What alcohol goes with Earl Grey tea?

Gin is one spirit that pairs well with Earl Grey because its botanical and citrus notes complement the bergamot flavor of the tea. Vodka is also a good choice because it allows the flavor of the tea to shine without competing. I'd avoid any alcohol with a strong flavor that will overpower the tea.

Does Earl Grey tea have caffeine?

Yes. Earl Grey tea is a black tea that typically contains caffeine. If you do not want a cocktail with caffeine, looks for a decaf variety.

How can I make this into an Earl Grey mocktail?

Make it a mocktail by omitting the gin, using a bit more tea, and possibly adding a splash of tonic to finish it off.

Earl Grey Cocktail

Description

This Earl Grey cocktail combines brewed tea, gin, fresh lemon juice, honey, and bitters into a bright, floral, and effortlessly elegant drink perfect for winter and spring.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves (or 3 tea bags)
4 ounces hot water
1 lemon
2 teaspoons honey
4 ounces gin
a few dashes of bitters
ice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brew the tea. Make a tea concentrate by brewing 1 tablespoon of Earl Grey tea with 4 ounces of hot water just off a boil. Let steep for 7-8 minutes. Then strain or remove the tea bags. Let the tea cool for until slightly warm, but not hot, while you make the lemon garnish.
Prep the lemon and garnish. Slice the lemon in half width-wise. Juice one of the halves to get 1 ounce of juice. To make the garnish (or skip if you prefer), slice the other half into rounds. Use a paring knife to cut out the flesh from a lemon slice, leaving just a round piece of peel. Cut the peel, then wrap it around a straw or chopstick. Press firmly to help hold the shape. Repeat with a second slice of lemon.
Make the drink. Add the warm tea to a cocktail shaker. Then add the honey and stir well to combine. Pour in the lemon juice, gin, and a few dashes of bitters. Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Add the top to the shaker and shake well for about 15 seconds.
Strain and serve. Strain the cocktail into two chilled glasses. Add the lemon peel garnishes. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Stir the honey into the tea before adding ice to your cocktail shaker. Otherwise, the honey will freeze to the ice and not combine well into the drink.

This recipe makes two drinks. Only need one? Simply cut the ingredients in half.

If you need more guidance on making the curled lemon peel garnish, check out this guide.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: American