Earl Grey Tea: What It Is, Why It’s Loved, and How It Connects to Wine and Spirits

When you think of Earl Grey, a black tea flavored with bergamot oil, known for its citrusy, floral aroma and smooth finish. Also known as bergamot tea, it’s the go-to choice for tea lovers who want something elegant but not fussy. It’s not just a drink—it’s a moment. Whether you’re sipping it after a long day or pairing it with a sharp cheddar before a whisky tasting, Earl Grey brings a quiet confidence to the table. Unlike herbal infusions that lean sweet or earthy, Earl Grey cuts through with a bright, almost citrusy punch that wakes up your palate without overwhelming it.

This tea doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a bigger world of drink culture—where tea etiquette, spirit pairings, and flavor balancing all overlap. You’ll find it mentioned in the same breath as tea etiquette, the unwritten rules of how to hold a cup, when to stir, and why you shouldn’t slurp. That’s because people who care about wine and whisky also care about how they drink their tea. They notice the temperature, the steep time, the way the steam curls. And they know that a properly brewed Earl Grey can clean your palate better than water between tastings. It’s why you’ll see it on the table at distillery tours and wine dinners alike. The bergamot, a citrus fruit native to southern Italy, whose rind gives Earl Grey its signature scent. isn’t just a flavor—it’s a bridge. It echoes the citrus notes in a Sauvignon Blanc, mirrors the zest in a gin martini, and even complements the nutty undertones of aged cheese. That’s not coincidence. It’s chemistry. And it’s why tea lovers and wine geeks often end up in the same room.

There’s no need to overthink it. You don’t need a fancy teapot or a degree in botany to enjoy Earl Grey. But if you’ve ever wondered why it shows up in so many drink-focused stories—why it’s the quiet star behind the scenes at tasting events, why it’s the first thing offered after a long whisky session—you’ll start to see it differently. It’s not just tea. It’s a tool. A palate cleanser. A calm in the chaos. And in a world full of loud cocktails and bold reds, sometimes the quietest thing is the one that lasts longest.

Below, you’ll find real stories, practical tips, and surprising connections between this classic tea and the drinks you already love. Whether you’re new to tea or you’ve been sipping it for years, there’s something here that’ll make you look at your cup differently.