What Goes Well With Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea, a popular and classic blend of black tea infused with bergamot oil, is known for its distinct aroma and citrusy undertones. Its unique flavor profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.
In this article, we’ll explore the best food pairings with Earl Grey tea, allowing you to elevate your tea time experience to new heights.
A Match Made in Heaven: Classic Tea Time Treats
1. Scones
Scones are a quintessential tea time treat that pair wonderfully with Earl Grey tea. The crumbly texture and subtle sweetness of scones balance the bold flavor of the tea, creating a delightful combination. Whether you opt for plain, fruit-filled, or cheese scones, the rich buttery taste will complement the citrus notes of Earl Grey tea.
2. Lemon Drizzle Cake
The tangy and moist lemon drizzle cake is another classic pairing for Earl Grey tea. The zesty lemon flavor in the cake complements the bergamot notes in the tea, creating a harmonious and refreshing taste. The soft, fluffy texture of the cake contrasts the boldness of the tea, making it a delightful match.
3. Shortbread Cookies
Buttery and crumbly, shortbread cookies are a simple yet delicious treat to enjoy with Earl Grey tea. The rich, buttery taste of the cookies complements the tea’s boldness, while the subtle sweetness balances its citrusy undertones. Additionally, the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs perfectly with the smoothness of the tea.
Savory Delights: When Sweet Just Won’t Do
4. Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
The smoky, rich flavor of smoked salmon sandwiches pairs exceptionally well with the bold and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. The tea’s bergamot undertones help to cut through the richness of the smoked salmon, while the tea’s strong flavor stands up to the robustness of the fish.
5. Quiche
A savory quiche, whether filled with vegetables, cheese, or meat, makes for a satisfying accompaniment to Earl Grey tea. The richness of the quiche’s egg custard is balanced by the tea’s boldness and citrusy notes, creating a harmonious pairing that is both filling and delightful.
6. Croissants
The flaky, buttery layers of a croissant make it an ideal companion for Earl Grey tea. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with ham and cheese, the croissant’s richness is beautifully offset by the tea’s citrusy undertones. The strong flavor of the tea also provides a wonderful contrast to the delicate texture of the pastry.
Decadent Desserts: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
7. Chocolate Fondant
The deep, rich flavor of chocolate fondant pairs surprisingly well with Earl Grey tea. The bitterness of the dark chocolate complements the tea’s boldness, while the bergamot undertones help to cut through the richness of the dessert. The warm, gooey center of the fondant also provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, refreshing tea.
8. Fruit Tart
A colorful, tangy fruit tart is another excellent dessert option to enjoy with Earl Grey tea. The sweet, buttery pastry crust and tart fruit filling balance the tea’s bold and citrusy flavors. The variety of textures in the tart – from the crisp crust to the soft fruit – also contrasts beautifully with the tea’s smoothness.
9. Panna Cotta
The creamy, smooth texture of panna cotta makes it an indulgent treat to pair with Earl Grey tea. The dessert’s subtle sweetness and silky mouthfeel contrast the tea’s bold flavor and citrusy notes, creating a luxurious and satisfying combination. Opt for a citrus-infused or vanilla panna cotta to further complement the bergamot undertones of the tea.
Exotic Pairings: Venture Beyond the Classics
10. Lavender Macarons
The delicate, floral flavor of lavender macarons pairs beautifully with the citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea. The sweet, almond-based cookies, filled with a fragrant lavender buttercream, create a harmonious and unique combination that is both sophisticated and delightful.
11. Moroccan Orange and Almond Cake
A moist, fragrant Moroccan orange and almond cake is an exotic dessert option that pairs exceptionally well with Earl Grey tea. The cake’s zesty orange flavor complements the tea’s bergamot undertones, while the nutty almond base provides a delightful contrast to the tea’s boldness.
12. Cardamom Biscuits
The aromatic and warm spice of cardamom biscuits makes them an ideal accompaniment to Earl Grey tea. The sweet, spicy flavor of the biscuits highlights the tea’s citrusy notes, while the tea’s boldness balances the rich, buttery texture of the biscuits.
Best Earl Grey Teas to Try
From decaf to caffeinated, tea bags to loose-leaf, our team has sifted through numerous Earl Grey teas to identify the cream of the crop. Here are the best-tasting earl grey teas we have found.
In Conclusion
Earl Grey tea’s unique flavor profile, characterized by its boldness and citrusy bergamot notes, pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. From classic tea time treats like scones and lemon drizzle cake, to savory delights such as smoked salmon sandwiches and quiche, and even decadent desserts like chocolate fondant and panna cotta, there is no shortage of delicious food pairings to enhance your Earl Grey tea experience.
