When I need to relax, I need some fuzzy socks, a good show, and a nice drink to sip on. How does a nice mug glass of earl grey tea (with gin) sound? I think it sounds delightful!
Earl Grey Tea- What is it?
Earl Grey tea is a popular black tea blend that is flavored with the oil from the rind of bergamot oranges. Bergamot oranges are a type of citrus fruit primarily grown in Italy and are known for their distinctive and fragrant aroma.
The exact origin of Earl Grey tea is somewhat uncertain, but it is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was a British Prime Minister in the early 19th century. Legend has it that the tea was a gift to the Earl, and he enjoyed it so much that it became associated with his name.
Earl Grey tea is typically made from black tea leaves, often sourced from regions like India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), or China. The bergamot oil is added to the tea leaves during the production process, giving the tea its characteristic citrusy and floral aroma. The flavor of Earl Grey tea is a combination of the bold, brisk taste of black tea with the bright and slightly tangy notes of bergamot.
While traditional Earl Grey is made with black tea, variations exist, including green tea Earl Grey and herbal blends using rooibos or other bases. It’s a versatile tea that can be enjoyed plain or with milk and sugar, depending on personal preference. Earl Grey is also used as a flavoring in various culinary creations, such as desserts, cocktails, and even perfumes, due to its distinctive and delightful aroma.
Making Tea
To prepare a large batch of hot tea, start by determining the quantity you need based on the number of servings required. For each 8-ounce cup of tea, you’ll generally want to use one teaspoon of loose tea leaves or one tea bag. Once you’ve calculated the amount, boil an appropriate volume of fresh, cold water in a large pot or kettle.
While the water is coming to a boil, warm the container in which you intend to brew and serve the tea. This pre-warming step helps maintain the tea’s temperature and flavor.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat source. If you’re using tea bags, simply place them directly into the hot water. For loose tea leaves, either add them to a tea infuser or put them directly into the pot.
Now, cover the pot and let the tea steep. The steeping time varies depending on the type of tea you’re using. Typically, black tea requires 3-5 minutes of steeping, green tea 2-3 minutes, and herbal tea 5-7 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time to your preference.
After the appropriate steeping time, remove the tea bags or infuser if you’re using loose tea leaves. For loose leaves, you might need to strain the tea into your serving container.
If you wish to add sweeteners like sugar or honey, or flavorings such as lemon slices, do so while the tea is still hot. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Allow the tea to cool down to your desired drinking temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the container in the refrigerator or adding ice cubes if you prefer iced tea.
Once the tea has cooled to your liking, it’s ready to be served. You can enjoy it plain or garnish it with lemon wedges or fresh herbs for added flavor. If you have any leftover tea, store it in the refrigerator and aim to consume it within a day or two for the best taste and freshness.
Smoked Lavender & Earl Grey Tea
Imagine sipping on a cocktail that takes your taste buds on a sophisticated journey through a harmonious blend of flavors. This unique concoction marries the bold and robust essence of Earl Grey tea with the botanical elegance of gin, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
At first sip, you’re greeted by the rich, comforting warmth of Earl Grey tea. Its signature blend of black tea leaves and fragrant bergamot oranges offers a deep, slightly tannic foundation. This earthy base is complemented by the gentle sweetness of honey, which interlaces with the tea’s robustness, creating a velvety texture that coats your tongue.
As you continue to savor this cocktail, the bright and zesty notes of freshly squeezed lemon juice come into play. The lemon’s citric brightness provides a delightful contrast, offering a refreshing and tangy burst that balances the richness of the tea and honey. It’s a lively interplay of flavors, as if the sun itself has decided to join this elegant dance.
But what truly elevates this cocktail is the subtle but enchanting hint of lavender smoke. Smoked with our Lavender Smoke Dust, wisps of lavender-infused aroma envelop the glass. Inhaling this fragrant mist before taking a sip is like experiencing a field of lavender in bloom on a warm summer’s day. The lavender’s floral notes intertwine with the other ingredients, adding a delicate, almost mystical dimension to the cocktail.
Smoked Lavender Earl Grey Cocktail
Equipment
- Tea Pitcher 2 Gallon
- Cocktail Shaker
- Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- Butane Torch
Ingredients
Preparation
- 8 Earl Grey Tea Bags
Cocktail
- 2 oz Earl Grey Tea
- 1 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Honey
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
Garnish & Smoke
- 1 pinch Lavender Whole Foods carries it!
- 1 slice Lemon
- 1 sprinkle Lavender to float on lemon
Instructions
Preparation
- Make Earl Grey Tea ahead of time in a large pitcher. Chill.8 Earl Grey Tea Bags
Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker, shake all ingredients with tall ice cube.2 oz Earl Grey Tea, 1 oz Gin, 1/2 oz Honey, 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
Smoke
- Pour into glass and smoke with lavender.1 pinch Lavender
Garnish
- Place lemon on top of ice cube. Sprinkle lavender pieces on top of lemon. Gently torch them1 slice Lemon, 1 sprinkle Lavender
