Earl Grey Tea Cocktail

is Earl Grey Tea Cocktail is a refreshing alcoholic drink made with gin, lavender, lemon, and earl grey tea. Easy to make and easy to drink, this libation will become your new favorite cocktail!

It must be the caffeine in the tea, or maybe it’s the combination of the gin, tea, and honey… whatever it is, this Earl Grey tea cocktail is an energy booster! 

I’ll sip on one when Zan comes home from work, and I’m like an Energizer bunny until 12am. 

It has a mild flavor, like tea with a dash of lemon and a touch of lavender, and then lightly sweetened with honey simple syrup.

This recipe is excellent if you’re looking for a “healthy” cocktail! It’s incredibly refreshing and easy to make because you can do the prep work beforehand.

It also makes a great early evening cocktail… if you want to stay up! Sometimes I need the push to get me through my midnight work schedule! 

Brief History of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavored with the oil of bergamot. It was named after the Earl of Grey, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 1830s. 

Grey tea was said to have been his favorite, and he requested that a blend be created especially for him. Earl Grey tea is high in caffeine and has a light, citrusy flavor.

How to Make an Earl Grey Cocktail 

Ingredients 

Earl Grey Tea – We use Earl grey tea bags to brew the tea. We use cold tea for this recipe, so you can brew it before and then let it sit in the refrigerator until you’re ready. 

Gin – Use good quality botanical gin.

Honey Simple Syrup – This is simple to make using water and honey and simmering in a small saucepan. It’s the perfect way to sweeten this drink. 

Fresh Lemon Juice – Provides a bright, tangy flavor. The acidity and freshness of the juice balance out the sweetness of other ingredients and add a refreshing zing to the drink. Additionally, fresh lemon juice contains natural oils and aromas that can enhance the flavor and aroma of the cocktail. 

Lavender Sprigs – This is optional, but we love the way it looks. 

Directions

In just a few quick minutes, you can make this delicious cocktail!

First, brew the earl grey tea – make extra to keep some in the fridge ready to make more! Read our guide to brewing tea.

Make a batch of honey simple syrup by heating honey in water until it has dissolved and cool in the fridge.

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a glass. 

Garnish the drink with a sprig of lavender.

A Tea Cocktail with Gin

Tea is such a great ingredient to use in a cocktail due to it’s complex flavors, and I decided to mix it with gin to let the floral flavors of earl grey sing. 

The lemon and lavender work wonderfully well with earl grey creating a refreshing libation.

What alcohol goes with tea?

For this recipe, I chose gin as the alcoholic element as its botanicals work really well with the bergamot in earl grey tea. Other types of tea work better with different types of alcohol. 

If you are a keen mixologist, why not experiment, mix, and match with the teas and spirits below.

Spirits that mix well with teas

• Rum

• Gin

• Whiskey

• Bourbon

• Vodka

Different teas to make cocktails with

• Earl Grey

• Black Tea

• Green Tea

• Rooibus

• Fruit herbal teas

Best Gin for Tea Cocktails

There are a lot of great gins you can get at your average store for a reasonable price. Some notable favorites include Tanqueray, Hendrick’s, and Indigo. Here’s a list of our favorites:

• Gray Whale

• Hendricks

• Tanqueray

• Monkey 4

• The Botanist 

• Empress 

• St. George

A Cocktail For A Tea Party

If you plan on hosting a tea party, this cocktail is a great serving option. A little spiked tea at a tea party is a must! Especially for a bridal shower tea party!

This is also an excellent recipe for happy hour too!

Tips And Variations For Making a Tea Cocktail

• Make sure the tea and the honey syrup is at room temperature, or cooler, before mixing it.

• Keep shaking the cocktail shaker until it has turned cold.

• Always use a good quality spirit.

• Add in an egg white into the cocktail shaker for a frothy foam topping. Egg whites contain proteins that, when shaken, create air bubbles that get trapped in the liquid. These bubbles create a foam that adds texture and creaminess to the drink. 

• You can use vodka if you prefer. 

• You can try this with English breakfast tea too. 

​Tea Cocktail Garnishes 

Try any of these charming garnishes:

• Cinnamon Stick 
• Lemon Wedge or Lemon Twist 
• Lavender Sprigs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Earl Grey Tea?

There are many benefits to drinking Earl Grey tea:

Rich in Antioxidants

Earl Grey tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Detoxifies the Body

Regularly drinking Earl Grey tea may help your body detoxify from harmful chemicals and pollutants.

Boosts Energy Levels

Earl Grey tea contains caffeine, which can help increase your energy levels and improve your focus and cognitive function.

Reduces Stress Levels

The Bergamot in Earl Grey tea has stress-reducing properties, which can help lower your stress levels and improve your mood.

Improves Digestion

Earl Grey tea can help improve your digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices and relieving stomach discomfort.

Is Earl Grey Tea High in Caffeine?

Yes, Earl Grey tea contains caffeine. A cup of Earl Grey tea typically contains about 40-50 mg of caffeine, which is about half the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that can help increase your energy levels, focus, and cognitive function.

When you start drinking Earl Grey tea, adjust your caffeine intake accordingly. If you’re used to drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages, start with one cup of Earl Grey tea and see how you feel.

More Tea Cocktail Recipes

If you love this recipe, try any of these delicious cocktails: 

The Perfect Peach Bellini Tea Cocktail

Irish Whiskey Green Tea Punch

Green Tea Shot Recipe

The Green Goblin – A Green Tea and Cucumber Cocktail

If you have tried this earl grey cocktail recipe, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!