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    Home » Syrups and Extracts

    Earl Grey Extract

    Published: Nov 2, 2021 · Modified: May 23, 2023 by Milk and Pop · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links

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    This Earl Grey extract is great for baking, and will enhance the black tea flavor in your recipes, leaving a floral bergamot aftertaste.

    I’m an Earl Grey fanatic. London fogs are always part of my busy weekdays. Earl Grey cake is my beloved companion while I’m thinking about new recipes.

    But sometimes is hard to make the black tea flavor more prominent on a recipe. With that in mind, I decided to start experimenting with this extract, and that was the best thing I did in a long time.

    Closed jar of Earl grey extract.

    It can be added to many recipes: fillings, cakes, cookies, syrups, and even icings. And some drops will make a difference in beverages, like this Earl Grey milk tea.

    Some say Earl Grey remembers lavender. I also love lavender, and I think these two flavors match really well, but can’t really find them similar. If you’re looking for a lavender extract recipe, I also have a post with a step-by-step video about it for you!

    Ingredients

    Extracts are one of the easiest thing to do. Like in my lavender extract, you’ll just need 2 ingredients for this one.

    Vodka. I usually use vodka for my extracts: it’s about 40% alcohol, and you can’t taste it once the extract is made. Rum work as well, but like bourbon, it can leave an aftertaste.

    Note: want to make it alcohol-free? Substitute the alcohol with three parts food-grade liquid glycerin and one part water, stirring both ingredients together until well combined.

    Making the extract.

    Earl Grey tea. You can use loose leaves or the contents of tea bags. They both work great for this recipe.

    How to make it

    Get a clean bottle or jar with a lid, as well vodka and Earl Grey leaves or tea bags. I prefer to use a jar, as it’s easier to add the ingredients.

    If using tea bags, you can make it without cutting the bags open if preferred. That way, you don’t have to strain it, but just remove the bags after the ripping time.

    In the clean glass bottle or jar, add Earl Grey leaves (or tea bags).

    Top it with vodka. Close the lid and give a good shake.

    Recipe after being shaked.

    Place the bottle/jar away from sunlight. Leave it ripping for 3 weeks. Shake the bottle/jar every other day during the extraction process.

    After 3 weeks, strain the liquid and discard the Earl Grey leaves. You can use a paper filter to strain it, specially if you want to cut the oil content down (Earl Grey has bergamot oil).

    Extract being poured in a glass recipient through a metal sieve.

    If using tea bags, just remove them from the extract. Squeezing or not the tea bags before removing them is also up to you (it’s said that doing that might bruise the leaves and make the flavor more bitter).

    This recipe makes about ¾ cup of Earl Grey extract.

    Questions you’re asking

    How long does it take to make an extract?

    Although it only takes a few minutes to put the ingredients together, the extraction process takes about 3 to 5 weeks, depending on how intense you want the final flavor to be.

    What bottle should I use to make an extract?

    I always use a glass bottle or jars for my extracts, as this material won’t leave any off-flavors. It is said that amber glass is better, as it blocks the light from impacting the extracts. But don’t sweat it, clear, transparent glass bottles or jars are still okay.

    Earl grey extract ready to use.

    Storing

    Due to the high alcohol content, this Earl Grey extract doesn’t have an expiration date.You can keep it indefinitely.

    Just make sure the bottle or jar you’re using to store the extract is well sealed, and away from light and any heat source. The best places to keep it would be in the pantry or inside a cupboard.

    📖 Recipe

    Jar full of Earl Grey extract.

    Earl Grey Extract

    Milk and Pop
    This Earl Grey extract is great for baking, and will enhance the black tea flavor in your recipes, leaving a floral bergamot aftertaste.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Additional Time 21 days d
    Total Time 21 days d 5 minutes mins
    Course Teas and Lattes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 tablespoon
    Calories 35 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 1 Jar or bottle with lid

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 tea bags Earl Grey
    • 1 cup vodka

    Instructions
     

    • Cut open Earl Grey tea bags and add its content to a clean jar.
    • Add vodka.
    • Close the lid, letting it sit for 3 weeks in a cool place, away from sunlight. Give it a shake every other day.
    • After 3 weeks, strain the vodka. Discard Earl Grey.

    Video

    Notes

    Substitutes:
    • Vodka. If you don't have vodka, rum can be used.
    • Earl Grey. You can use loose Earl Grey tea. Add 4 teaspoons for 1 cup of alcohol.
    • Make it alcohol-free: Substitute vodka with three parts food-grade liquid glycerin and one part water.
     
    You can use a paper filter to strain it.
    Earl Grey extract doesn’t have an expiration date. Keep it well sealed, and away from direct light or any heat source.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 0.001gSodium: 0.2mgPotassium: 0.2mgIron: 0.001mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hello! I'm Tatiana, self-taught baker, coffee lover and food photographer. Here at Milk and Pop, I'll share with you my favorite bread, baking and breakfast recipes.

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