Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
1 cup water, 1 cup white sugar
Add 2 or 3 Earl Grey tea bags (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. If you prefer a thicker syrup, let it simmer for longer.
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.
Serve over pancakes, waffles,crepes, cake, or drizzle over drinks. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Notes
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.