Best Earl Grey Teas in 2025: Top 10 Picks for Flavor and Quality

An earl grey tea in a teacup on a saucer with a scattered dried earl grey tea leaves.

Top 10 Earl Grey Teas ranked for flavor, organic certification, and creative blends in 2025

History of Earl Grey

Flavored Blends from Lavender, Bergamot, to London Fog

Brewing Tips for the Best Earl Grey

Introduction

Earl Grey tea offers a diverse and vibrant world, from traditional black tea blends with bergamot oil to adventurous variations featuring lavender, vanilla, and flower petals. Whether you prefer loose leaf or tea bags, classic or innovative flavors, this guide covers the best Earl Grey brands and blends for your morning tea or special occasion. Each tea featured is selected based on customer reviews, ingredient quality, and flavor consistency.

Many tea lovers truly love Earl Grey for its unique aroma and luxurious character, making every cup a pleasure. Our selection emphasizes flavor, organic certification, sustainable sourcing, and creative twists on the classic black tea and bergamot blend. Using a clear rating system, we provide real insights into each tea’s quality and craftsmanship.

Our top 10 list highlights the best Earl Grey teas in 2025, from super-premium single-origin blends to floral and citrus-infused creations. Whether you want the best Earl Grey tea with bergamot oil or exciting variations with rose petals, orange peel, or vanilla, every cup promises flavor and satisfaction for true fans of this timeless blend.

Understanding Earl Grey Tea

A pile of loose earl grey tea leaves

Earl Grey tea is a classic black tea with a bit of a twist - it gets its distinct citrusy aroma from bergamot. Traditionally it's made by infusing black tea leaves in some bergamot oil that's either natural or synthetic, and how you make that difference is really key to how the whole thing tastes and smells.

So you get a cup that's at once fragrant, slightly sweet and tangy. But Earl Grey blends can get a lot more adventurous than that - think lavender, vanilla or other flowers adding some extra complexity to the mix. The one thing that never changes is that unique citrusy essence that gives it all a bit of zing.

Some blends even throw in flower petals like cornflower, lavender or rose petals to add a bit of extra depth to the whole thing. And then there are the ones that go out and add in all sorts of other ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaves, mallow flowers, sunflower petals and orange bits to really push the boundaries of what Earl Grey can be. You get floral, citrusy and herbal notes all coming together in a cup that's all a bit different every time.

History of Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea has been around since the 19th century in England and it's named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was some kind of British Prime Minister. There's a story that the blend was made to taste like bergamot infused water that he had on a trip somewhere, but whether that's true or not, it's given Earl Grey a bit of a place in the public imagination.

In the old days the base of the tea was Chinese black tea, but as the British got more into tea plantations in India and Sri Lanka (or Ceylon as they used to call it), those became the new base for Earl Grey. Over time people started adding all sorts of different flavors to give it a bit of an edge.

Today Earl Grey is everywhere, and you can get some pretty wild adaptations like plum, hibiscus and orange peel infused goodness. Really, though, it's the classic black tea and bergamot combination that's always the real star of the show

Top 10 Best Earl Grey Teas 2025

1) Gardenika — Earl Grey Lavender Black Tea with Lavender Flowers & Bergamot

Brand Overview: Gardenika focuses on crafting organic, clean-label loose-leaf teas with attention to purity, sustainability, and wellness. Their products are USDA Organic and Kosher Certified, and each batch is lab tested for safety and quality. Tea drinkers who enjoy clean ingredients and a commitment to natural sourcing are often drawn to Gardenika, especially for their herbal, wellness, and classic flavored blends.

Flavor & Experience: A classic Darjeeling-Assam black tea base gives way to a great natural balance of bergamot oil and real lavender petals. The citrus notes are right out front- bright & clear - and then it mellow's out a bit, with the floral notes taking over in the middle. The finish is clean and a bit understated. This amazing Earl Grey blend provides a contemporary twist while preserving authentic citrus and floral notes.

Brewing & Serving Notes: For the best flavor, steep one teaspoon of Earl Grey Lavender in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes depending on your preferred strength. Best enjoyed neat for the full bergamot kick, but also works great with a bit of milk for a more mellow London Fog vibe. Or, if you're looking for a super refreshing drink- try it iced for a real treat.

2) Harney & Sons — Earl Grey Supreme

Brand Overview: Harney & Sons is a family-owned tea company founded in 1983 in Salisbury, Connecticut. With a commitment to quality, they offer a range of teas, including loose leaf and sachets, ensuring a premium tea experience. Their sachets are crafted with unbleached, compostable paper to preserve the tea's quality.

Flavor & Experience: The Earl Grey Supreme takes things up a notch with a higher-grade black tea base, blended with some silver-tipped leaves for added flair. The citrusy bergamot takes front & center, but the subtle sweetness of the tea base keeps it all nicely balanced. The whole thing has a light-bodied feel, plus some lovely floral undertones to boot. It's basically the perfect cup of tea for anyone who likes a bit of elegance in their Earl Grey.

Brewing & Serving Notes: To brew, steep one teaspoon of Earl Grey Supreme in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes depending on your preferred strength. Best enjoyed on its own to appreciate the delicate flavors, or with a bit of milk if you prefer a softer London Fog-style tea. It also works great iced for a lighter and refreshing tea.

3) August Uncommon Tea — Metropolitan Bergamot Plum Earl Grey Black Tea

Brand Overview: August Uncommon Tea is a California-based company known for its creative and unconventional tea blends. August focuses on delivering bold, imaginative flavor profiles that turn everyday tea drinking into a sensory experience. It’s a modern tea brand for those who appreciate artistry, quality, and flavor innovation in every cup.

Flavor & Experience: The Metropolitan Earl Grey is a bit of a curveball - the Assam black tea base is paired with some juicy plum notes, cloves, nutmeg, and bergamot oil to create something truly unique. Drinkers may be surprised by the unique combination of bitter orange zest, tart black plum, and subtle floral notes, which create a sparkling, city-inspired cup. Its aroma evokes sophistication and balance. Trust us, this is a tea that'll give you a taste of sophistication.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Metropolitan Bergamot Plum in hot water at around 200-212°F for 3-5 minutes to extract the layered citrus and plum tones. Delicious neat or iced to really show off its layered citrus & plum tones. Or, if you want to mellow it out a bit, just add a bit of milk to soften the spiced notes.

4) Plum Deluxe — Queen's Blend Green Tea (Lemon Crème Earl Grey)

Brand Overview: Plum Deluxe is a Portland-based tea company known for its handcrafted loose-leaf blends made in small batches. Founded in 2008, the brand emphasizes quality ingredients and mindful enjoyment. Their teas are designed to blend classic tea traditions with creative, comforting flavors—inviting tea drinkers to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy a touch of everyday luxury.

Flavor & Experience: The Queen's Blend brings some real sunshine to your day with its combination of green tea, apple pieces, orange peel, vanilla cream & bergamot oil. The citrus notes take center stage - bright and snappy - but then you get the creamy undertones coming in & it's basically like sipping a warm hug. Plus, it's got some lovely floral notes to round it out.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep one teaspoon of Queen's Blend in hot water (around 175-185°F) for 2-3 minutes to bring out the delicate citrus and creamy flavors. Enjoy it hot to really get the most out of the creamy, citrusy flavors. Or, if you prefer something a bit more refreshing, try it with ice.

5) Tea with Tae — Lavender Earl Grey

Brand Overview: Tea with Tae brings us the most delightful, floral-infused teas - the perfect blend of relaxation and well-being. And with their eco-friendly mini tea tubes & pyramid sachets, you can enjoy a calming cup.

Flavor & Experience: The Lavender Earl Grey is basically like a spa in a cup - Ceylon black tea, bergamot oil, orange peel & real lavender petals all come together to create a fragrant cup that's basically like sipping a field of flowers. The combination of lavender and bergamot is a match made in heaven, with the lavender aroma adding a calming, spa-like quality.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep one Lavender Earl Grey in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes to release the full floral and citrus aroma. Perfect for a morning drink, or as an afternoon relaxation treat. Can even steep it a bit longer if you prefer a stronger flavor.

6) Piper and Leaf — Old Fashioned Birthday Cake

Brand Overview: Piper & Leaf is a family-owned, local tea company based in Lacey’s Spring, Alabama. They specialize in crafting gourmet blends that combine premium black tea with local fruits, herbs, and spices, resulting in unique and indulgent flavors inspired by nostalgia.

Flavor & Experience: This tea is basically like the taste of a classic birthday cake, but with a super sophisticated twist - Ceylon black tea, lavender, cornflowers, bergamot, & vanilla all come together to create a rather indulgent cup. Expect some lovely citrus & floral notes to balance out the sweetness, and you'll basically be sipping a real treat.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one Old Fashioned Birthday Cake in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes to bring out the rich flavors. Best neat for a strong hit of flavor, but adding milk really brings out the creaminess. Suitable for hot or iced consumption. This robust blend is also a great choice for breakfast or as a morning treat, making it a versatile option for celebrations or daily enjoyment.

7) Ilola — Royal Cream of Earl Grey No. 12 Loose Leaf Black Tea

Brand Overview: iLOLA has got it just right when it comes to elegant tea experiences. They merge the time-honored richness of traditional flavors with a modern twist & a real focus on wellness. Using their brilliant Tea Discs they're on a mission to make loose-leaf tea easier, kinder to the environment & infused with goodness that'll make you feel great.

Flavor & Experience:  With Kenyan black tea, orange peel, bergamot and cornflowers all dancing together in the cup, this is a regal, smooth drink that's as easy to sip as it is to appreciate. There's a lovely interplay of citrus and floral notes, with a hint of vanilla adding to the depth. Perfect for a cup in the afternoon, or just a quiet moment to yourself.

Brewing & Serving Notes:  Steep one teaspoon of Royal Cream in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes to enjoy the full complexity of flavors. Sip it neat for the full flavor impact, or add milk for a creamy twist that'll remind you of a classic London Fog. It's also a great choice to pair with a sweet treat, or to enjoy on its own.

8) Beach House — Fog Horn Grey

Brand Overview: Beach House Tea comes to us from a Long Beach, Washington, family who've been inspired by the incredible natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. They specialize in crafting small-batch, artisan loose leaf teas using only the finest organic or wild-harvested ingredients.

Flavor & Experience: This Earl Grey blend combines flowering black tea with organic lavender, cornflower and bergamot to create a truly distinctive, laid-back flavor. The citrus and vanilla notes are balanced by smooth floral undertones - it's like a breath of fresh air on a coastal morning.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep one teaspoon of Fog Horn Grey in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes to release the delicate floral and citrus aromas. Try it hot to get the full aroma and depth, or pour it over ice for a refreshing drink with a bit of a punch. Adding milk can mellow out the floral notes while keeping the brightness of the citrus.

9) Morelitea — Indie's London Fog Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea

Brand Overview: Morelitea is a U.S.-based, family-owned artisan tea brand whose roots lie in storytelling, art and imaginative worlds. Their blends come with whimsical names and backstories, each inspired by the enchanting world of Mycorzha. Each blend boasts a unique and distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the crowd.

Flavor & Experience: This is a playful twist on the classic Earl Grey, with a base of good old black tea plus a splash of lavender, powdered milk and blueberry extract. The result is a lovely, comforting cup that's creamy, floral and slightly fruity. The aroma is sweet and bright, making it a great all-rounder. If you love a bit of whimsy in your tea, or just enjoy a cup that'll put a smile on your face, this is a great choice.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew one teaspoon of Indie's London Fog in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes to fully develop the creamy and fruity flavors. The perfect choice for a creamy London Fog-style latte, but you can also enjoy it neat to see the blueberry and bergamot interacting in a lovely way, or iced for a fruity and floral flavor.

10) Somage — Earl Grey

Brand Overview: Somage is an Australian-based company known for crafting premium teas that blend traditional ingredients with innovative techniques. Their Earl Grey Pyramid Bags feature organic Sri Lankan FBOP black tea and triple-distilled Spanish bergamot oil, offering a fragrant and full-bodied infusion. Packaged in pyramid sachets, these teas provide a convenient and high-quality tea experience.

Flavor & Experience: FBOP black tea combined with bergamot oil and cornflowers delivers a fragrant, complex, and refreshing cup. When brewed, the tea reveals a dark color that hints at its robust flavor profile. Citrus notes are bright and lingering, with subtle floral undertones from cornflowers. It's a great 'everyday' cup that'll keep you going all day long.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep one Earl Grey tea bag in hot water (around 200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes to bring out the bright citrus and floral notes. You can enjoy it neat to really bring out the citrus notes, or with a bit of milk to soften it out. Try it brewed over ice for a super refreshing iced tea that's perfect for hot evenings.

How to Brew Earl Grey Tea

black tea in a cup along a teapot

Brewing Earl Grey tea is pretty straightforward - start by heating some fresh, filtered water to around 200-212 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll want to use about one teaspoon of loose leaf tea or one tea bag per 8-ounce cup.

Let it steep for 3-5 minutes - if you like it lighter, do 3, and if you prefer a bolder flavor, then go for 5. Avoid letting it steep too long, or it'll get bitter. If you pre-warm your teapot or cup, that'll help maintain the right temperature and really bring out the flavor and aroma of the tea.

Earl Grey's a versatile tea that can be enjoyed in a lot of different ways. You can have it on its own to really appreciate the citrusy bergamot notes and any floral or spice accents. Or, if you prefer it with a bit of milk, that'll soften the bold citrus edge and create a smooth, creamy texture that's perfect for a London Fog-style latte. And if you want a bit of sweetness, a teaspoon of sugar, honey or any other sweetener will complement the bergamot without overpowering it.

FAQ

Is it Okay to Drink Earl Grey Tea Everyday?

No worries - most Earl Grey tea has pretty moderate levels of caffeine, making it safe for most adults to drink daily. Just be mindful of your caffeine intake if you're sensitive to it.

Does All Earl Grey Tea Have Bergamot?

Yeah, traditionally, yes - bergamot oil or flavoring is what defines Earl Grey tea. Some newer variations might include extra flavors like lavender, vanilla or other citrus, but bergamot's still the core ingredient.

Is Earl Grey High in Caffeine?

It depends on the base tea, really - black tea-based Earl Grey has a pretty moderate amount of caffeine (around 20-60mg per cup), while green or white tea blends are lower.

Can I drink Earl Grey with milk?

Absolutely - milk really softens the citrus notes, creating a smooth, London Fog-style experience. Some blends are better on their own, of course.

What is the difference between Earl Grey and Lady Grey?

Lady Grey is kind of like Earl Grey, but with a bit more citrus - think orange peel and lemon - and maybe some floral notes too. Earl Grey, on the other hand, sticks mainly to black tea and bergamot.

Final Thoughts

Earl Grey's a tea that just keeps on giving, and it's been a favorite for a long time, we're talking 2025 here! From classic black tea blends to more adventurous floral or citrus-infused variations, there's a perfect cup of Earl Grey out there for everyone. These blends we've highlighted are all top-notch, with great consistency in flavor and aroma. Enjoy them neat, with milk, or over ice. Whether you're an old fan or just starting out with Earl Grey, trying different blends can be a real game-changer - you might find a whole new favorite.

If you want to get the most out of your Earl Grey, we'd recommend giving the loose leaf options a go - they tend to have a richer, more nuanced flavor. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try out some creative blends with lavender, vanilla or other citrus notes. There's so many great options around, you're bound to find something new and exciting.

Ready to find your new go-to Earl Grey? Come and check out our tea store, where we've got a carefully curated selection of Earl Grey teas waiting for you - from tried and true classics to unique floral infusions. Your perfect cup is just a click away.

Behind The Cup

Man drinking cup of tea

Patrick R.

Patrick is a tea enthusiast who enjoys writing about tea and exploring its rich history, culture, and flavors. He contributes to Taste of Tea by sharing his thoughts, discoveries, and personal insights into the world of tea.

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