Have you had anything as decadent, creamy, and refreshing as an Earl Grey hot chocolate!? Earl Grey and chocolate is such an underrated and delicious flavor combination that is heavenly. It’s the perfect drink for a cozy afternoon treat or to impress your friends!

This Earl Grey hot cocoa is so easy to make and you can make it all in one pot, no extra dishes! It’s time to indulge in a rich, velvety hot cocoa.

Here’s how to make a creamy Earl Grey hot chocolate at home!

What is Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey tea is a black tea blend that’s infused with bergamot, a citrus fruit known for its bright, slightly floral, and bitter aroma. The bergamot gives Earl Grey its signature flavor: fragrant, bold black tea and a punch of citrusy sweetness. It’s one of the most popular flavored teas worldwide; it’s a timeless classic that appeals to both traditional and general tea lovers.

While traditionally made with black tea, modern variations of Earl Grey can include green tea, rooibos, or even herbal blends, all infused with bergamot. This versatility makes it a great tea to experiment with in recipes like Earl Grey hot chocolate. But not all tea is made the same!

Looseleaf vs. Tea Bag

Looseleaf is often the superior choice when it comes to Earl Grey tea (or just tea in general). Looseleaf tea typically contains higher-quality leaves (compared to the tea dust in tea bags), resulting in a richer, fuller flavor. You can control the strength of your brew by adjusting the amount of tea and steeping time. Plus, looseleaf tea often has fewer additives, making it a purer option for recipes like hot chocolate.

That said, tea bags are undeniably convenient. All you need to do is open the tea bag and dunk it right into hot water; no measuring or cleanup necessary. However, tea bags often use small, low-quality tea particles or artificial flavors, resulting in a less flavorful and robust brew than looseleaf tea. Look for brands that use whole leaves and natural bergamot flavoring for the best results.

If you’re short on time or don’t have a tea strainer, a good-quality Earl Grey tea bag will work just fine in your Earl Grey hot cocoa.

What is in an Earl Grey Hot Chocolate?

This Earl Grey hot cocoa combines brewed Earl Grey tea with dark chocolate, creating a rich, creamy drink with a citrusy twist. The key ingredients include strong Earl Grey tea, milk (or your preferred non-dairy alternative), high-quality cocoa powder, dark chocolate, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and a touch of salt to balance the flavors. I also add some homemade brown sugar whipped cream on top to enhance the overall creaminess.

This special hot chocolate is indulgent yet refreshing and perfect for sipping on a chilly evening or as a cozy afternoon treat.

What Does an Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Taste Like?

An Earl Grey hot chocolate tastes like a mature version of those chocolate-covered orange candies! Earl grey hot cocoa has a nice creamy cocoa flavor that blends really nicely with the tea. The bergamot in Earl Grey gives the hot cocoa a subtle citrusy twist, making it feel lighter and more aromatic than traditional hot chocolate.

The tea also brings out a really fruity characteristic in the chocolate, which makes it fun to drink! It’s the same fruity flavor you taste most prominently in 60% dark chocolate compared to the more bitter flavor profile in 72%+.

Do Tea and Hot Chocolate Go Together?

You might not think tea and hot chocolate would pair well, but they’re surprisingly complementary. Tea, especially black teas like Earl Grey, brings a slightly tannic, sometimes floral or fresh, flavor that balances the intensity of chocolate. The combination creates a rich but not cloying drink with a depth that’s hard to achieve with just cocoa alone.

If you’ve ever had a tea-infused dessert, you’ll know how well the flavors can work together. My favorite tea and chocolate pairing is genmaicha, or roasted brown rice tea, with milk chocolate. But how do Earl Grey and chocolate complement each other?

Does Earl Grey Pair with Chocolate?

Earl Grey and chocolate make a fantastic duo. As mentioned, the bergamot in Earl Grey adds a citrusy, floral flavor that makes chocolate taste less bitter. Dark chocolate is often the go-to choice when pairing with Earl Grey because their flavors complement each other well.

However, milk chocolate’s creamy sweetness can also work beautifully, especially if you want a softer, dessert-like drink. You can even try using white chocolate for a lighter, less intense Earl Grey hot chocolate! Earl Grey is such a versatile tea, and you can pair it with many different flavors.

What Does Earl Grey Go Well With?

Earl Grey pairs well with flavors that highlight its citrusy, floral notes. Lavender and vanilla are classic companions and are often added to Earl Grey tea to create the popular London Fog, but it also works well with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

In desserts, Earl Grey complements creamy ingredients like custards, creams, and chocolates and tastes amazing in tea-flavored cakes, macarons, and ice creams. So, naturally, Earl Grey is amazing in hot chocolate!

Best Chocolate to Use

Like most ingredients, the more whole and unprocessed it is, the better it tastes. Opt for high-quality chocolate from a bar or sables for the best Earl Grey hot chocolate.

Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content is a great choice if you prefer a bittersweet flavor. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, good milk chocolate can create a creamier, sweeter drink. You can find chocolate bars or sables in any grocery store in the baking aisle.

However, chocolate may not always be accessible, so if you have hot cocoa powder, sweetened chocolate powder, or another version of chocolate, use it. You’ll still get a delicious drink, just perhaps not as cocoa-forward.

How to Make Earl Grey Hot Chocolate

Here’s what you’ll need to make an amazing Earl Grey hot chocolate at home:

• 2 tbsp Earl Grey loose-leaf tea (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate (50g or 3 Ghiradelli squares worth)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• a small pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cocoa powder

Earl Grey Hot Chocolate Recipe

1. Make Earl Grey milk. In a saucepan, add Earl Grey tea, brown sugar, and hot water. Let steep for 1-2 minutes. Add in milk and heat over medium heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the milk turns medium brown.
2. Add chocolate. Once milk is hot, add chocolate and cocoa powder and whisk until dissolved.
3. Add vanilla. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Assemble drink. Strain and pour Earl Grey hot chocolate into a mug and top it with whipped cream if desired. Shave chocolate on top to garnish!
5. Mix and enjoy!

Can I Use Instant Hot Cocoa?

Yes, you can use instant hot cocoa if you’re short on time, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Instant mixes tend to be sweeter and less rich than homemade hot cocoa, so the Earl Grey flavor might not stand out as much. To balance this, use a strong brew of Earl Grey tea and consider adding a dash of cocoa powder to deepen the flavor.

If you go this route, look for a high-quality instant mix with minimal additives. Adding your own twist, like a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon, can elevate the drink and make it feel more homemade. But for the best results, making your hot cocoa from scratch is worth the extra effort.

Tips:

Here are some tips for making a rich Earl Grey hot chocolate at home!

• Use whole milk or a creamy alternative: The creamier the milk, the more indulgent your hot cocoa will be. Oat milk or coconut milk are great non-dairy options. For an extra creamy texture, you can use half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream.
• Experiment with chocolate: Try a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a balanced flavor. Even white chocolate could be an interesting twist!
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can enhance the drink’s cozy vibes.