If you're anything like me, you spend the majority of those cold and blustery Winter months sipping on a nice cup of tea. There is just something about it that's so comforting, and whether it's a cup of Orange Pekoe in the afternoon or a mug of Green Tea & Lemongrass at night, all tea is good tea.
The types of tea are endless, though, but my old standby never lets me down. I'm talking a nice cup of Earl Grey. I'm set.
What is Earl Grey exactly? Well, aside from being Jean Luc Picard's life blood, Earl Grey is simply a type of black tea with the addition of oil of bergamot - a type of fragrant citrus fruit. It's a delightful mix, really, and in the last few years you can even find varieties that feature Green and Oolong tea as opposed to Black tea.
There are all sorts of variations! Some varieties, such as French Earl Grey, feature flowers such as rose petals. In Russian Earl Grey, you might find citrus peel or lemongrass.
Now, I like to add a touch of vanilla sugar and milk to my hot Earl Grey, but everyone has their own preferences. It's lovely to sip on a cold afternoon with some tea cookies, but it's also a wonderful addition to recipes, such as truffles, hot beverages, baked goods, and sauces.
Have you ever had a London Fog? It's a hot beverage that tastes truly magical. When I worked as a barista, many people often called them a Fruit Loop, because it smelled very reminiscent of the cereal of the same name.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven
You take some steamed or heated milk, steep your Earl Grey tea bag in it, and then add a shot of vanilla syrup. Essentially, it is an Earl Grey Latte. Super simple, but oh-so good.
How about some London Fog Shortbread?
Image credit: Oleander & Palm
These shortbread cookies have Earl Grey tea leaves baked right into them! The tea leaves actually have a very delicate crunch to them - much like biting into poppy seeds. Definitely a must try!
Are you a fan of Earl Grey? How do you like to drink it? If you aren't a fan, what's your favourite kind of tea to sip on? I'd love to hear.