In brief: An organic Russian Earl Grey black tea with notes of grapefruit, lemon and bergamot. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes at 212°F (100°C), using 12 to 15 g per litre, ideal for morning.
Imagine the scent of citrus zest released the moment hot water meets the leaves. Russian Earl Grey is that bright, sun-drenched aromatic signature, a vibrant twist on the classic Earl Grey, enriched with three natural citrus fruits rather than bergamot alone.
At Thés & Traditions, we selected an organic Assam black tea with full-bodied leaves capable of carrying these sunny aromas without being overshadowed by them. The result is a copper-hued cup, rounded and invigorating, dotted with marigold and cornflower petals that lend a delicate visual touch to every spoonful. Explore our black teas to go further into this richly aromatic family.
The Aromatic Profile of Russian Earl Grey
What is also known as "Earl Grey Russian style" sets itself apart through a three-citrus signature, where traditional Earl Grey relies on bergamot alone. This layering creates a rare complexity on the palate: bright without being sharp, fragrant without being sweet.
The top notes open on grapefruit, juicy and gently bitter, immediately followed by the freshness of lemon. At the heart, bergamot unfolds its characteristic floral scent, rounder and deeper. In the base, the organic Assam black tea asserts its malty warmth and full texture, the hallmark of great South Indian teas.
- Organic Assam black tea: malty structure, copper-hued liquor, rounded body, the ideal base to anchor the aromas
- Grapefruit: juicy top note, gently bitter and sun-warmed, the defining touch of the Russian style
- Lemon: lively freshness and bright acidity that energises the whole cup
- Bergamot: floral, fragrant heart note, the classic Earl Grey signature
- Organic marigold and cornflower petals: a golden and blue visual accent, with a subtle floral softness in the cup
This citrus trio is precisely what sets Russian Earl Grey apart from the classic, which plays on bergamot alone. If you enjoy this aromatic family, explore our classic Earl Grey for a purer take on British tradition, or try a floral variation with cornflower petals for something more mineral and delicate.
How to Brew Russian Earl Grey
Preparation makes all the difference: a flavoured black tea reveals its full palette when you respect temperature, quantity and steeping time. Here are our precise brewing guidelines to bring out the best in every cup.
Water: bring low-mineral water to 212°F (100°C), just as it reaches a full boil. Filtered or soft spring water lets the citrus aromas express themselves freely, without limescale interference or hardness masking the delicacy of the bergamot.
Quantity: use 12 to 15 grams of loose leaf per litre, roughly one heaped teaspoon per 7–8 fl oz (200–250 ml) cup. Too little and the liquor tastes flat; too much and the Assam base turns harsh, bringing out unwanted bitterness.
Steeping time: steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on the strength you prefer. Three minutes gives a bright, airy cup where the citrus notes take centre stage. Five minutes brings a fuller, maltier infusion where the Assam character comes forward. Beyond that, astringent notes develop and disturb the overall balance.
Hot brewing: pour the boiling water over the leaves in a pre-warmed teapot, cover during steeping to preserve the volatile aromatic compounds from the citrus essential oils. Remove the leaves immediately once your chosen time is reached, and serve in a fine porcelain cup that will faithfully render the aromatic palette.
Iced brewing: double the quantity, steep for 4 minutes hot, then pour over crushed ice for a modern take on a classic Russian iced tea. A refreshing summer recipe that brings the citrus notes to life, delicious with a slice of fresh lemon or a drizzle of agave syrup. Choosing a black tea for your mood and moment? Our complete guide will help you find your way.
Storage
To preserve the aromatic richness of this Russian Earl Grey black tea, packaged in our workshop in a resealable kraft bag, keep it away from light, moisture and strong odours. An airtight metal or ceramic caddy, stored in a dry cupboard at room temperature, is the ideal way to keep the citrus essential oils intact for several months.
Avoid the refrigerator, which transfers moisture and unwanted aromas each time the bag is opened. For the best experience, enjoy within 18 months of opening, while the bergamot and grapefruit are still at their peak. Savour your black tea as a daily ritual, always at its freshest.
Fond of bergamot? Browse our whole selection of Earl Grey teas as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Russian Earl Grey taste like?
Russian Earl Grey combines the malty warmth of an Assam black tea with a trio of citrus fruits: grapefruit, lemon and bergamot. The cup is bright and fragrant, balanced between the depth of the black tea and the sunny lift of natural citrus.
How do you brew Russian Earl Grey?
Use 12 to 15 g of loose leaf per litre of water at 212°F (100°C). Steep for 3 to 5 minutes to your preferred strength. Cover during steeping to preserve the citrus aromas, then strain and enjoy in the morning.
What are the ingredients in Russian Earl Grey?
Our organic Russian Earl Grey contains South Indian Assam black tea, marigold petals, natural flavourings of grapefruit, lemon and bergamot, and cornflower petals. All botanical ingredients are organically grown.
What is the difference from classic Earl Grey?
Traditional Earl Grey is flavoured with bergamot alone. Russian Earl Grey enriches that base with two additional citrus fruits: grapefruit and lemon. The result is more complex, sunnier and brighter on the palate.
Where can I buy organic loose-leaf Russian Earl Grey?
Thés & Traditions offers this Russian-style tea in loose-leaf form, personally selected by Julien Huot from our range of organic black teas. You can also read our green tea vs black tea guide to help you choose based on your preferred moment for tasting.
