​Earl Grey tea is a favorite of mine and my customers, so it didn’t surprise me when Supermarket News reported back in the November that Earl Grey is one of the 10 top Food Trends of 2018. Journalist Elizabeth Dobos, reporting in World Tea News, expanded on this report giving examples of Earl Grey tea-infused dishes that are making it onto 1 out of 10 menus! Originally, Earl Grey teas were made from black teas, but now you can find Earl Greys in white and green teas and in herbals. What makes them Earl Greys is the Bergamot. This is the unique floral-citrus flavor provided by the Italian citrus fruit, Bergamot (Citrus bergamia, not to be confused with the herb, bergamot). It has inspired culinary dishes from sauces and chocolates to desserts and cocktails.

It is so easy for you to add the flavor of Earl Grey tea to your favorite desserts and cocktails at home. The Earl of Derby Cocktail is an example of using a simple syrup infused with tea to create an elegant, vodka based cocktail. Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread uses ground tea leaves to flavor a basic shortbread recipe elevating the flavor .

Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread
325 degrees for 18-20 minutes
​Makes about 30 2″ rolled & cut cookies

​2 cups unbleached flour
​3/4 cups powdered sugar
​8 oz. refined coconut oil, room temperature (or 2 sticks unsalted butter)
​1-1/2 Tablespoons ground Lavender Earl Grey (the lavender is harder to break down, so sift out if you wish and sprinkle on top of cookie before baking or toss)

​Superfine sugar for dusting

​Add first 4 ingredients to mixing bowl. Using the paddle attachment of your electric mixer, blend until a dough is formed. Roll cookie dough out about 1/4″ and cut into desired shapes.
​Bake for 18-20 minutes (checking after 15 minutes and adjusting time) until edges are golden.
​When cookies are cooled, roll in superfine sugar as a finishing touch.

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Earl of Derby Cocktail

​Earl Grey Simple Syrup (recipe below)
​Vodka
​Fresh lemon juice
​Slices of lemon for garnish

​This simple vodka cocktail lets the Earl Grey tea shine through. I love this over ice in the summer – very refreshing!

​Earl Grey Simple Syrup
Add 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. Give a good stir and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to simmer, continuing to heat for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add 3 teaspoons loose leaf Earl of Derby Grey Tea (or Earl Grey Tea of your choice). Steep for 5 minutes and then strain out the tea. Let the syrup cool before using. Can be kept in refrigerator for 1 week. Makes enough for several (6-7) cocktails.

For one drink:
​Add 1-1/2 ounces of vodka, 1-1/2 ounces Earl Grey Simple Syrup and 1 ounce lemon juice to shaker and add ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy!

​Do you enjoying cooking with tea and have recipes to share?