Earl Grey Tea Recipes
Bright, citrusy, and utterly refreshing, Earl Grey Iced Tea is the perfect drink for warm afternoons or a casual gathering. This Earl Grey Iced Tea recipe balances floral bergamot notes with a hint of honey sweetness.
Steeped slowly and served chilled, it’s a thirst-quenching classic that’s easy to customize. Add a splash of vanilla or extra lemon for a delightful twist that keeps every sip interesting.
Key Ingredients for Earl Grey Iced Tea
- Earl Grey tea bags – The signature black tea with its fragrant bergamot essence forms the base of this cooling drink.
- Raw honey – Adds natural sweetness that mellows the robust tea without overpowering its floral notes.
- Lemon slice – A slice during steeping infuses a bright citrus kick that lifts the tea’s flavor beautifully.
- Pure vanilla extract (optional) – A dash adds subtle warmth and a sweet aroma that pairs well with the bergamot.
How to Make This Refreshing Earl Grey Iced Tea
Start by boiling fresh water and pouring it over the tea bags and lemon slice in a large jar. Let the tea steep slowly at room temperature, allowing the bold flavors to deepen without bitterness. After two hours, stir in the honey until fully dissolved and chill the tea for another couple of hours. Once cold, discard the tea bags and lemon, then dilute with extra cold water to reach your desired strength. For a soft, sweet finish, add a splash of vanilla extract before serving over plenty of ice with fresh lemon slices.
Extra Tips & Tasty Twists for Earl Grey Iced Tea
For a stronger citrus punch, add fresh lemon zest to the jar while steeping. If you prefer a sugar-free version, swap honey with a splash of pure stevia or skip sweeteners altogether. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also transform this classic iced tea into something even more refreshing. To make it a party-ready pitcher, mix in a splash of sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy finish that delights every guest.
Storing Your Earl Grey Iced Tea for Later
Keep any leftover Earl Grey Iced Tea covered in the fridge for up to three days to maintain its crisp flavor. Store it in a glass pitcher or jar to avoid absorbing fridge odors. Give it a gentle stir before pouring, as the honey may settle slightly at the bottom. If you’ve added fresh herbs or citrus slices, strain them out after a day to prevent bitterness from developing and to keep the tea tasting bright and clean.
Earl Grey Tea Recipes
Ingredients
- Pure vanilla extract to taste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1 slice fresh lemon plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Position the Earl Grey tea bags and a slice of lemon in a quart-sized jar, then carefully pour the hot water over them. Cover the jar and allow the tea to steep undisturbed at room temperature for 2 hours. Incorporate the raw honey, stirring thoroughly, then place the jar in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 2 additional hours. Prior to serving, discard the tea bags and lemon slice, then dilute with 2 to 3 cups of water, adjusting the strength to your preference. If desired, stir in a splash of pure vanilla extract. Serve over ice and embellish each glass with fresh lemon slices.
