Earl Grey Blood Orange Cocktail

This Earl Grey Blood Orange Tea Cocktail combines the floral notes of Earl Grey with the vibrant tang of blood oranges for a sophisticated and refreshing drink. The addition of gin gives it just the right amount of warmth and complexity, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or evening relaxation.

I first created this cocktail for a winter brunch when blood oranges were at their peak. The gorgeous ruby color transformed a simple gathering into something special, and now friends specifically request it whenever they visit during citrus season.

Ingredients

• Earl Grey Tea: brings bergamot notes that pair beautifully with the citrus. Look for high-quality tea bags or loose leaf tea for the best flavor
• Blood Oranges: provides stunning color and complex sweetness with hints of raspberry. Choose fruits that feel heavy for their size
• Gin: adds botanical complexity. A London Dry style works well, but feel free to experiment with citrus-forward gins
• Sugar: balances the tartness. Use superfine sugar for quicker dissolving
• Ice Cubes: essential for proper chilling. Large cubes melt slower and prevent dilution
• Blood Orange Slices and Mint: not just pretty garnishes but add aromatic elements that enhance the drinking experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brew the Perfect Tea:

Start with fresh cold water brought to a proper boil for black tea. Steep exactly 3-5 minutes. Any longer will extract bitter tannins. Allow the tea to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes before refrigerating to prevent cloudiness.

Extract the Juice:

Cut blood oranges in half and juice them. For maximum yield, roll the oranges on the countertop with firm pressure before cutting. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds. Fresh juice makes all the difference in this cocktail.

Mix the Cocktail:

Combine chilled tea, strained blood orange juice, gin, and sugar in a pitcher. Stir thoroughly for at least 30 seconds to ensure the sugar fully dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. The cocktail should have a perfect balance between sweet, tart, and bitter notes.

Serve with Style:

Fill glasses with quality ice, preferably larger cubes. Pour the cocktail mixture over ice, leaving about half an inch at the top. The ice will slightly dilute the drink, opening up the flavors.

Garnish Thoughtfully:

Add a thin slice of blood orange to each glass, slightly pressing it against the side. Lightly clap a sprig of mint between your palms to release the oils before adding to the glass. These aromatics enhance the sensory experience.

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The bergamot in Earl Grey tea is what makes this cocktail truly special. This citrus fruit from Italy gives the tea its distinctive floral quality that other black teas simply cannot replicate. When I serve this at gatherings, people always ask what makes it taste so unique.

Seasonal Considerations

Blood oranges have a relatively short season, typically available from December through May, with the best quality fruits appearing in January and February. Outside of blood orange season, you can substitute with a mixture of regular orange juice and a small amount of pomegranate juice to mimic both the flavor complexity and color. The result won't be identical but will capture the spirit of the cocktail.

Non-Alcoholic Variation

This cocktail converts beautifully to a non-alcoholic version. Simply replace the gin with tonic water or sparkling water for effervescence. For a more complex flavor profile that mimics the botanical notes of gin, add a splash of non-alcoholic bitter like Seedlip Garden 108 or a few drops of orange blossom water. The resulting mocktail maintains the sophisticated flavor profile while being appropriate for all guests.

Make-Ahead Tips

For entertaining, prepare the Earl Grey tea up to three days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The blood orange juice can be squeezed the morning of your event, but not much earlier as citrus juices tend to become bitter after 24 hours. Keep the complete mixture without ice for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. For the best presentation, add ice and garnishes just before serving to maintain the vibrant color and prevent dilution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply omit the gin for a delicious mocktail version. You can add a splash of tonic water or sparkling water to maintain the refreshing effervescence if desired.

→ What can I substitute for blood oranges when they're not in season?

Regular oranges make a good substitute, though the color will be less dramatic. Ruby red grapefruit juice or a combination of regular orange juice with a splash of pomegranate juice can approximate the color and tangy flavor.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this cocktail?

You can prepare the tea and juice mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the gin just before serving, and pour over fresh ice with garnishes for the best flavor and presentation.

→ What type of gin works best in this cocktail?

A London Dry gin with botanical notes complements the Earl Grey tea beautifully. However, citrus-forward gins also pair exceptionally well with the blood orange flavors. Avoid overly juniper-heavy gins that might overpower the delicate tea notes.

→ Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, honey makes an excellent substitute for sugar in this cocktail. Dissolve 1-1.5 tablespoons of honey in a small amount of hot water first to ensure it blends smoothly with the cold ingredients.

→ How do I get the most juice from blood oranges?

For maximum juice extraction, bring the oranges to room temperature before juicing. Roll them firmly on the countertop with the palm of your hand to break down the internal membranes before cutting and squeezing.