Quick Answer
Earl Grey tea is black tea flavored with oil of bergamot. According to English Wikipedia, bergamot (Citrus bergamia) may be a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange, and about 90% of the world’s bergamot oil comes from Calabria, Italy. The name may come from Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, British prime minister in the 1830s, but Wikipedia notes that historians doubt it: the earliest known advertisements using the name “Earl Grey” date from the 1880s. Its citrus aroma makes it a great base for Earl Grey milk tea and Earl Grey lattes.
Where Earl Grey Tea Comes From
Summarized from the English Wikipedia article “Earl Grey tea”:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Tea flavored with oil of bergamot, usually black tea |
| Bergamot | Citrus bergamia, possibly a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange; flowers in winter |
| Main producing region | Calabria, Italy, about 90% of the world’s bergamot oil |
| Name | Possibly linked to the 2nd Earl Grey (British prime minister in the 1830s), but disputed |
| Earliest records | Bergamot-scented tea was recorded by 1824; the name “Earl Grey” first appears in 1880s advertisements by Charlton & Co. of London |
Wikipedia notes that during the 2nd Earl Grey’s lifetime, bergamot was used to make low-quality tea pass as premium tea, so historians think it unlikely he specially favored this blend.
How to Use Earl Grey in Bubble Tea
| Drink | Key points |
|---|---|
| Earl Grey milk tea | Earl Grey + non-dairy creamer or fresh milk; citrus and milky notes blend |
| Earl Grey fresh milk tea, Earl Grey latte | Earl Grey + fresh milk, optionally topped with milk foam |
| Earl Grey milk tea powder | Made with powder for fast service and consistent flavor |
Follow the product package for brewing temperature, time and leaf amount.
Tang Sugar Earl Grey Products
Tang Sugar supplies Earl Grey black tea leaves (600 g bags), Earl Grey filter-free bags, Earl Grey brewing bags and Earl Grey milk tea powder (1 kg bags). See our tea products and powders, or request samples.
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FAQ
What is Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey is black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, giving it a citrus aroma.
What is bergamot?
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit, possibly a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. About 90% of the world’s bergamot oil is produced in Calabria, Italy.
Why is it called Earl Grey?
The name may be linked to the 2nd Earl Grey, British prime minister in the 1830s, but historians are skeptical; the earliest advertisements using the name Earl Grey date from the 1880s.
What drinks can you make with Earl Grey?
Popular options are Earl Grey milk tea, Earl Grey fresh milk tea and Earl Grey lattes, which can also be made with Earl Grey milk tea powder.
How do I choose Earl Grey for a bubble tea shop?
Shops usually buy commercial packs from tea suppliers. Choose by equipment: whole leaves for traditional brewing, filter-free bags to skip straining, and brewing bags for tea espresso machines. Tang Sugar supplies Earl Grey leaves (600 g bags), filter-free bags, brewing bags and Earl Grey milk tea powder (1 kg bags); see our tea products or request samples.
How do you brew Earl Grey for milk tea?
Temperature, time and leaf amount depend on each product’s package instructions. Brew a test batch, adjust for sweetness, ice and milk, then write the settings into your SOP. For tea bag formats, see Filter-Free Tea Bags vs Brewing Bags.
Does Earl Grey contain caffeine?
Yes. Earl Grey is a black tea made from tea plant leaves and contains caffeine; the amount depends on the leaves, dose and steeping time. See How Much Caffeine Is in Bubble Tea?
What is the difference between Earl Grey and Assam black tea?
Earl Grey is a flavored tea: black tea scented with bergamot oil. Assam is black tea grown in Assam, India, with no added flavoring. In milk tea, Earl Grey brings citrus notes while Assam gives a strong, malty tea flavor.
Further Reading
- What Is Assam Black Tea?
- Which Tea Leaves Are Best for Milk Tea?
- What Is Non-Dairy Creamer?
- Cocoa Powder vs Chocolate Powder
- What Is Masala Chai?
Sources
- Wikipedia: Earl Grey tea
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
