Earl Grey Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

If you can’t decide between a cocktail or a few sips of iced tea, then try the Earl Grey Martini for a bold, sweet and strong treat.

When it’s time for tea, the world must take a break with you. The everyday grind in our modern world has become so hectic and frantically paced, even the most laid-back and enjoyable professions can tire one out. Something like writing, which isn’t the most physically strenuous of professions, can melt your brain after a long day of spinning yarns. So a break in the middle of the day is most welcome, especially if it involves a relaxing cup of Earl Grey, hot, and maybe a little mousse cake or two.

Sometimes that tea break involves a little something extra in my cup, and I’m not talking about milk and sugar, either. The cocktail world has a few tea-based libations hanging around, and with a variety like Earl Grey, the bergamot present in the leaves pairs perfectly with the citrus that’s used in the drink we’ll be making tonight, the Earl Grey Martini.

The creation of this concoction is credited to mixologist Audrey Saunders, sometime around 2003. Originally called the Earl Grey MarTEAni, Saunders combined a tea-infused gin with lemon juice and simple syrup, crafting a beautifully bitter riff on the Gin Sour. The MarTEAni soon became a signature drink at her popular New York City bar, Pegu Club. Sadly, Pegu closed its doors in 2020.

The good news though, is that Earl Grey Martini continues to have a life of its own.

Is The Earl Grey Martini An Actual Martini?

This cocktail shares more in common with a Gin Sour than a Gin Martini. The latter traditionally contains vermouth along with the gin. That combination is the definitive recipe. A Vodka Martini is a very common and popular alternative, but many cocktail purists debate if that’s a “real” martini. James Bond would probably disagree.

What Is The Best Gin To Use In An Earl Grey Martini?

While there are brands that produce tea-infused gin, some of them might not be widely available, or could be a little on the pricier side. For our cocktail, we’ll keep things simple by using a crisp and strong London Dry gin, like a traditional Tanqueray, which is what the inventor of the Earl Grey Martini used when first serving it. The citrus and juniper notes will pair with the flavors of the tea, creating a taste that feels completely whole and balanced.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

You’ll want a cold, chilled and frosty cocktail coupe or martini glass to sip this drink out of. Pop your glassware in the freezer for about thirty minutes before pouring. Garnish with a lemon wedge or twist.

CAN YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE WITH VODKA INSTEAD OF GIN?

Of course. Just pick your preferred unflavored vodka and follow the recipe above. You’ll notice this version will be less complex-tasting, but just as balanced.

Similar Drinks To The Earl Grey Martini

The Earl Grey Martini has you contemplating the unexpected, but welcome, mixture of a tea-infused spirit. Perhaps there’s another cocktail you could make that might hit some of the same favorable spots on your taste buds. And if there aren’t many of those out there, Twist & Toast can also offer up some “tea”-inspired tipples that are just as strong and satisfying.

• Bergamot Iced Tea Cocktail – Vodka and Earl Grey tea are the perfect combo on a hot and lazy day.
• Long Island Iced Tea – This famous Iced Tea has everything but tea in it.
• White Tea Shot – This shooter is best for when you’re in the mood for something short and sweet.
• Japanese Highball – Mix green tea into this recipe to make a popular drink from Japan.