by Hilarybee
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jvcooks's Testing Notes:
Expand CollapseHilarybee's Notes:
Expand1 cup Granulated Sugar Ask a question about this ingredient
1 cup water Ask a question about this ingredient
1 Vanilla Bean Ask a question about this ingredient
3-4 Bags of Earl Grey tea Ask a question about this ingredient
Seltzer Water Ask a question about this ingredient
Half and Half or Whole Milk Ask a question about this ingredient
To make the simple syrup, combine the vanilla bean and sugar in a small saucepan. Rub the vanilla bean in the sugar, until the mixture is fragrant. Add the earl grey tea and water. If you want extra earl grey oomph, use four bags of tea. I like to use three, for just a hint of bergamot. Heat on medium low and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat, and use tongs to remove the tea bags. Leaving the tea bags in the mixture will make the syrup bitter. Allow syrup to cool before using. I like to let it sit overnight.
Ask a question about this stepTo make the soda: Fill an 8 oz glass 3/4ths full with seltzer water. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup syrup, depending on desired sweetness. Top with half and half.
Ask a question about this stepI'm glad you enjoyed it. If I do loose leaf, I actually grind it in my spice grinder and put it in a big tea bag. I think more flavor comes out that way. A cheaper, stronger tea might work well here. I've used regular old Twinnings several times and had good success.
I've never heard of Chinese Monastery- is it a type of tea or a cocktail? I hope you give my recipe a try and report back!
Chinese Monastery is a beautiful tasting tea, with vanilla and some floral ingredient. It comes from St. John's Herb Garden in Maryland. Years ago we sold it and all I've had of it since is memories. EG de la Creme (my mistake below) is the closest I've come. They are romantic without being sweet, just elegant. EG, the original, is a constant, and sometimes I add some Lapsang Souchong to it -- just a pinch, since the smoky taste is potent.
I get an Earl Grey called John Grey Earl Tea from Wilmington Tea company that I really, really like. My local tea shop has a "creamy Earl Grey" that I also like, it seems to have more blue cornflower in it than most other EG tea I've had.
Okay, so it is actually called "Lord John Grey". Here's a link. http://www.oldwilmingtontea.com/Lord-John-Grey
I drink "Earl Grey a la Creme" and used to be able to find "Chinese Monastery." They fit this flavor profile, and I'll be delighted to have a summer fizz on the theme.
I love earl grey and this sounds delicious!
This drink was lovely. My Earl Grey (loose) didn't come through distinctly, and the first impression was that it tastes like root beer (an old favorite). I'm going to tinker with it a little more, but was very good just the way I made it. Thank you for an inspiring soda, and gateway to more.
I looked at the Old Wilmington Tea Company -- makes me wonder if we will live long enough to try all that we wish to!