Simple Earl Grey Syrup - For Cocktails, Tea or Desserts

Name: Simple Earl Grey Syrup - For Cocktails, Tea or Desserts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup water; 2 or 3 Earl Grey Tea bags; 2 tsp vanilla paste (optional)

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This simple 3-ingredient Earl Grey Syrup is super easy to make and so versatile! Add a drizzle to ice cream, pancakes, latte, cold drinks & more.

Earl Grey syrup being poured into a glass.

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💌 Why I Love this Recipe
🛒 Ingredients
🔪 Equipment
👣 Step-by-Step
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
👨‍🍳 Chef's Tips
🧇 Serving Ideas
📦 Storage Tips
👋 Conclusion
🍴Recipe

💌 Why I Love this Recipe

Incredibly Simple: This Earl Grey simple syrup takes minimal effort to produce maximum flavor.
True Earl Grey Taste: Using simple ingredients, it celebrates the real Earl Grey taste for a strong & smooth flavor combination.
So Versatile: Use it in cocktails, mocktails, iced teas, or even drizzle it over desserts for an extra layer of deliciousness.

🛒 Ingredients

Just a few ingredients are needed to make this simple Earl Grey syrup.

Therefore, if you can, I recommend you splurge a little rather than use the cheapest options (especially regarding your choice of tea).

Earl Grey teabag, white sugar, and water on a flat surface.

Earl Grey Tea: You can use either loose-leaf Earl Grey tea or tea bags. For best results, I recommend going for a good-quality brand (perhaps even treat yourself to a stroll down your local teashop).
White Sugar: You can also use brown sugar instead. This will give the syrup a darker red tone.
Optional: vanilla paste or whole vanilla beans. This add-on helps bring out a deeper & more complex flavor.

🔪 Equipment

Small Saucepan: The stage where the magic happens.
Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
Fine-mesh sieve: If you are using loose-leaf tea
Airtight Container: For storing.

👣 Step-by-Step

This simple Earl Grey syrup recipe contains just a few steps.

Hint - this is just a quick overview. For detailed instructions & exact ingredients, see the recipe card at the bottom.

White sugar and water in a small saucepan.

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Two teabags steeping in water in a small saucepan.

Add 2 or 3 Earl Grey tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose tea to the sugar mixture. Add vanilla (optional). Remove the tea (bags or leaves) after 5 minutes.

Stir gently with a spoon and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. You want the syrup to thicken slightly and become silky smooth.

An overhead view of a bowl with Earl Grey syrup.

Remove the pan from heat and let it cool to room temperature. If using loose-leaf tea, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This ensures no tea leaves will be left.

Store in an airtight container for up to a month.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my syrup from becoming too bitter?

It's all about the infusion time. Steep the tea for 5 minutes, and no longer. This will help to achieve the desired balance of flavor.

Can I use other types of tea to make syrup?

Sure, you can use all sorts. If you want a similar flavor to the original Earl Grey but with a twist, I recommend using Lady Grey tea. It's like Earl Grey but with lemon peel and orange.

What's the ideal consistency for Earl Grey syrup?

It should have a silky smooth mouthfeel, similar to traditional simple syrup. That said, the ideal consistency depends on your preference and the desired use.

A fruity drink with a lemon wedge. — I like adding a drizzle of this syrup to homemade ice tea.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Tips

Choose Quality Tea: Opt for high-quality whole-leaf Earl Grey tea for the best flavor and aroma.
Adjust Sweetness: This recipe allows you to customize the sugar levels to match your preference.
Infusion Time: Do not be tempted to let your tea steep for longer than 5 minutes. It will create an unpleasant & bitter flavor.
Strain Carefully: If using loose-leaf tea, strain it well through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits.
Cool Completely: Let the syrup cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Experiment! Last but not least, don't be afraid to get creative! Add custom ingredients like fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, or lavender.

Want a thicker syrup? Simply let it simmer for longer!

🧇 Serving Ideas

Lavender Tea: Add a teaspoon of Earl Grey syrup to your lavender tea or latte for a fragrant twist.
Pancakes: Give your fluffy pancakes an elegant twist by adding a drizzle of this syrup when serving.
Waffles: Crunchy waffles and smooth Earl Grey vanilla syrup are the combination you never knew you needed until now!
Bubble Tea: Serve it with milk & chewy tapioca pearls for a feel-good bubble tea.
Latte Magic: Give yourself a barista-worthy experience by serving your favorite latte with a custom amount of this syrup.
Fruit Parfait: Drizzle it over your favorite fruit parfait - the combination of fresh fruit, yogurt (I use coconut yogurt), and Earl Grey is irresistible!
Drinks: Adding a dash of this syrup can improve all kinds of drinks - from mocktails to spritz, cocktails & sodas.

Tinned peaches in a bowl. — Here I served the syrup over canned peaches, fresh mint, and shaved dark chocolate.

📦 Storage Tips

To keep your syrup silky and shelf-stable:

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use it within a month (if you don't devour it earlier).
If you notice any discoloration or a cloudy appearance, discard the syrup.

Alternatively, you can pour the syrup into an ice cube tray to store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

👋 Conclusion

Do you have questions about making this recipe? Let me know in the comments below, and I'll try to help!

Tried out this Earl Grey tea syrup recipe? You can help me by leaving a star rating and comment below. Your feedback supports my blog and helps me bring you more free recipes!

🍴Recipe