Easy Nordic Earl Grey Iced Tea Recipe – Healthy & Vegan Option

Quebec summer calls for freshness, shared moments and flavors that tell the story of our land.

At Floèm, we believe deeply in the power of local plants to awaken the senses and create moments of pure happiness. With this philosophy in mind, we invite you today to rediscover a classic in a new light: a drink that combines timeless elegance with a northern character.

Prepare to succumb to our Earl Grey Iced Tea Pitcher recipe, a thirst-quenching and refined concoction, featuring our exceptional Earl Grey Lemon & Wild Bergamot Black Tea .

Let the delicate citrus notes and comforting robustness of black tea, enhanced by the unique touch of wild bergamot, enchant your sunny afternoons. An invitation to enjoy, simple to make, perfect for sharing.

Dive into the cool of the boreal with our revisited Earl Grey iced tea

Floèm invites you to discover the essence of Quebec's wild landscapes through its blends of teas and infusions.

Guaranteed to contain no added flavors, our products reveal nature in its purest form. To create authentic and memorable taste experiences, we meticulously select local ingredients, including sometimes forgotten treasures of our flora.

Our Earl Grey iced tea recipe reinvents this great British classic by infusing it with a true northern soul.

At the heart of this creation: our Earl Grey black tea , where local wild bergamot unfolds a unique aromatic complexity. A touch of thuja from our forests adds a distinctive coniferous freshness, a signature of our terroir. For liveliness, we have selected an organic lemon , valued in Quebec through a circular economy approach.

Imagine an iced tea that's not only refreshing, but also vibrant with subtle aromas—a true treat for the palate. Ready to capture the spirit of the forest in your glass?

The treasures you need for your pitcher of boreal Earl Grey iced tea

To make about 1 liter of this frozen delight, gather

• 1 liter (4 cups) of freshly filtered water

• 5 teaspoons (or 4 to 5 bags) of Floèm Earl Grey Lemon & Wild Bergamot Black Tea

To sweeten (optional – adjust to taste) :

• Maple syrup, honey or cane sugar of your choice

Toppings (optional) :

• Fresh lemon or orange slices

• A few leaves of fresh mint or lemon balm

• Ice cubes in abundance

Easy preparation of Nordic iced tea

The key to successful iced tea lies in a mastered infusion:

1. Heat the water
Bring 500 ml (2 cups) of water to a simmer (about 100°C / 212°F ).
If you use a variable temperature kettle, this is ideal.
Caution: Water that is too hot could make the tea bitter.

2. Brew the tea
Pour hot water over the Floèm Earl Grey Lemon & Wild Bergamot Black Tea leaves
in a heat-resistant teapot or pitcher.
Let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes .
Do not exceed this time to avoid bitterness.

3. Remove the tea
Strain the tea leaves or remove the bags.

4. Sweeten (if desired)
Add your sweetener while the infusion is still hot, for better dissolution.

5. Cool
Let the tea concentrate cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes .
Then you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

6. Dilute and assemble
Once the tea concentrate has cooled completely, pour it into your serving pitcher .
Add the remaining 500 ml (2 cups) of cold water.
Stir well.

7. Serve
Fill glasses with ice cubes . Pour the Earl Grey iced tea over the ice cubes.
Garnish with lemon slices , mint leaves , or small boreal berries , if desired. Enjoy immediately!

It's up to you to choose your preferred method!

There are several techniques for preparing your iced tea infusion. Whether you prefer a classic hot-then-chilled infusion , a slow cold infusion for extra sweetness, or other creative methods , each offers a unique taste experience.

To explore these different approaches and find the one that suits you best,
We invite you to consult our dedicated article: Discover our tips for perfect iced tea.

Recipe and preparation for an individual portion

My Nordic Express Earl Grey Iced Tea (1 glass)

Ingredients

• 250 ml filtered water (divided)

• 1 to 1.5 tsp (or 1 tea bag ) of Floèm Earl Grey Lemon & Wild Bergamot Black Tea

• To sweeten (optional) :
  1 tsp maple syrup,
  1 tsp cane sugar,
  or a few drops of stevia / monk fruit
  (or nature)

• Topping (optional) :
  Lemon or orange slice,
  Mint leaf

• Ice

Quick preparation

1. Concentrated infusion
Heat 125 ml of water to 100°C (ideal for black tea).
Pour over the tea and let it steep for 4 to 5 minutes (no more!)

2. Filter & sweeten
Remove the tea.
Add your chosen sweetener to the hot concentrate, if desired, and mix well.

3. Cool
Let cool for a few minutes at room temperature,
or place in the refrigerator to speed up cooling.

4. Assemble & Serve
In a glass filled with ice cubes , pour the cooled tea concentrate .
Add the remaining 125 ml of cold water .
Stir, garnish to your taste... and enjoy!

Enhance your Earl Grey iced tea: Our secrets and delicious variations

This recipe is a wonderful base, but feel free to adapt it to your tastes!

Sweet version

➤ Classic Version (the Quebec touch)
Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of good quality maple syrup or honey.

➤ Cane sugar version
For 1 liter of preparation , add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of cane sugar while the tea is still hot to help it dissolve.
Stir thoroughly with a spoon.
Feel free to adjust the quantity according to your taste.

Healthy and vegan version without refined sugar

As mentioned, you can enjoy your tea plain to fully appreciate the purity of the aromas of wild bergamot and thuja .

• Maple syrup and agave syrup are naturally vegan and great options.

• If you are watching your sugar intake, stevia , monk fruit or erythritol are good alternatives.

Natural sweetness tip: Infuse a few slices of pear with your tea,
or add a dash of pure apple juice to the final preparation.

Aromatic variations

Subtle floral touch

For a delicate floral note, add a few dried rose petals or a pinch of dried linden flowers directly to your tea while brewing.

Revitalizing citrus burst

Stir in the zest of an orange or grapefruit while brewing to intensify the citrus notes. For extra vibrancy, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into your pitcher once the tea has steeped and cooled.

Sparkling and festive version

Just before serving, replace some of the cold water with plain sparkling water , or why not, citrus-flavored sparkling water. Festive effect guaranteed!

Elegant presentation

Serve your iced tea in pretty glasses with a reusable straw and a sprig of mint . For a sophisticated visual touch, freeze citrus zest into your ice cubes.

Did you know?

Earl Grey black tea is appreciated not only for its unique taste, but also because bergamot is known for its soothing and antioxidant properties . A pleasure that feels good!

A torrent of boreal freshness to share

There you have it, your pitcher of Nordic-style Earl Grey iced tea is ready to brighten up your days ! Simple to make, elegant, and bursting with authentic flavors , it's the perfect drink to quench your thirst in style or impress your guests at your next gathering.

Each sip is an invitation to celebrate the generous nature of Quebec.

We'd love to hear what you think of this recipe! Feel free to share your thoughts , your own tips , or your photos of your iced tea by tagging us on social media .

And why not explore the Floèm universe further? Discover other inspiring recipes on our blog , or let yourself be tempted by our unique selection of boreal teas and infusions on our online store .

Your Frequently Asked Questions About Earl Grey Iced Tea

How long can I keep this homemade Earl Grey iced tea?

Your iced tea will keep well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. The flavors may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe with another type of Floèm tea?

Absolutely! While Earl Grey is a classic iced tea, experiment with our English Breakfast, Fir & Cranberry black tea for an ultra-refreshing version, or even some of our fruity infusions like Balsam Fir & Cacao for caffeine-free options. Adjust the steeping time accordingly.

Why is my iced tea sometimes cloudy?

It's quite common for iced tea to appear slightly cloudy, and it's not always a problem! Often, this is simply due to the valuable nutrients and soluble compounds in the tea leaching into the water. However, cooling hot tea too quickly (by plunging a lot of ice into it at once) can exacerbate this. For best clarity, let your brew cool gradually to room temperature. Very hard water can also sometimes play a role.

What is the best way to sweeten my iced tea for a healthy option?

For a healthier option, it's best to leave out the sugar altogether or use natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Maple syrup, while natural and delicious, contains sugar. Infused fruit can also add a subtle sweetness.

Is Earl Grey tea naturally good for making iced tea?

Yes, Earl Grey is a great choice for iced tea! Its citrus notes from lemon are especially refreshing when served cold. Our version with wild bergamot and lemon is specially designed to shine as an iced tea.

How do I prevent my iced tea from becoming bitter?

For iced black tea without bitterness, there are two key points to consider. Regarding water temperature, water at 100°C (just after boiling) is ideal for black tea, which differs from some more delicate herbal teas. However, the most determining factor is the brewing time. Be careful not to exceed this: 4 to 5 minutes is sufficient. If you want a more pronounced flavor, increase the quantity of tea leaves instead of extending the brewing time, as brewing too long develops bitterness.