let's talk about a sip of sophistication that has gained worldwide popularity – the earl grey martini. now…we all know earl grey is a breakfast classic and an essential blend for arvo tea, but have you tried it in a chilled cocktail glass with a splash of gin? it’s a must-try! this tasty twist on tea, courtesy of nyc's cocktail queen audrey saunders, is a game-changer.
it’s amazing just to visualise this cheerful beverage – the bergamot in earl grey blending with the botanicals of gin – creating a complex and beautiful drink. this refreshing cocktail is an elegant experience for tea lovers who know their brews.
what is earl grey martini?
the earl grey cocktail is unlike any other classic cocktail – it’s a unique fusion of a traditional drink and complex, aromatic tea. let’s start with something more relatable, like gin sour…now imagine a transformation of this beverage with the infusion of earl grey tea. interesting, right?
earl grey tea adds a unique layer of its distinctive bergamot flavour and tannic undertones to gin, creating a beverage that is both nuanced and refreshing.
to craft this refined concoction, gin is shaken with earl grey-infused syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice, resulting in an extraordinary blend of citrusy brightness and the tea's distinctive notes. it’s served in a chilled martini glass to enhance the experience – an experience that offers a sophisticated alternative for those seeking a refreshing cocktail.
don’t go anywhere if the description of the drink has piqued your interest – we’re about to share all the details you need to make the earl grey cocktail.
Total Servings:-
2
Preparation Time:-
5 Minutes
Cooking Times:-
10 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
236 calories, 0g fat, 31g carbs, 3g protein
Recipe Category:-
cocktail
Cuisine:-
american
equipment:
- cocktail shaker
- glasses
ingredients
for the earl grey-infused syrup:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 3 darjeeling earl grey tea baxgs
- 1 cup sugar (granulated)
for the earl grey cocktail:
- 85 ml good-quality gin
- 60 ml earl grey-infused syrup (recipe below)
- 2 egg white
- 40 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ice cubes
- lemon peel, for garnish
instructions
earl grey-infused syrup:
steep tea: get one cup of water heated (not boiled) in a saucepan. then, remove the water from the heat and add the two earl grey tea bags. let them steep for about 5 minutes to infuse the water with the tea's aromatic bergamot flavours.
sweeten the infusion: after you’ve steeped the tea, discard the tea bags and add sugar to the infusion. stir it well to completely dissolve the sugar. now, return the saucepan to low heat and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a rich earl grey-infused syrup.
cool it down: let the syrup cool down normally or keep it in the freezer for some time.
earl grey cocktail:
prepare your glassware: chill your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. a cold glass ensures the cocktail stays refreshing from the first sip. you can do this before you start making the cocktail.
fill the shaker: fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes – they chill the ingredients and also help dilute the beverage, making it smoother and tastier.
add gin: measure out your chosen gin and pour it into the shaker. you can go for roku or tanqueray gin (as used in the original version of this cocktail) to complement the flavours of the earl grey tea.
introduce tea syrup and egg white: pour the earl grey-infused syrup into the shaker as well as the egg whites. by the way, you can use pasteurised eggs if you have concerns about raw eggs.
squeeze fresh lemon juice: squeeze fresh lemons to yield 40 ml juice. the citrusy intensity will balance the sweetness of the syrup and enhance the taste of the cocktail.
shake it up: secure the shaker lid and shake the content energetically for about 15 seconds – let the mixture chill and flavours blend.
strain into glasses: remove the martini glasses from their freezing zone and strain the martini into each glass, dividing it evenly.
garnish with lemon peel: by twisting a lemon peel, you can express the oils over the drinks. you can even place a lemon twist on the glasses for a visually appealing garnish.
serve and savour: your earl grey martini is now ready to be enjoyed. sip slowly, savouring the sophisticated blend of gin, earl grey and citrus notes.
earl grey martini vs other earl grey cocktails
let’s explore some of the diverse tastes of earl grey cocktails, where the timeless earl grey tea meets inventive twists creating cocktails like earl grey bourbon cocktail, earl grey spritzer and earl grey lemonade to name a few. a brief comparison of their flavours will give an understanding of their variations.
flavour profile: the earl grey martini captivates with its timeless fusion of gin and earl grey's bergamot – all the signs of sophistication. however, the earl grey bourbon has a robust blend of bourbon warmth and tea’s floral citrusy undertones, the earl grey spritzer refreshes with champagne fizz, while the earl grey lemonade revitalises with citrus zest and subtle spiciness of vodka.
occasions: the earl grey martini suits upscale gatherings while earl grey bourbon is ideal for evenings or intimate gatherings. on the other hand, the earl grey spritzer adds a refreshing touch to brunches or festive gatherings, while the earl grey lemonade with vodka suits sunny afternoons or evenings.
serving tips and etiquette
serving tips:
prepare the glass: you can get your martini glasses chilled by placing them in a freezer for about 30-40 minutes before serving. this helps keep the cocktail cold from the start. prepare the martini glass by dipping the rim in lemon juice and coating it with sugar for an enticing first sip.
avoid overfilling: ensure the liquid level gracefully reaches the widest part of the glass. leaving ample space prevents spills when handling or tilting the glass.
garnish creatively: consider garnishing with a twist of lemon peel or a slice. the citrus aroma complements the tea's floral notes.
etiquette:
hold the glass properly: hold the martini glass by the stem and not the bowl. this helps to prevent warming the drink with the heat from your hand and maintains its chilled temperature.
sip, don't guzzle: martinis are often sipped slowly to savour the flavours. avoid drinking it too quickly; instead, take small, deliberate sips.
conclusion
while martinis are undeniably enjoyable, the infusion of earl grey tea brings a unique twist and adds a depth to its flavour profile. the carefully balanced combination of gin infused with tea and fresh lemon juice creates an extraordinary blend of sweet and citrus undertones.
however, the layer of complexity in the blend does not affect the simplicity in crafting it. mastering the simple earl grey martini recipe lets you enjoy a sophisticated and delicious drink in the comfort of your home. just shake up all the ingredients while following the provided tips and enjoy this amazing cocktail by slowly sipping it from a chilled glass.
faqs on earl grey martini
Q. are there non-alcoholic versions of the earl grey martini?
A. there are non-alcoholic versions of the earl grey martini, and they’re known as "virgin" earl grey martinis. all you need to do is, replace gin with non-alcoholic alternatives like alcohol-free gin or botanical-infused water, and then infuse it with earl grey tea. mix it with fresh lemon juice and enjoy an alcohol-free alternative.
Q. where did the earl grey martini originate?
A. audrey saunders is credited with crafting the delightful and easily concocted earl grey martini recipe. her innovative approach transformed the traditional martini and gained global popularity for its unique twist. incidentally, audrey is a renowned mixologist who was a partner in new york city's pegu club.
Q. how do you infuse gin with earl grey?
A. you can simply pour earl grey tea bags in gin and let them steep for around 2 hours. later, discard the tea bags. another method involves preparing the tea by steeping the tea bags in hot water for a few minutes. after discarding the tea bags, combine the tea with gin and other ingredients in a shaker. that’s it.
Q. what snacks pair well with an earl grey martini?
A. you can pair your earl grey martini with a variety of snacks for an incredible experience. on the vegetarian side, consider lemon-infused shortbread cookies, cucumber sandwiches or a cheese platter with mild varieties. for non-vegetarian options, smoked salmon canapes or shrimp cocktails are excellent choices. these pairings complement the cocktail's nuanced flavours.
