Tea Blog

This drink is simple: it is rich hot chocolate infused with Earl Grey tea. The black tea brings gentle depth, the bergamot adds a bright citrus note, and the chocolate wraps everything in creamy, cozy sweetness. It smells fancy and tastes comforting.

The best part is that it is beginner friendly. No special gear, no pastry school tricks. You heat milk, steep tea, whisk in hot chocolate powder, then sip. You can make it dairy-free, lighter, or extra rich with a few easy swaps.

You do not need a long shopping list. Most of this is probably already in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here is what you need for a basic, cozy mug:

• 1-2 tsp Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea
• 1 cup Milk of choice
  
• 1-1 1/2 tbsp Hot Chocolate Powder

Optional Upgrades & Add-Ins

Once you like the base version, you can start to play.

• Heavy Cream: Swap in a splash for ultra-rich hot chocolate.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Floral Earl Grey Tea: Swap your regular Earl Grey tea for Victorian Earl Grey. This blend will add a subtle floral note to your hot chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and makes the chocolate taste rounder and softer.
• Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a gentle spice.
• Pinch of Salt: Tiny, but mighty. Salt sharpens flavor and keeps it from tasting flat.
• Liqueur for Adults: A splash of Irish cream, orange liqueur, or coffee liqueur.

Topping Ideas:

• Whipped Cream
• Cold Foam
• Mini Marshmallows
• Chocolate Shavings, Chips, or Syrup

• Cocoa Powder

Step-by-Step Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe

You only need a small pot, a tea infuser, a whisk, and a mug that makes you happy.

Step 1: Brew strong Earl Grey in warm Milk.

Pour the milk into a small pot and set it over medium-low heat. You want it hot with tiny steam and small bubbles at the edges, not a rolling boil.

Once the milk is hot, pour it over a tea infuser fIlled with Earl Grey loose leaf tea. 

Let it steep for 4 to 6 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger and slightly more bitter the tea will taste. You can dip a spoon and taste. If you want more tea flavor, steep another minute.

When you like the flavor, remove the infuser.

Step 2: Whisk in Hot Chocolate Powder.

Add the hot chocolate powder. If your cocoa is clumpy, sprinkle it through a small sieve or just stir with a spoon first.

Grab a whisk and stir until everything is smooth and glossy. There should be no dry powder floating on top or stuck at the sides.

If it's easier for you to follow a video tutorial, enjoy that here.

Truly, that's all it takes to greatly amplify your basic cup of hot chocolate.

Helpful Tips, Storage, & Quick FAQs

A few small tips make this drink almost foolproof.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Boiling the milk hard: This can scorch it and change the taste. Keep the heat low to medium-low and look for gentle steam, not big bubbles.
• Steeping the tea forever: Extra long steeping can taste harsh or bitter. Start with 4 to 6 minutes, then taste. If it is too strong, add a splash of plain milk.
• Clumpy cocoa on top: No one wants a powder island. Sprinkle your hot chocolate powder in slowly and whisk well. Sift if your cocoa is too lumpy.
• Not tasting as you go: Your taste buds matter more than any recipe. Sip and adjust sugar, hot chocolate powder, or steep time until it feels right.

Tiny tweaks fix most issues, so do not panic if the first mug is not perfect.

Can you make Earl Grey hot chocolate ahead of time?

Yes, you can.

Make a small batch, let it cool, and store it in a covered container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. When you are ready to drink it, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

After reheating, whisk or froth again to bring back some foam and smooth texture. Add your toppings only right before serving. Whipped cream and marshmallows do not store well.

We hope you're ready to enjoy the coziest drink around... because that's what you're going to have after following this recipe!