Earl Grey Milk Tea is an exquisite fusion of classic and modern flavors that has taken the world by storm. Originating from the timeless Earl Grey tea, this creamy and delightful beverage combines bergamot’s citrusy and aromatic essence with milk’s smooth and comforting touch.
The drink is a testament to the ever-evolving tea culture, where traditional and contemporary tastes seamlessly blend to create new experiences for your taste buds.
This article discusses the main components of Earl Grey milk tea. Also, we present how to prepare this beverage at home and how to customize it. Let’s dive right in!
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Understanding Earl Grey Milk Tea
What is Earl Grey Milk Tea?
Earl Grey Milk Tea is a popular beverage made from Earl Grey tea and milk. You might already know that Earl Grey tea is a type of black tea, distinctive for its citrusy notes coming from the added oil of bergamot orange.
The harmonious blend of the robust flavor of Earl Grey tea with the creaminess of milk makes this particular tea stand out from others.
The History of Earl Grey Milk Tea
The story of Earl Grey tea dates back to the early 19th century in British history. The name “Earl Grey” is derived from a British nobleman, Charles Grey, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It is said that the tea was specially blended for him to help offset the overpowering taste of the lime in the local water that he and his family consumed.
Adding bergamot orange oil to the black tea resulted in the distinctive aroma and flavor we now associate with Earl Grey tea.
However, Earl Grey Milk Tea’s origins are not clear. Many believe the idea of adding milk to Earl Grey tea originated in the United Kingdom, as it has been a long-standing custom to add milk to other strong black teas. As people experimented with the blend, Earl Grey Milk Tea emerged as a favorite variation among tea drinkers.
Over time, this ingredients mix evolved into bubble tea or boba tea.
Key Ingredients of Earl Grey Milk Tea
The Tea Base
When making Earl Grey Milk Tea, the most crucial ingredient is, of course, Earl Grey tea. You’ll want to steep a high-quality Earl Grey blend to create the perfect tea base, resulting in a rich taste that pairs well with the other key ingredients.
The Dairy Component
You can use a wide range of dairy and non-dairy options to achieve the desired creaminess in your milk tea. Traditional choices include whole milk or half and half, contributing to a thick and smooth texture. Plant-based milks are an excellent choice if you’d like to opt for an alternative. Some popular options are:
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Oat milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
Keep in mind some plant-based kinds of milk may not provide the same creamy texture dairy milk offers.
Sweeteners
To elevate the flavor of your milk tea, consider adding sweeteners to create a perfect balance between the tea’s natural bitterness and the desired sweetness. You can choose from a diverse selection of sweeteners, depending on your preferences:
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Simple syrup
Sugar and simple syrup are classic choices that can be adjusted to suit your desired level of sweetness. Brown sugar adds a more profound, caramelized flavor, providing a delicious twist. Honey pairs well with Earl Grey tea’s floral notes, adding a natural sweetness.
Toppings
Milk tea is a versatile beverage that can be customized with various toppings and add-ins to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular toppings for milk tea:
- Boba (Tapioca Pearls): Boba pearls are the most iconic topping for milk tea. They are chewy and can be infused with flavors like honey or brown sugar.
- Pudding: Custard or egg pudding adds a creamy and sweet element to your milk tea.
- Jelly: Fruit jellies like lychee or aloe vera can add a refreshing and juicy texture.
- Fruit Bits: Chopped fruits like mango, strawberry, or kiwi can add a fruity and refreshing twist.
- Cream: Whipped cream or cheese foam can be added to the top of your milk tea for a creamy and indulgent layer.
- Popping Boba: These fruit juice-filled balls burst with flavor when you bite into them.
- Mochi: Small, chewy rice cakes come in various flavors and can be a delightful addition.
How to Prepare Earl Grey Milk Tea
Choosing the Best Tea
Earl Grey tea is typically a blend of black teas such as Keemun, Assam, and Darjeeling. You can choose from pre-packaged tea bags or go for loose tea. Loose leaves often provide a richer flavor, as they have more room to expand during steeping.
For an authentic experience, consider purchasing high-quality Earl Grey tea leaves. This ensures a well-balanced flavor and enhances the infusion of the signature bergamot aroma.
Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for preparing this milk tea with tapioca pearls (boba):
Ingredients
For the Earl Grey Tea:
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
- 1 cup of hot water
- Sweetener of your choice (e.g., sugar, honey, or simple syrup) to taste
For the Tapioca Pearls (Boba):
- 1/2 cup of dried tapioca pearls
- Water for boiling
- Brown sugar or honey for coating (optional)
For the Milk Tea:
- 1/2 cup of milk (dairy, almond, soy, etc.)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tapioca Pearls (Boba):
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 20-25 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the tapioca pearls are cooked, drain them and rinse them with cold water.
- If you’d like to sweeten the pearls, coat them with brown sugar or honey while they’re still warm. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Brew the Earl Grey Tea:
- Place the Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea in a cup.
- Pour hot water (just below boiling) over the tea.
- Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes, or follow the instructions on the tea package for the appropriate steeping time.
- Remove the tea bags or strain the loose-leaf tea to remove the tea leaves.
- Sweeten the Tea:
- While the tea is still hot, add your preferred sweetener (sugar, honey, or simple syrup) to taste. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Assemble the Earl Grey Milk Tea:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes (if desired).
- Pour the sweetened Earl Grey tea into the glass.
- Add the milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy) to the tea. Stir well to combine.
- Add Tapioca Pearls (Boba):
- Scoop up some tapioca pearls using a wide straw and add them to your milk tea.
- Serve with a straw, and enjoy!
Adjust the sweetness and milk-to-tea ratio according to your taste preferences.
Handling Common Problems
Bitterness: If your Earl Grey Milk Tea turns out too bitter, try steeping the tea for a shorter time or using a milder black tea as a substitute.
Unpleasant aftertaste: If the tea has an unpleasant aftertaste, consider using a higher quality tea or cleaner, filtered water.
Weak flavor: To achieve a strong flavor profile, steep the tea for a longer time and consider adding more tea, adjusting the ratio of milk and tea, or incorporating a stronger black tea.
Creating Variations of Earl Grey Milk Tea
Earl Grey Variations
Instead of using traditional Earl Grey as the milk tea’s base, you can use one of its many variations:
- Lady Grey: Lady Grey tea is a variation that often includes additional citrus flavors, such as orange or lemon peel, in addition to bergamot. It tends to be lighter and more aromatic than traditional Earl Grey.
- Earl Green: Earl Green tea is made by infusing green tea leaves with bergamot oil. It offers a milder, less astringent taste than black tea-based Earl Grey, with a subtle citrusy note.
- Earl White: Earl White tea combines delicate white tea leaves with bergamot flavoring. This variation is known for its light and sweet taste and gentle citrus aroma.
- Earl Grey Lavender: This blend combines the traditional Earl Grey flavor with the soothing aroma of lavender flowers. It offers a unique floral and citrusy combination.
- Earl Grey Rooibos: Earl Grey Rooibos is a caffeine-free option that uses rooibos leaves instead of traditional tea leaves. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, complemented by bergamot.
- French Earl Grey: This blend contains floral elements like rose petals, mallow flowers, and blue cornflower.
Vanilla Infusion
For a delicious twist, infuse your Earl Grey milk tea with the subtle taste of vanilla. Add a drop or two of pure vanilla extract to your freshly brewed tea. The vanilla adds a rich sweetness that complements the bergamot flavors of the tea, taking the milk tea experience to new heights.
Matcha Latte Twist
Transform your Earl Grey milk tea into a fusion by incorporating the popular matcha latte. Prepare the matcha by whisking the powder into hot water until it becomes frothy. Add this to your Earl Grey milk tea and enjoy the unique combination of emerging flavors.
The ‘London Fog’ Variation
To create the famous London Fog variant, brew your Earl Grey tea and mix it with steamed milk, or heat some milk in the microwave for a more convenient option. Add a hint of vanilla syrup, and you have a creamy, smooth drink, which is the core of what is known as the London Fog. Serve hot and enjoy its comforting warmth.
The Nutritional Aspect of Earl Grey Milk Tea
As you enjoy this milk tea, it’s worth considering its nutritional aspects.
Earl Grey tea is a blend of black tea containing caffeine, which can boost energy and stimulate mental alertness. It also contains antioxidants, which play a role in keeping your body healthy. Adding milk adds a creaminess and provides some nutritional benefits. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
However, the nutritional profile of your Earl Grey milk tea can vary depending on the type of milk used. If you’re preparing the beverage with whole milk, keep in mind that it is higher in saturated fat and calories compared to low-fat or skim milk options. For a healthier alternative, consider using plant-based milk such as soy, almond, or coconut milk, which are generally lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
The sugar content in your milk tea can also affect its nutritional value. Many milk tea recipes call for a sweetener like sugar, brown sugar, or simple syrup. It’s essential to control your sugar intake to avoid consuming empty calories and negatively impacting your health. A good tip is to gradually reduce the amount of sugar you stir into your tea and adjust to a less sweet taste over time.
Buying Recommendations
If you want to purchase Earl Grey tea online, please take into consideration the following recommendations:
Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme
For more recommendations, check out our best Earl Grey tea article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Earl Grey milk tea?
The caloric content of Earl Grey milk tea depends on your ingredients. A standard whole milk and sugar serving typically contains around 80-120 calories. Using a milk alternative or sweetener can affect the calorie count.
Can Earl Grey tea be made with brown sugar?
You can use brown sugar to sweeten your Earl Grey milk tea. It will provide a richer, more caramel-like flavor than regular white sugar.
What are the benefits of drinking Earl Grey milk tea?
Drinking Earl Grey milk tea offers several benefits. The tea is rich in antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals. Earl Grey tea may also aid digestion and boost the immune system. Milk provides calcium and essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded drink.
How does Earl Grey milk tea taste?
Earl Grey milk tea has a distinctive taste, thanks to the bergamot oil found in the tea. The flavor combines floral, citrus, and earthy notes, while the milk adds creaminess. The result is a smooth and refreshing drink.
Do hot and iced Earl Grey milk tea have different preparations?
Yes, preparing hot and iced Earl Grey milk tea requires slightly different methods. For an iced preparation, follow the recipe we have provided above. For a hot preparation, brew and sweeten the tea as directed in the recipe (skip the boba pearls preparations and the milk tea assembly instructions).
That’s it for now. I hope you have enjoyed the article.
Tell me, have you tried this milk tea?
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