Should You Put Milk in Earl Grey Tea?

Should You Put Milk in Earl Grey Tea?

Traditional tea-drinkers tend to prefer to drink tea straight, with no milk and maybe a spoonful of sugar if they’re feeling wild.

Some teas, like masala chai and bubble tea, taste better with the addition of milk. However, when it comes to Earl Grey tea, people have different preparation preferences. In England, most people take it with some sugar and lemon. But in North America, it’s become common to take Earl Grey with a splash of milk.

But many still wonder if it’s proper to drink Earl Grey with milk. Is this a must or a faux pas? Does milk make Earl Grey taste better? The short answer is that you can drink Earl Grey with milk if you do it correctly. And yes, it’s delicious.

Keep reading to learn how to properly prepare a cup of Earl Grey with milk. But first, let’s get up to speed on the Earl Grey basics. 

What is Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavoured with the oil of bergamot, a citrus that looks and tastes like a mix between an orange and a lemon, with notes of grapefruit and lime. If you’ve never had the pleasure of downing a cup, Earl Grey is a delicate and refreshing tea that is slightly sweet and floral. It’s also very versatile, which is likely why it’s considered one of the most popular teas in the Western world. 

One question you might be wondering is: Who in the world is Earl Grey? The tea was named after Charles Grey, the second Earl of Grey and prime minister of Britain from 1830 to 1834. Nobody knows the exact origin of the tea or how it got into the Earl’s hands. Presumably, it was a gift for saving a Chinese bureaucrat’s life, but that is neither here nor there. What matters is that he shared the wonderful tea with the world. (Thanks, Earl!)

Suggested Reading: Discover the mysterious origin theories of Earl Grey tea in our article The Fascinating History of Earl Grey Tea

Although Earl Grey was popularized in Britain, today, it is often imported from Sri Lanka. 

Will Milk Curdle in my Earl Grey Tea?

One major concern people have when toying with the idea of pouring milk into Earl Grey is the dissatisfying curdling effect. Just like how milk doesn’t agree with our stomachs, milk doesn’t always agree with Earl Grey tea. (Why can’t we all get along?) 

Curdling occurs when the milk molecules separate into lumpy clumps. (Ugh!.) It happens when you add Earl Grey with milk because Earl Grey is acidic and it throws off the pH balance.

So, when does this happen? If you steep your tea and top it off with cold milk, the bergamot oil will react with the milk and lead to curdling. This curdling is even more likely if you steep a strong cup of black tea with a larger dose of oil.

Despite this, drinking Earl Grey with milk is extremely popular and delicious. The trick is that you have to prepare it with a certain finesse. 

How to Prepare Earl Grey Tea With Milk (Without Curdling)

To prepare your Earl Grey with milk without it curdling, there’s a process you need to follow.  The British began debating the most effective order to mix tea and milk. Milk first, followed by boiling water and tea? Or boiling water and tea, followed by a top-off of dairy? 

Here’s the best way to add your dairy so the milk won’t curdle in the hot cup of tea.

1. Start with fresh, cold water and heat it until it’s just below boiling.
2. Measure your Earl Grey tea and place loose leaves in your tea infuser of choice. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes.
3. Fill your teacup with some of the warm water. Let it sit for about a minute to heat the cup, then pour the water out.
4. Add the milk to the warm cup—this will bring the milk to temperature so it doesn’t curdle.
5. When the tea is done steeping, slowly pour it into your cup over the milk.
6. Cheers and enjoy!
   
   

Earl Grey Tea, Done Right

Earl Grey is a special tea that deserves to be done right. If you truly want the best of the best, loose leaf tea is the way to go. Loose leaf tea provides a stronger flavour profile since the leaves tend to be fresher and less grounded-down.

Here at The Tea Haus we offer a wide selection of over 200 teas (including 19 Earl Grey teas!), made from the highest quality, freshest loose leaves, all ethically and sustainably sourced. 

Here are our top five Earl Grey blends: 

1. Original Earl

The Original Earl is based on an original recipe and features China black tea and bergamot with a subtle earthy note. Also available in decaf.

SHOP THE ORIGINAL EARL HERE >>

2. Earl Grey Cream

We consider the Earl Grey Cream a must-have for any Earl Grey fan. It’s a mellowed Earl Grey tea blend with delicious creamy notes. Don’t be fooled by the name: There is no dairy of any kind in this tea. But the natural creamy flavour is an excellent accompaniment to the bergamot oil. This blend takes milk well, so it’s the blend to choose if you want to try it. Also available in decaf.  

SHOP THE EARL GREY CREAM HERE >>

3. Earl Grey Supreme 

Earl Grey Supreme is our bestselling tea month after month.  The strong oil of bergamot flavours this Ceylon tea perfectly.  It’s called the Supreme for a reason. It contains twice the normal amount of bergamot oil, taking the Earl Grey aficionado to new heights. It has excellent citrus notes with a light and delicate aftertaste. It also takes milk and sugar well and is available in decaf. 

SHOP THE EARL GREY SUPREME HERE >>

4. Duke of Earl

This is not your average Earl Grey! The addition of vanilla combines with the taste of Ceylon black tea and oil of bergamot to create a savoury-sweet, warming blend. Try this tea with or without milk and pair it with fresh baked goods. Also available in decaf. 

SHOP THE DUKE OF EARL HERE >>

5. Earl Grey Sampler

Our Earl Grey sampler is perfect for every Earl Grey lover.  A great and easy way to sample our best-selling Earl Grey blends such as:

• Earl Grey Supreme
• Duke of Earl
• Earl Green
• English Garden
• French Earl Grey

SHOP THE EARL GREY SAMPLER HERE >>

Now, Go Enjoy Your Earl Grey 

So there you have it. If you follow our steps to a tea, you can make yourself a perfect (curdle-free) cup of Earl Grey with milk. Whether you choose to drink it earl-y in the morning or late at night, Earl Grey with milk is a delightful drink to enjoy.  

If you have any more questions, contact our friendly tea expert staff or visit us at the Covent Garden Market in London, ON. 

Cheers! 

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