Earl Grey Lavender

A softer, more floral take on the classic: bright bergamot citrus and dried lavender over a smooth black tea base. It brews aromatic and gently sweet, the lavender rounding the citrus into a fragrant, mellow cup. Pour it in the afternoon, on its own or with a light touch of honey, hot or over ice.

The base is the same bergamot-scented black tea behind classic Earl Grey, scented with oil of bergamot (a fragrant Mediterranean citrus) and blended with culinary dried lavender for a floral lift. The caffeine sits in the moderate range, so it drinks well from mid-morning through the afternoon.

Ingredients: black tea, lavender, bergamot essence. No sugar, no preservatives. Vegan.

How do I brew it?
Use one teaspoon of leaves per eight ounces of water. Heat fresh water to about 200°F and pour it over the leaves. Steep for three minutes, then remove the leaves. Use fresh leaves each time you brew.

Is the lavender strong or soapy?
Kept in balance, the lavender reads as soft and floral, not soapy. Soapiness comes from too much lavender or too long a steep, so hold to the three-minute steep. This blend is measured so the bergamot stays in the lead.

Should I add milk?
It is lovely clear, where the lavender and bergamot come through brightest. A small splash of milk or a touch of honey rounds it if you like a softer, sweeter cup. It also makes a fragrant iced tea.

Does it work in baking?
Yes. Its floral-citrus character suits shortbread, scones, and lemon cakes. Grind the dry leaves fine, or steep them in warm cream for a lavender-bergamot infusion.