Earl Grey Explained: Bergamot and How to Drink It

Earl Grey is one of the most recognisable teas in the world, with a fragrant, citrusy character that sets it apart from ordinary black tea. But what actually gives it that distinctive aroma, and how is it best enjoyed? Here is a short, friendly explainer.

It’s all about the bergamot

Earl Grey is black tea scented with bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit grown in the Mediterranean. The bergamot gives the tea its unmistakable floral-citrus aroma and a bright, slightly perfumed flavour layered over the richness of black tea. It is the bergamot, not the tea itself, that makes an Earl Grey an Earl Grey.

How to drink Earl Grey

Brew it like any black tea — freshly boiled water, three to five minutes. Earl Grey is lovely on its own, where the bergamot really shines, and a small slice of lemon lifts the citrus notes even further. Some enjoy it with a little milk, which softens the aroma into something rounder and more comforting. It is a classic afternoon cup.

When to reach for it

Earl Grey suits the moments when you want something a little more elegant and aromatic than a plain black tea — a mid-afternoon pause, or tea with a guest. Lavina’s Earl Grey pairs quality black tea with bright bergamot for exactly that experience. Every Lavina tea is crafted in Jordan from 100% natural ingredients, with no additives or preservatives.

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