Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea

Name: Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 2 bags Earl Grey tea bags; 1 teaspoon Culinary dried lavender; 500 ml / 17 oz Hot water; 30 ml / 1 oz Honey; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice

Ingredients Instructions

The Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea is an elegant and aromatic non-alcoholic beverage perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It combines the distinctive bergamot flavor of classic Earl Grey tea with the delicate, herbaceous notes of culinary lavender. Lightly sweetened with honey and brightened with a touch of fresh lemon juice, this drink is both calming and wonderfully refreshing, offering a unique twist on traditional iced tea.

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a non-alcoholic mocktail and a tea-based drink. It fits into the refreshing category, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic cocktails or simple sodas. Its elegant profile makes it a standout in the world of specialty iced teas.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic drink served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. The serving is generous, making for a long, refreshing drink.

Serving size

Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz per serving

Alcohol content

0% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Highball glass

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

This drink is a modern creation, born from the growing trend of gourmet iced teas and the popularity of floral infusions in beverages. It doesn't have a single inventor but evolved in cafes and homes as people experimented with elevating classic tea flavors. The pairing of lavender and bergamot is a natural fit, creating a beverage that feels both classic and contemporary.

Origin

This is a contemporary recipe with no specific country of origin, likely emerging in North America or Europe in the 21st century as part of the craft beverage movement.

Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea

The name "Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea" is descriptive, highlighting its core ingredients. Alternative names like "Lavender Bergamot Iced Tea" specify the citrus element of Earl Grey, while "Floral Earl Grey Cooler" emphasizes its refreshing, floral character.

Original name

Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea

Alternative names

Lavender Bergamot Iced Tea
Floral Earl Grey Cooler

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a beautiful floral and citrus aroma, with a balanced taste that is slightly sweet with a clean, refreshing finish. Its smooth texture and clear amber appearance make it a delightful summery beverage.

Flavor

Floral, citrusy, herbal, slightly sweet, tannic

Aroma

Lavender, bergamot, black tea, lemon

Taste balance

Balanced, slightly sweet, touch of bitterness

Aftertaste

Clean, floral, lingering bergamot

Fizziness

Still

Color appearance

Clear, amber, light brown

Texture

Smooth, thin, watery

Seasonality

Refreshing, summery, spring

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a gentle flavor intensity, characterized by a light sweetness and a subtle bitterness from the tea. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-spicy, and still (not carbonated).

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need basic tea-making ingredients: Earl Grey tea, hot water, and a sweetener like honey. The special touches are culinary-grade dried lavender and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Earl Grey tea bags2 bags
Or 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea.
Culinary dried lavender1 teaspoon
Ensure it is food-grade.
Hot water500 ml / 17 oz
Just off the boil, around 95°C / 203°F.
Honey30 ml / 1 oz
Or maple syrup for a vegan option. Adjust to taste.
Fresh lemon juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
Freshly squeezed is best.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

Basic kitchen equipment is all that's required. You will need a vessel for brewing hot tea, a fine-mesh strainer, and a spoon for mixing.

Teapot or heatproof pitcher for brewing
Fine-mesh strainer for removing lavender and loose tea leaves
Long spoon for stirring

Instructions

The process is simple: brew the Earl Grey tea with lavender, strain it, and then stir in sweetener and lemon juice. After chilling, serve it over ice with a fresh garnish.

1. Place the Earl Grey tea bags (or loose tea) and dried lavender into a teapot or large heatproof pitcher. Pour the hot water over them and let steep for 5 minutes. Do not over-steep, as it can make the tea bitter.

2. Carefully strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into another pitcher or container to remove the tea bags/leaves and all lavender buds. Discard the solids.

3. While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey (or maple syrup) and fresh lemon juice until the sweetener has completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

4. Allow the tea mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 1-2 hours.

5. Fill two highball glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled lavender Earl Grey tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh lavender before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel to complement the citrus notes and a sprig of fresh lavender to highlight the floral aroma. These simple additions greatly enhance the visual appeal.

Lemon wheel, placed on the rim or floating in the drink.
Sprig of fresh lavender, placed gently into the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from the Earl Grey tea. It is dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

✕ Contains alcohol

✕ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✕ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a low-calorie beverage, with its caloric content coming almost entirely from the carbohydrates and sugar in the added sweetener. The tea itself contributes negligible calories.

Calories

Averagely 35-50 kcal / 146-209 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 9-13 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 9-13 g

Sugar level

Occasions

Its sophisticated flavor profile makes it ideal for occasions like brunch, garden parties, or a refined afternoon tea. It's also a perfect choice for a quiet, relaxing moment at home when you desire a special, non-alcoholic treat.

Brunch
Afternoon Tea
Garden Party
Relaxing at home

Pairing suggestions

This drink pairs wonderfully with classic afternoon tea fare. Think of light pastries such as scones and shortbread, delicate finger sandwiches, or a simple lemon cake. The floral and citrus notes of the tea complement these treats without overpowering them.

Scones with jam and clotted cream
Shortbread cookies
Light sandwiches, like cucumber or egg salad
Lemon drizzle cake or madeleines

The Elegant Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea Experience

The Lavender Earl Grey Iced Tea is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an exceptionally elegant drink. Its preparation is straightforward, involving a simple infusion process, making it accessible to everyone. The resulting mocktail is a sophisticated blend of familiar bergamot with a surprising, gentle floral twist from the lavender. It's the perfect refreshing, non-alcoholic option for any occasion that calls for a touch of class.