Earl Grey Ginger Spritzer

There is something so refreshing about a glass of Earl Grey ginger spritzer on a hot afternoon The floral notes of the tea mingle with the zing of ginger and fresh mint to create a drink that feels special yet is simple enough for every day Whether you are hosting friends or just want a little pick-me-up this spritzer is guaranteed to spark some joy

I first made this when some friends unexpectedly dropped by for the afternoon It turned an ordinary visit into a little celebration and I have been making it for gatherings ever since

Ingredients

• Earl Grey tea bags: Choose a high quality loose leaf or bagged tea for the best floral citrus notes Cheap teas tend to be bitter or faded
• Freshly boiled water: This extracts all those aromatic tea oils and creates the clean base
• Non alcoholic ginger beer: Find a ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor without too much added sugar Look for cloudy ginger beers with visible sediment for real flavor
• Favorite spirit: Optional but vodka rum or whiskey each adds a different twist Use your best for sipping
• Fresh mint leaves: Adds freshness and a cooling finish Bright green leaves with no wilting or dark spots are best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brew the Earl Grey Tea:

Pour boiling water over the tea bags in a heat proof pitcher Let them steep for exactly five minutes This extracts the ideal amount of bergamot oil and keeps the tea from tasting too tannic Squeeze the bags gently before discarding for full flavor

Chill the Tea:

After brewing let the tea come to room temperature first or it will cloud in the fridge Then refrigerate uncovered until fully chilled about two hours You want the tea nice and cold so it will not dilute the ginger beer with too much melted ice

Prepare the Spritzer Base:

Fill each glass halfway with chilled non alcoholic ginger beer If making cocktails stir in your preferred spirit now so the alcohol gets evenly mixed before adding tea

Combine Tea and Ginger Beer:

To create a pretty layered effect tilt each glass slightly and slowly pour cold Earl Grey tea down the inside wall This keeps the layers separate and adds to the presentation

Garnish:

Top with a few fresh mint leaves Clap them in your hands first to release oils I like to add a little extra to each glass so every sip has a whiff of minty aroma

Pin it

Fresh mint from my kids garden always takes this over the top I love that this drink gets my whole family involved from steeping tea to plucking mint leaves on the porch

Storage Tips

Keep the chilled Earl Grey tea in the fridge for two to three days in a covered pitcher Wait to mix with ginger beer until time to serve so the bubbles stay sparkly Any leftover spritzer is best enjoyed immediately as the fizz fades after a while

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in English breakfast or chai for the Earl Grey for a different base flavor If you do not like ginger beer try sparkling lemonade or club soda with a dash of ginger syrup The alcohol is fully optional and can be varied to taste

Serving Suggestions

Serve this drink in tall glasses with plenty of ice for the prettiest presentation Add a lemon wheel or a strip of orange peel to enhance the citrusy bergamot notes It pairs beautifully with afternoon snacks like shortbread or cheese boards

Pin it

This drink is both refreshing and elegant making it perfect for any occasion Try it and let every sip bring a little celebration to your day

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Earl Grey Ginger Spritzer ahead of time?

You can prepare the Earl Grey tea component up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. However, combine with the ginger beer just before serving to maintain carbonation and that beautiful layered effect.

→ What's the best ginger beer to use?

Look for a high-quality, spicy ginger beer rather than ginger ale for the most authentic flavor. Brands like Fever-Tree, Reed's, or Bundaberg work particularly well in this spritzer.

→ Which alcohol pairs best with this spritzer?

Vodka creates a clean, crisp cocktail that lets the tea and ginger flavors shine. Rum adds subtle sweetness, while whiskey (especially bourbon) contributes warm caramel notes that complement the Earl Grey beautifully.

→ How can I enhance the presentation of this drink?

For an impressive presentation, use clear glasses to showcase the layers. Add thinly sliced lemon or orange wheels along the inside of the glass before pouring, and use fresh mint sprigs rather than individual leaves as garnish.

→ Can I use a different type of tea?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey provides distinctive bergamot notes, you could substitute with English Breakfast for a more robust flavor, or jasmine green tea for a lighter, floral variation. Adjust steeping time according to the tea type.

→ Is there a way to make this drink less sweet?

Use a drier, less sweet ginger beer or substitute part of it with soda water. You can also brew the Earl Grey tea slightly stronger to balance the sweetness of the ginger beer.