Description
This Earl Grey syrup recipe offers a fuss-free way to infuse unique floral and citrusy notes into your favorite beverages and desserts, with a glossy, amber-hued shimmer and delicate aroma of bergamot and spice. It’s a versatile homemade touch that can upgrade everyday meals and treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea)
- 6–8 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free orange blossom water
Instructions
- Combine Water, Sugar & Cardamom: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup filtered water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 6-8 crushed cardamom pods. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and it just begins to gently simmer, looking clear.
- Steep Tea: Remove from heat. Add 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf tea). Let steep for 5-7 minutes for bags, or 7-10 minutes for loose leaf, watching for a rich amber color and inviting bergamot aroma.
- Strain & Finish: Remove tea bags or infuser. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove cardamom and tea particles, ensuring a clear, fragrant Earl Grey syrup. Stir in 1 teaspoon alcohol-free orange blossom water. If it tastes slightly bitter from over-steeping, a tiny extra pinch of sugar can balance the flavor.
- Cool & Store: Allow the Earl Grey syrup to cool completely to room temperature (it will thicken). Transfer to an airtight bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
For variations, substitute light brown sugar or raw sugar for richer notes; honey or maple syrup will change the flavor profile. Use decaf Earl Grey for evening enjoyment. For healthier options, use less sugar or natural substitutes like stevia or erythritol. To speed up the process, begin with hot water to dissolve sugar faster or place the hot saucepan in an ice bath for rapid cooling. Avoid over-steeping the tea (to prevent bitterness) and ensure all sugar crystals dissolve completely to prevent crystallization.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Calories: 29 calories
- Sugar: 7.3 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Earl Grey syrup, homemade syrup, bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, easy recipe, beverage enhancer, dessert topping, flavor booster, tea syrup