Earl Grey tea is usually black tea flavored with bergamot, a citrus fruit whose peel oil gives it that distinctive bright, floral, citrusy taste. Some blends also include extras like lavender, vanilla, or other flavorings, but the classic version is just black tea plus bergamot.

Quick Scoop

  • Main base: black tea leaves.
  • Signature flavor: bergamot orange oil or essence from the peel.
  • Common extras in some blends: natural or artificial flavorings, and sometimes other tea bases like green tea or rooibos.

Taste

It usually tastes bold and malty from the black tea, with a citrusy, slightly floral aroma from bergamot. Because brands use different tea bases and different amounts of bergamot, the flavor can vary a lot from one Earl Grey to another.

Caffeine

If it’s made with black tea, Earl Grey contains caffeine, with the amount varying by brew and brand. Caffeine-free versions exist when the base is rooibos or another herbal tea.

If you want, I can also give you a super short version for a post caption or a more detailed ingredient breakdown.