Earl Grey Tea

Yes, because Earl Grey is typically made from a base of black tea leaves, it naturally contains caffeine. An average 8-ounce cup of Earl Grey contains about 40 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, which is roughly half the amount found in a standard cup of coffee. If you want the bergamot flavor without the jolt, you will need to seek out a decaffeinated or rooibos-based version.

The distinct citrus flavor in Earl Grey comes from the oil of bergamot, which is extracted from the rind of the Citrus bergamia fruit. This bitter, aromatic orange is primarily grown in the Calabria region of Italy. The essential oil is then sprayed or mixed directly onto the black tea leaves before packaging.

While you can technically add milk to Earl Grey, the dairy tends to clash with the acidic, citrus notes of the bergamot oil, often resulting in a sour taste. Most tea drinkers prefer to drink it black or with a slice of lemon to enhance the citrus flavors. If you prefer milky tea, a vanilla-infused Earl Grey, known as French Earl Grey, holds up better to dairy.

In traditional, high-quality Earl Grey teas, the flavor comes strictly from pure bergamot essential oil, not the physical fruit itself. However, cheaper supermarket blends often use artificial flavorings to achieve the citrus taste. Some artisanal blends might include dried orange peel for visual appeal, but the core flavor is the extracted oil.