Lady Grey vs Earl Grey: Which Classic Citrus Tea is Your Cup of Tea

Earl Grey is a popular black tea flavored with bergamot oil. Bergamot oil comes from the peel of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit that grows in the Mediterranean. This oil gives Earl Grey its fresh, citrusy aroma and unique taste. Many tea lovers around the world enjoy this aromatic tea.

The taste of Earl Grey combines the strong flavor of black tea with the bright, citrusy notes of bergamot. You can drink it plain or add milk, lemon, or sweeteners. It is also used in drinks like the London Fog latte, which mixes Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and sweetener.

History & Origins

Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister in the 1830s. A popular story says he received a special tea blend scented with bergamot oil to improve the taste of local water, which had a lime flavor. Whether this story is true or not, the tea became popular and is now loved worldwide.

The history of Earl Grey is as rich as its flavor. It was inspired by a gift from a Chinese diplomat and became a symbol of tradition and elegance. This tea is one of the first flavored teas and shows how different cultures influenced tea drinking in Europe.

Over time, many versions of Earl Grey have been created. Each keeps the signature bergamot flavor but adds unique twists to suit different tastes.

Traditional Original Blend

The classic Earl Grey recipe is simple: strong black tea mixed with bergamot oil. The tea leaves give it depth and body, while the citrus oil adds a refreshing, slightly spicy note that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a timeless blend that many people still enjoy as their go-to cup of tea.

What Is Lady Grey Tea?

Lady Grey is a newer, gentler version of Earl Grey tea. It has the same black tea and bergamot base as Earl Grey but also includes lemon and orange peel. This makes the flavor softer, fruitier, and easier to enjoy for people who find traditional Earl Grey too strong. Lady Grey is known for its bright, fresh taste and is often chosen as a lighter option among citrus teas.

History & Origins

Lady Grey tea was created in the 1990s by Twinings, a well-known British tea company established in 1706. Twinings developed Lady Grey to meet the preferences of tea drinkers in Nordic countries who wanted a milder version of Earl Grey.

The tea is named after Mary Elizabeth Grey, the wife of Earl Charles Grey. Lady Grey quickly became popular beyond Northern Europe and is now enjoyed worldwide by tea lovers who appreciate its delicate and refreshing flavor.

Unique Characteristics

Lady Grey offers bright and layered flavors. It shares the same base as Earl Grey but adds extra citrus from lemon and orange peel. Many blends also include cornflower petals, which add a subtle floral aroma and a splash of color.

Some versions include lavender for extra fragrance. The result is a lighter, fruitier, and slightly more floral tea than Earl Grey — ideal for those who prefer a softer citrus taste.

Lady Grey vs Earl Grey: Detailed Comparison

Flavor Profile

When comparing the flavor profiles, Earl Grey tea has a bold and robust citrusy taste dominated by the bergamot flavor. It’s an aromatic tea with a slightly spicy edge that wakes up the senses.

Lady Grey is a more delicate variation. It’s softer, brighter and a bit fruitier thanks to the citrus peels, a refreshing tea experience for those who find traditional Earl Grey too intense.

Key Ingredients

Both teas have a black tea base and bergamot oil, which gives them their flavor. Lady Grey tea has lemon peel and orange peel and cornflower petals that add subtle floral notes and a splash of color.

Earl Grey sticks to the classic original blend of black tea flavored with bergamot oil, a timeless flavor.

Caffeine Content

Both Earl Grey and Lady Grey teas have caffeine as they are made with black tea leaves. Caffeine content is similar, around 40-70 mg per cup depending on brewing time and tea quality. Tea drinkers sensitive to caffeine should consider shorter steeping times to reduce caffeine intake.

Brewing Techniques

To brew the perfect cup of either tea, start with fresh, cold water. For Earl Grey, bring the water to a full boil (100°C/212°F) and steep the tea leaves for 4-5 minutes.

Lady Grey prefers slightly cooler water, around 90°C (194°F) and a shorter steeping time of 3-4 minutes to preserve the delicate flavor without bitterness.

Both teas can be enjoyed with loose leaf or tea bags, whichever you prefer. They can also be used as the base for a London Fog latte — a lovely blend of Earl Grey, steamed milk and sweetener.

Cultural Significance

Earl Grey tea is part of British tea culture, symbolizing tradition and elegance. Earl Grey is especially famous for preserving the classic recipe that has delighted Earl Grey lovers for generations.

Lady Grey is newer but has carved out its niche, especially in the Nordic market where its lighter profile is highly appreciated.

Both teas are favorites among tea lovers worldwide, celebrated for their unique flavors and aromas.

Perfect Way to Enjoy

Tea drinkers can enjoy Earl Grey tea and Lady Grey tea with milk, lemon or honey, whichever you prefer. Earl Grey’s bold flavor is great with a splash of milk or a slice of lemon to complement the bergamot.

Lady Grey’s bright and delicate taste is often enjoyed without milk to preserve the subtle citrus and floral notes. Experiment and find your perfect cup.

Pairings & Culinary Use

Both teas pair well with food. Earl Grey’s robust citrus flavor goes well with rich pastries, scones and chocolate desserts.

Lady Grey’s lighter and fruitier profile pairs beautifully with light pastries, fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

Both teas can be used in culinary recipes, tea-infused cakes and cocktails, to add a sophisticated twist to your kitchen creations.

Comparison Table: Earl Grey vs Lady Grey

Feature	Earl Grey	Lady Grey
Flavor Profile	Bold, robust, aromatic with strong bergamot citrus notes	Softer, brighter, fruitier with additional citrus peels (lemon & orange) and floral hints
Key Ingredients	Black tea, bergamot oil	Black tea, bergamot oil, lemon peel, orange peel, cornflower petals
Caffeine Content	40-70 mg per cup (varies with steeping)	40-70 mg per cup (varies with steeping)
Brewing Temperature	100°C (212°F)	90°C (194°F)
Steeping Time	4-5 minutes	3-4 minutes
Typical Additions	Milk, lemon	Lemon, honey (often enjoyed without milk)
Origin	Named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, 1830s UK	Created in the 1990s, named after Mary Elizabeth Grey
Market Popularity	Widely popular globally, especially in UK	Popular in Nordic countries and growing worldwide
Visual Appeal	Usually plain black tea leaves	Often includes colorful cornflower petals
Taste Intensity	Strong and bold	Mild and delicate

FAQs

Can you drink Earl Grey or Lady Grey with milk or lemon?

Yes! Earl Grey goes well with milk or a slice of lemon, which can enhance the citrus notes. Lady Grey tea is often enjoyed without milk to preserve the citrus and floral flavors, but with lemon or honey is also popular.

Is Lady Grey milder than Earl Grey?

Yes. Lady Grey is a milder, more delicate variation of Earl Grey with additional citrus peels like lemon and orange to brighten the flavor and soften the boldness of traditional Earl Grey.

Conclusion

Lady Grey and Earl Grey — two different teas for tea lovers. Earl Grey has the classic bold black tea and bergamot oil, Lady Grey brings the softer, fruitier and more delicate blend with additional citrus notes and floral hints.

Whether you like the traditional aromatic flavor of Earl Grey or the bright Lady Grey, both teas have a special place in the world of flavored black teas.

So, brew your perfect cup, enjoy the distinctive flavors and have a timeless tea experience that has been charming taste buds for centuries.

Ready to find your perfect cup? Visit our tea store today and explore our range of earl grey teas to suit every taste.