{"slug":"earl-grey","name":"Earl Grey","steep_time":{"low_seconds":180,"high_seconds":300},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":95,"high_c":100,"low_f":203,"high_f":212},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/earl-grey","title":"How to Brew Earl Grey","description":"Steep Earl Grey for 3m – 5m at 95°C – 100°C (203°F – 212°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Earl Grey leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 95°C – 100°C (203°F – 212°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 3m – 5m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What temperature should Earl Grey be steeped at?","answer":"203–212°F (95–100°C), which is water at or just off a full boil. Most Earl Grey is a black tea, and black tea needs very hot water to open up. If yours is made with green tea, use about 175°F (80°C) instead."},{"question":"How long should you steep Earl Grey?","answer":"3 to 5 minutes. Three minutes gives a lighter cup where the bergamot stands out; 4–5 minutes gives a fuller, stronger cup that holds up to milk. Past 5 minutes it starts to turn bitter."},{"question":"Does Earl Grey have caffeine?","answer":"Yes. Earl Grey made with black tea usually has about 40–60 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup, roughly half a cup of coffee, though the exact amount depends on the leaf and how long you steep it. Decaf Earl Grey and rooibos Earl Grey are the low- and no-caffeine options."},{"question":"Can you put milk in Earl Grey?","answer":"Yes. Plenty of people take it with milk, and it's the base of a London Fog. Steep it toward the longer end of the range, 4–5 minutes, so the tea isn't lost under the milk, and add the milk after brewing."},{"question":"Can you over-steep Earl Grey?","answer":"Yes. Leave it much past 5 minutes and the black tea keeps releasing tannins, which makes the cup bitter and drying. If you get distracted, the fix is to take the leaves or bag out on time, not to add more sugar."},{"question":"How much Earl Grey should I use per cup?","answer":"One teaspoon (about 2–3 g) of loose leaf or one tea bag per 8 oz (240 ml) cup. For a stronger cup, add a little more leaf rather than steeping longer."},{"question":"What goes well with Earl Grey?","answer":"Its citrus notes suit scones, shortbread, lemon cake, and dark chocolate. It's also a classic choice for afternoon tea alongside sandwiches."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}