that use Earl Grey and bergamot tea as their foundation. With spirits ranging from gin and bourbon to tequila, these cocktails offer variety while maintaining the elegance of their tea base. Each recipe is carefully crafted to ensure the balance of flavors is perfect.
1. Earl Grey & Gin Fizz: A Sparkling, Citrus-Infused Elegance
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin (choose a floral or herbal gin for added depth)
- 30 ml freshly brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
- 22.5 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 90 ml sparkling water (or club soda)
- Garnish: Lemon wheel, fresh mint sprig
Preparation:
- Brew a strong batch of Earl Grey tea and allow it to cool completely.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, Earl Grey tea, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh mint sprig.
Why It Works:
The Earl Grey & Gin Fizz combines the floral gin with the refreshing citrusy notes of bergamot and lemon, all elevated by the effervescence of sparkling water. It’s a light, bubbly drink that’s perfect for a sophisticated afternoon.
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2. Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea: Bold and Full of Character
Ingredients:
- 60 ml bourbon (or rye whiskey for a spicier twist)
- 30 ml Earl Grey tea, brewed and cooled
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes (preferably large)
- Garnish: Lemon twist, sprig of thyme
Preparation:
- Brew Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, Earl Grey tea, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
- Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes.
- Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into the glass over the ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of thyme.
Why It Works:
The Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea delivers a robust, yet refreshing experience. The smoky notes of bourbon are perfectly complemented by the herbal qualities of the tea, while the lemon adds a burst of citrusy freshness. The thyme garnish enhances the aromatic appeal, making this drink perfect for any sophisticated occasion.
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3. Earl Grey Negroni: A Refined Take on a Classic Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 30 ml Earl Grey tea, brewed and cooled
- 15 ml Campari
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Orange peel
Preparation:
- Brew a strong batch of Earl Grey tea and let it cool.
- In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, Earl Grey tea, and Campari.
- Add ice and stir for 30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and diluted.
- Strain into a lowball glass filled with ice.
- Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in as a garnish.
Why It Works:
The Earl Grey Negroni enhances the classic cocktail with the citrus and floral notes of bergamot. The bitterness of Campari and the rich, herbal vermouth meld beautifully with the tea, offering a drink that’s bold and aromatic. The orange peel garnish brings out the complexity, making this a drink to savor.
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4. Bergamot Smash: A Fresh, Herbaceous Delight
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin (or vodka for a smoother base)
- 30 ml freshly brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml honey syrup (1:1 honey to water ratio)
- Fresh basil leaves (4-5 leaves)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Basil sprig, lemon wheel
Preparation:
- Brew a strong batch of Earl Grey tea and allow it to cool.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, Earl Grey tea, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and basil leaves.
- Muddle the basil lightly to release its oils.
- Add ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of basil and a lemon wheel.
Why It Works:
The Bergamot Smash brings together the freshness of basil and the citrusy notes of bergamot. With the richness of gin (or vodka) and honey, the result is a well-rounded, refreshing cocktail. The herbal aroma of the basil and the bright citrus from the lemon make it a perfect drink for those who enjoy herbaceous flavors.
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5. Earl Grey Margarita: A Citrusy, Bold Adventure
Ingredients:
- 60 ml tequila (blanco for a clean taste or reposado for a deeper profile)
- 30 ml Earl Grey tea, brewed and cooled
- 22.5 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 15 ml triple sec
- 15 ml agave syrup (adjust sweetness as desired)
- Salt (for rim)
- Garnish: Lime wedge
Preparation:
- Brew Earl Grey tea and allow it to cool.
- Rim the glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim and dipping it in salt.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, Earl Grey tea, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass rimmed with salt, filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Why It Works:
The Earl Grey Margarita is an adventurous and bold twist on the classic margarita. The earthy flavor of tequila blends seamlessly with the floral and citrus notes of bergamot, while the lime juice and triple sec amplify the drink’s refreshing qualities. The salt rim enhances the margarita experience, giving this cocktail an exciting edge.
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Conclusion: Sip in Style with Earl Grey Elegance
These Earl Grey and Bergamot-spiced iced tea cocktails bring together the elegance of classic cocktails with the unique floral flavors of Earl Grey. Whether you’re craving the effervescence of the Earl Grey & Gin Fizz, the bold complexity of the Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea, or the herbal freshness of the Bergamot Smash, these cocktails will turn any Tuesday into an elegant occasion.
Each recipe is designed to let the bergamot shine while adding a modern twist, ensuring that each sip is both refreshing and sophisticated. So, why not elevate your next cocktail hour and enjoy the refined charm of Earl Grey in a whole new way?
Cheers to sophistication in every sip!
Pro Tip: For the best results, always use high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea. It’s the key to making your cocktails truly exceptional, with a deeper, more complex flavor that complements the spirits beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cocktails without alcohol?
Yes, absolutely! Each of these Earl Grey-inspired cocktails can be made into mocktails by simply omitting the alcohol and adjusting the sweetness and flavors as needed. For example, you can leave out the gin in the Earl Grey & Gin Fizz or replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative in the Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea.
2. Can I use regular tea instead of Earl Grey?
While Earl Grey has a unique flavor due to its bergamot infusion, you can substitute it with other black teas if needed. However, the signature citrusy note of bergamot in Earl Grey is what makes these cocktails distinctive, so we recommend using Earl Grey for the best results.
3. What can I use as a garnish if I don’t have mint or basil?
If you don’t have mint or basil, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even lavender for a floral touch. Fresh citrus slices, such as lemon, lime, or orange, also make great garnishes for these cocktails.
4. How can I make Earl Grey tea concentrate?
To make an Earl Grey concentrate, simply brew the tea at double strength. Use 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea (or 2 bags) for every cup of water, and let it steep for 5-7 minutes before straining. This concentrated tea will add more robust flavor to your cocktails.
5. Can I make these cocktails in advance?
Yes, some of these cocktails can be pre-made in advance. For drinks like the Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea, you can batch the ingredients (except for sparkling water and garnishes) and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. For fizzy drinks like the Earl Grey & Gin Fizz, it’s best to add the sparkling water just before serving to preserve its effervescence.
6. What’s the best gin to use in these cocktails?
A floral or herbal gin, such as Hendrick’s, Beefeater, or Tanqueray, works particularly well with Earl Grey due to the botanical flavors that complement the tea’s fragrance. However, you can use any gin that suits your taste!
7. Can I substitute the simple syrup with something else?
Yes, you can substitute simple syrup with honey syrup (1:1 honey and water) for a more natural sweetness, agave syrup for a vegan option, or maple syrup for a deeper flavor. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your cocktails.
8. Is it necessary to use fresh citrus juice, or can I use bottled?
Fresh citrus juice is always recommended for the best flavor, as it provides a natural, bright acidity. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but it may not have the same fresh taste and could contain preservatives or added sugars.
9. What kind of glasses should I use for these cocktails?
For a chic, sophisticated look, use highball glasses for fizz cocktails, rocks glasses for stirred drinks like the Bergamot Bourbon Iced Tea and Earl Grey Negroni, and coupe glasses for drinks like the Earl Grey Margarita to add an elegant touch.
10. Can I adjust the strength of the tea in these cocktails?
Yes, you can adjust the strength of the Earl Grey tea to your preference. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, brew the tea for a longer period or use a higher tea-to-water ratio. For a milder flavor, steep the tea for a shorter time.
