Two cups of tea with bergamot orange rinds on the saucer and loose tea leaves on a tray

The History of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is one of the most recognized and widely enjoyed tea blends in the world. Its distinct flavor comes from the addition of oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a fragrant citrus fruit.

Date:

February 12, 2024

Author:

Joshua Kaiser

Tags:

loose leaf, tea concentrates, black tea

Email Facebook

Rishi Tea’s Earl Grey offerings bring the bold yet smooth sweetness of black teas from regions of China and Southeast Asia, accented with floral and citrusy bergamot.

To better appreciate this blend, learn a little about the history of Earl Grey tea and its distinctive ingredients.

Earl Grey Tea Origins

The blend is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. The story about how the tea came to bear his name is an interesting one.

According to popular legend, during his tenure as Prime Minister, Earl Grey traveled to Canton, where he received a gift of tea flavored with bergamot oil from a Chinese bureaucrat. The gift was purportedly in gratitude for saving his son from drowning.

Although this story isn’t backed by historical evidence, it makes for an entertaining anecdote in the history of Earl Grey tea.

In reality, the blend was most likely named after Earl Grey as he would have been a well-known figure at the time when tea merchants were looking to sell more varied blends.

The use of bergamot was probably a way to imitate the more expensive types of Chinese tea, which was often scented with citrus blossoms and other floral infusions.

The name was likely used to give the tea a more upper-class appeal.

Regardless of Earl Grey tea’s origins, the blend became highly popular in the 19th century, especially in the upper-class circles of English society. It was made famous by the London tea merchant, Twinings, who has been selling Earl Grey tea since the early 19th century and still sells it today.

Over time, the Earl Grey blend has evolved. There are now many variations including Lady Grey (a blend with additional citrus peel and other flavorings) and others with added rose petals, lavender or cornflowers, such as Rishi’s Earl Grey Lavender. Despite these variations, the traditional blend of black tea and bergamot oil remains the most popular.

Earl Grey Meets Coffee House Latte Culture

The London Fog tea latte, also known as an Earl Grey tea latte, is said to have originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, around the mid-1990s.

It was created when a pregnant customer requested a caffeine-reduced alternative to coffee at a local coffee shop. The shopkeeper, looking for a solution, experimented with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk and vanilla syrup, resulting in the creation of this delightful beverage.

Since then, it has gained popularity and can now be found in various cafes and coffee shops worldwide.

The key ingredient for Earl Grey is a rare variety of orange citrus with a perfumed and complex aromatic profile.

Bergamot in Earl Grey Tea and Beyond

Bergamot essential oil has been used as a key ingredient in foods, beverages and cosmetics for centuries due to its distinct flavor and aroma.

The oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange or Citrus bergamia, a small citrus fruit that is a cross between a sour orange and a fragrant lemon variety or possibly a grapefruit.

In Italy, where the majority of the world's bergamot oranges are grown, the oil was traditionally used in Italian folk medicine and in culinary practices. It was used to flavor a variety of dishes and baked goods, but most notably, it was used in the production of Italian liqueurs and Amari (bitter herbal liquors).

One of the most famous of these is Bergamotto, a sweet liqueur made from bergamot oranges native to the Calabria region. Another well-known Italian liqueur that features bergamot as a prominent flavor is Galliano.

The oil is also used in other beverages. In Earl Grey tea, bergamot lends a unique citrusy flavor to balance the robustness of the black tea.

In the realm of fragrances, bergamot essential oil is a top note in the majority of all fine fragrances produced today. The oil is valued for its ability to blend with other scents to form a bouquet that is both pleasing to the nose and stable over time. Its fresh, citrusy and slightly floral aroma makes it a perfect ingredient for perfumes and colognes.

In addition to its culinary and cosmetic uses, bergamot oil also has a long history of use in aromatherapy for its calming effects. It is believed to help reduce anxiety and stress, promote relaxation and improve mood.

Pressed Bergamot Juice

Rishi Tea’s R&D team worked with our essential oil producer in Calabria to develop a pressed organic juice we use in our London Fog micro-brewed Earl Grey tea liquid concentrate.

Pressed bergamot juice is a popular, bittersweet and aromatic digestive supplement in Europe and the UK.

Bergamot is gaining attention as a super fruit and digestive gut-health supporter. Studies suggest regular consumption of small amounts of bergamot may help lower your cholesterol levels.

Bergamot adds a unique and desirable element for healthy foods and beverages, beauty care and overall wellness that continues to be appreciated across the globe for its one-of-a-kind aroma and amazing flavor contributions.

Its use in Earl Grey tea and its variations make this aroma and flavor a familiar comfort and appeal. And given the popularity through history of Earl Grey tea blends all the way into the modern day, bergamot oranges will continue to remain a staple in culinary and cosmetic products, not to mention aromatherapy.

Featured Products

A pile of Earl Grey tea from Rishi Tea & Botanicals on a white background.

QUICK ADD

Earl Grey

Organic Black Tea Blend

Rich | Citrusy | Floral

A pile of Earl Grey Lavender tea from Rishi Tea & Botanicals on a white background.

QUICK ADD

Earl Grey Lavender

Organic Black Tea Blend

Floral | Citrusy | Lavender

A pile of Earl Grey Supreme tea from Rishi Tea & Botanicals on a white background.

QUICK ADD

Earl Grey Supreme

Organic Black Tea Blend

Rich | Citrusy | Floral

FAQs

What variations of Earl Grey tea does Rishi Tea & Botanicals offer?

Apart from the classic Earl Grey organic black tea, lovers of this blend will relish the luxurious flavor of caramel smooth Dianhong black tea from China’s Yunnan province with a touch of bergamot in the Earl Grey Supreme blend. Its use of a Chinese black tea will remind you of the Earl Grey tea origin story and makes for a great talking point, even if it’s just a legend.

Or there’s the Oolong version of the classic black tea blend, Earl Green. For added floral notes to the citrusy bergamot of traditional Earl Grey, you can also try the Earl Grey Lavender blend.

Meanwhile, the bold flavor of our London Fog concentrate comes from full-bodied black teas sourced from Southeast Asian jungles infused with real bergamot juice from Calabria, Italy.

How do I make Earl Grey tea from loose tea leaves?

Place about 1.5 tablespoons of loose leaf tea in a tea bag or using our Simple Brew teapot. Boil 12 oz water to 200ºF before adding the tea. Steep for about 4 minutes before serving.

How do I make an Earl Grey tea latte from Rishi Tea & Botanicals’ London Fog tea concentrate?

Shake the London Fog TetraPak well, then measure equal parts concentrate and milk or milk alternative of your choice. Combine and mix well.

For a hot tea latte, steam in a milk steamer or heat on your stove. Pour the mix into a mug and serve immediately.

For an iced London Fog latte, simply pour into a glass filled with ice and serve.

What pairs well with Earl Grey tea?

Although Earl Grey tea is delicious on its own, many tea lovers enjoy adding a touch of honey or milk to the cup. Great food pairings include lavender scones or other delicately sweet pastries, especially those that feature floral or citrus flavors. You can even call back to Earl Grey tea origins and pair it with Chinese pastries like cream buns or walnut cookies.

Earl Grey Tea Recipes

You don’t have to be a tea purist to enjoy Earl Grey tea. This blend works well in tea cocktails, desserts and even breakfast food. Here are just three ways to change things up in and out of your teacup with Earl Grey tea.

Black Tea Granita

A frozen mix of Earl Grey Tea and China Breakfast Tea with sugar works as a wonderful topping to vanilla ice cream or other desserts.

Lana del Fog

Try a little tea mixology with this cozy, comforting non-alcoholic tea latte developed by Discourse Coffee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Earl Grey Waffles

Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these gluten- and dairy-free waffles are light and fragrant with the distinct flavor of Earl Grey Lavender Tea.

You don’t have to know about Earl Grey tea’s origins to appreciate its flavor and aroma. The way it pairs a robust black tea with the floral acidity of bergamot makes for a unique, comforting taste appreciated all over the world.

Brighten up your day with one of our Earl Grey blends.