Earl Grey Iced Tea With Honey

Refreshing Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey

The Perfect Summer Drink

By Niels

Summer has been cautiously entering the Netherlands in recent days. After months of rain and cold, you are ready for a refreshing summer drink. Today I am happy to share with you a delicious recipe that is sure to become your favorite summer drink: Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey. In this article, I'll walk you through the simple steps of making this invigorating drink and highlight why it deserves a special place in your summer menu.

Let yourself be enchanted by the citrusy and light flavors that make this homemade iced tea a true summer sensation.

A glass of Earl Grey iced tea, filled with ice cubes and a slice of lemon on the rim of the glass.

"The combination of citrusy bergamot and delicate honey sweetness makes for a harmonious and invigorating drink."

Why Earl Grey Iced Tea Is Becoming Your Favorite Summer Drink

I've always had a love-hate relationship with the iced tea from the supermarket and restaurants. The iced teas were way too artificial and very sweet in my opinion. The taste of real tea was hard to find. Fortunately, the solution is at hand. With Earl Grey Iced Tea you experience a symphony of flavors that tantalize your taste buds.

Imagine yourself in your hammock sipping a cool and invigorating drink, infused with the aromatic bergamot extract, in complete harmony with the delicate sweetness of honey. This combination creates an irresistible drink that is perfect for quenching your thirst during those sunny summer days.

What sets this recipe apart is the ability to customize it to your preferences. While I recommend a light natural sweetener such as honey, you have the freedom to adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste or even use alternative sweeteners such as sugar or stevia. This versatility ensures that every glass of Earl Grey Iced Tea matches your unique taste and makes it an ideal choice for both sweetened and unsweetened tea lovers.

A plate with ingredients for an Earl Grey iced tea. A bowl of honey, loose Earl Gray tea and 3 slices of lemon.

The Simplicity of Homemade Iced Tea​

One of the greatest benefits of Earl Grey Iced Tea is its simplicity. You don't need expensive equipment or complicated techniques to make this refreshing drink. You already have all the ingredients and kitchen utensils at home. You don't even have to go to the supermarket.

By following the instructions below, you can brew up a jug of this delicious tea in no time. Let's walk through the steps:

Step 1: Boil the Water

Bring to a boil in a medium saucepan with about 1 quart of water. This may be tap water or mineral water such as Spa. Using this ensures that your iced tea is brewed with the utmost freshness, ensuring a vibrant and aromatic iced tea.

Step 2: Sweeten with Honey

As soon as the water boils, stir in a few teaspoons of (Amsterdam) honey until it is completely dissolved. Adjust the amount of honey based on your desired sweetness level. If you have a sweet tooth, add a few spoonfuls of honey. Don't hesitate to experiment and find the perfect balance that meets your personal needs. Remember, this recipe is all about creating your perfect summer drink!

Step 3: Let the Tea Steep

Put 6 teaspoons of Amsterdam Earl Grey in a tea filter and immerse it in the water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. This sounds long, but it's okay if the tea feels too strong for you. We need a stronger concentrate for iced tea.

During this time, the tea leaves release their mesmerizing flavours, infusing the water with Earl Grey's signature aroma.

NB: for this recipe I specifically use our Amsterdam Earl Grey, but all our Earl Greys from our range are suitable for making iced tea. You can find them below:

Step 4: Let it Cool and Serve

After removing the tea filter, let the brewed tea cool down to room temperature. Usually this takes about half an hour. This will make your iced tea refreshing and perfectly chilled when served. Once it has cooled, transfer the tea to a pitcher or carafe, ready to be poured over ice.

You can possibly speed up the cooling process by adding ice cubes. The ice cubes also dilute the tea, so the iced tea won't taste as strong.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Finally, it's time to serve your Earl Grey Iced Tea. Fill a glass with ice and pour the chilled tea over it. For an added touch of elegance and visual appeal, consider garnishing with lemon wedges and mint leaves. These additions not only enhance the presentation, but also contribute to a delicious touch of fresh citrus.

"Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey: a versatile summer drink that can be adapted to your individual preferences."

Versatile variations for your taste​

Although Earl Grey iced tea with honey is a delicious combination on its own, it's fun to explore flavors. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten track and pair your iced tea with a variety of tantalizing flavours. Here are a few suggestions to spark your creativity:

  1. Try different sweeteners: Besides honey, there is a world of sweeteners waiting to be discovered. Experiment with alternatives such as sugar, coconut sugar, simple syrup or stevia. Each sweetener gives a unique flavor profile to your iced tea, so you can customize it to your personal preference.
  2. Embrace the Arnold Palmer twist: For those who prefer unsweetened tea or fancy a spicy twist, consider an Arnold Palmer variety. Omit the honey from the recipe and, once the tea has cooled, mix in some refreshing lemonade. This combination of tea and lemonade creates a delicious balance and offers an explosion of invigorating flavors.
  3. Discover exciting tea flavors: While Earl Grey is a classic choice, don't hesitate to experiment with other tea flavors to create your own iced tea. Green tea, raspberry, cranberry or even your favorite herbal teas can add their unique characteristics to your refreshing drink. Let your taste buds lead you on a journey of discovery and adventure.
  4. Caffeinated or Caffeinated: The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. Whether you choose caffeinated or decaffeinated tea, the result will be equally delicious. Choose the option that suits your preferences and dietary needs and enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea with peace of mind.

Serving suggestions for all occasions​

Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey is a versatile drink that is suitable for all kinds of occasions and gatherings. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:

  1. Daily Refreshment: On a hot summer day, enjoy a glass of delicious iced tea as a refreshing treat to awaken your senses. The citrusy notes and soothing honey tones provide the perfect relief in the heat.
  2. Social Gatherings: Level up your social gatherings by serving Earl Grey iced tea. Whether you're hosting a garden party, barbecue, picnic or brunch, this drink will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and be impressed by your hospitality.
  3. Alcohol-free alternative: For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, this iced tea is an excellent choice. Its fresh and invigorating nature makes it an ideal alternative to sugary soft drinks, so everyone can enjoy a delicious and thirst-quenching drink.
  4. Combination options: Earl Grey iced tea goes exceptionally well with various dishes. The delicate flavors perfectly complement light salads, sandwiches, seafood dishes and even desserts. Consider serving it with dishes such as Earl Grey scones, fiesta corn salad with avocado, fresh mango salsa, rainbow orzo salad, or strawberry peach galette. The possibilities are endless and your taste buds will thank you for the delicious combinations.

"Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation or hosting a social gathering, this homemade iced tea is sure to impress."

Frequently Asked Questions​

Earl Grey tea is a classic black tea variety, infused with the essence of bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. This infusion results in a distinctive and captivating flavor profile that is appreciated by tea lovers around the world.

While Earl Gray tea is an excellent choice, the best tea for making iced tea ultimately depends on your personal taste preferences. Experiment with different tea varieties such as black tea, green tea, herbal tea blends or fruit infusions to find the one that appeals to you the most. Remember, the journey of tea discovery is as delightful as the last sip.

Earl Grey iced tea with honey, lemon slice and ice cubes photographed from above.

Summary

Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of situations. From everyday refreshment to social gatherings, this drink will always turn heads. Drink it during hot summer days to cool down and invigorate your senses. Serve it at garden parties, barbecues, picnics or brunches and impress your friends with its elegance and taste. Its non-alcoholic nature makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a refreshing alternative to sugary soft drinks.

There are countless combination options with Earl Grey Iced Tea. The delicate flavors pair well with a range of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, seafood and desserts. Consider serving it alongside dishes such as Earl Grey scones, fiesta corn salad with avocado, fresh mango salsa, or strawberry peach galette. The versatility of this drink means it can be enjoyed with a wide variety of culinary delights

In conclusion, Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey is a refreshing and versatile summer drink that can be adapted to your individual preferences. The combination of the citrusy bergamot flavors and the delicate sweetness of honey creates a harmonious and invigorating drink that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation or hosting a social gathering, this homemade iced tea is sure to impress. Cheers to enjoying a glass of Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey and embracing the flavors of summer!

I wish you a wonderful summer!

Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of situations. From everyday refreshment to social gatherings, this drink will always turn heads. Drink it during hot summer days to cool down and invigorate your senses. Serve it at garden parties, barbecues, picnics or brunches and impress your friends with its elegance and taste. Its non-alcoholic nature makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a refreshing alternative to sugary soft drinks.

There are countless combination options with Earl Grey Iced Tea. The delicate flavors pair well with a range of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, seafood and desserts. Consider serving it alongside dishes such as Earl Grey scones, fiesta corn salad with avocado, fresh mango salsa, or strawberry peach galette. The versatility of this drink means it can be enjoyed with a wide variety of culinary delights

In conclusion, Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey is a refreshing and versatile summer drink that can be adapted to your individual preferences. The combination of the citrusy bergamot flavors and the delicate sweetness of honey creates a harmonious and invigorating drink that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation or hosting a social gathering, this homemade iced tea is sure to impress. Cheers to enjoying a glass of Earl Grey Iced Tea with Honey and embracing the flavors of summer!

I wish you a wonderful summer!

- Niels -

Tea Shop The Smallest House​

In addition to our Amsterdam Earl Grey we also sell many other herbal teas. All available in store and online!

Hi, I'm Niels and a passionate tea lover. Since 2014 I share my love for tea in my own shop, Het Kleinste Huis, and on my blog. Here I share my knowledge and experiences to inspire and inform others about the fascinating world of tea. Follow my blog and discover new flavors, teas and adventures with me.

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