Pleasures · Earl Grey
Earl Grey Tea
Bergamot loud, whispered, or dressed for dessert.
The short answer
For classic Earl Grey, Vahdam Imperial doses the bergamot heavy — the choice if you love the perfume. Twinings Lady Grey is the mellower take, citrus-forward and softer. Harney Paris adds caramel and vanilla for a dessert-leaning twist. Brew all three at 212°F for 3–5 minutes.
Every Earl Grey is the same idea — black tea and bergamot — argued at different volumes. Choose yours by how much perfume you want in the room.
01Start hereLoose leafVahdam Imperial Earl Grey Loose Leaf
Bergamot dosed heavy enough to scent the whole kitchen. For people who want the perfume of it.
02The mellow onePaper bagsTwinings Lady Grey Black Tea (100 ct)
Bergamot held back, lemon and orange brought forward. Earl Grey for people who found the original too forward.
03The twistPyramid bagsHarney & Sons Paris Tea — 50 Sachets
Caramel and vanilla under a thread of bergamot. Earl Grey's dressed-up cousin.
House rule
We rank what we'd actually pour. The order is ours; the order you buy in is yours.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What makes a tea Earl Grey?+
Earl Grey is black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, a citrus fruit. The amount of bergamot is what separates brands — some dose it heavily for a perfumed cup, others hold it back for a subtler citrus note.
What's the difference between Earl Grey and Lady Grey?+
Lady Grey is a Twinings creation with less bergamot plus added lemon and orange peel — lighter and more floral. Earl Grey leads with bergamot and is the bolder, more aromatic of the two.
How do you brew Earl Grey?+
Use freshly boiled water at 212°F and steep 3–5 minutes. Earl Grey takes milk well thanks to its black tea base, though a heavily bergamot-scented version is often best enjoyed black to keep the citrus aroma.