Indulge in a Sophisticated Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer
Picture yourself on a warm summer evening with a refreshing drink in hand. Now imagine that drink being a sparkling Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer – the perfect balance of tea and bubbles for any occasion. This cocktail is easy to prepare yet creates a delicious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
As a sommelier, I have discovered that Earl Grey tea is not only a delightful hot beverage but also an excellent ingredient in cocktails. The subtle but distinct flavor of bergamot in the tea pairs perfectly with the crispness of Champagne or Prosecco. In this recipe, we’ll use an Earl Grey simple syrup to create a grey infused champagne spritzer that’s sure to impress guests at any gathering.
This concoction has gained popularity in recent years, especially among those who enjoy craft cocktails and alcoholic drinks with a twist. Bobby Flay himself shared his version of this recipe on the Food Network, with his spoon adding just the right amount of sweetness to the mixture.
Whether you’re a tea lover or champagne enthusiast, this cocktail is one to try. The blend of flavors and sensation of bubbles dance elegantly on your palette, making it the perfect drink for indulging on either on your own or in good company. So let’s dive into it and start creating this mouth-watering Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ah, dear reader, do let me entice you with the most delightful cocktail recipe for your next party or gathering. The Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer is a true treat for any refined palate, combining the classic elegance of champagne with the delicate floral notes of earl grey tea.
Why will you love this recipe, you ask? Well, let me count the ways. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make. With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps to follow, even the most novice mixologist can create this delicious concoction.
Secondly, it’s an absolute crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t love champagne? And when mixed with the refreshing taste of earl grey tea and zingy lemon slices, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning guests. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply relaxing in the sun on a lazy afternoon.
Furthermore, this cocktail is versatile in its serving options. You can dress it up in a fancy champagne flute garnished with thin slices of lemon and enjoy it as a sophisticated beverage. Or, you can keep it casual by adding some ice cubes into a glass and sipping it as a refreshing iced tea on a hot summer day.
Lastly, this cocktail has many variations and adaptations that you can play around with to suit your own specific taste preferences. For instance, if you like sweeter cocktails, try adding honey syrup instead of simple syrup. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, infuse some gin with earl grey tea for an extra boost of flavor.
So there you have it – the Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer is truly an exquisite drink that everyone should have in their repertoire of delicious cocktails. Trust me when I say that once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredient List
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 thin lemon slices
- Bobby Flay spoon (3 tablespoons) of cold Earl Grey Simple Syrup
- Syrup champagne flute to garnish: thin slice of lemon
Recommended Champagne and Wine
- Champagne or prosecco top off the cocktail
- Treaty Paris for best champagne and wine spritzer recipes.
Additional Flavors and Variations
Want to add some extra flair to your cocktail? Try:
- Infused gin – add ½ ounce per drink.
- Ginger – juice 1-2 thin slices, add to the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Lemon peel – garnish with a twist of lemon zest or a small curl of fresh lemon peel.
- Fresh Blueberries – Muddle blueberries in honey syrup, then add sparkling wine or champagne to top, and ice cubes. Great for a grey infused blueberry wine spritzer.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the Earl Grey Simple Syrup
To start creating this delicious cocktail recipe, make the Earl Grey simple syrup by mixing together 1 cup of sugar, 2 Earl Grey tea bags, and 2 cups of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved, then remove it from heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
After that, remove the tea bags and transfer the syrup to a sterilized glass jar. This mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 2: Assemble the Cocktail
To assemble the cocktail, prepare a cocktail shaker by filling it with ice. Then, add 1 ounce of infused gin (if desired) and ½ ounce of Earl Grey Simple Syrup into the shaker.
Next, add a splash of lemon juice (about 1-2 teaspoons) and shake everything together for about 10 seconds until well combined.
Step 3: Strain and Pour
Using a cocktail strainer, strain this mixture into a champagne flute until it’s about one-third full.
Then, top up with some dry champagne or prosecco before adding another splash of infused blueberry wine, or another sparkling wine of your preference.
Finally, give everything a gentle stir before garnishing with a fresh lemon peel or zest and /or an Earl Grey Honey Simple-Syrup Champagne Flute garnish thin slice lemon.
Substitutions and Variations
Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer is a delightful cocktail that can be modified to suit your preferences. If you want to switch things up, here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to try:
1. Earl Grey Variation: Use other types of tea bags, like English Breakfast or Darjeeling, for a different flavor profile.
2. Gin Fizz Version: Ditch the champagne and use gin instead. Shake 1 1/2 ounces of earl grey infused gin, 3/4 ounce of simple syrup, and the juice of half a lemon with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water.
3. French 75 Version: Swap out the champagne for dry champagne or prosecco and add 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a champagne glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
4. Blueberry Wine Spritzer Version: Infuse gin with blueberries by muddling fresh berries in the bottom of a shaker, then adding 2 ounces of gin and shaking for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes and top it off with Treaty Paris Blueberry Wine.
5. Honey Syrup Variation: Use honey simple syrup instead of regular simple syrup for a subtle sweetness that complements the earl grey tea perfectly.
Experimenting with these substitutions and variations will take this classic earl grey spritzer recipe to new heights, providing you with an exciting array of delicious cocktails that will cater to every palate.
Serving and Pairing
The Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer is a perfect summer drink that can be served at any celebration to add an exquisite touch. This refreshing and light cocktail can be paired with various dishes, making it versatile for different occasions.
Serve this grey spritzer recipe as an aperitif before a meal, or along with delicious light appetizers such as bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or fresh summer rolls. The effervescence of the sparkling wine in this drink cuts through the richness of these appetizers beautifully.
If serving as a dessert drink, pair the cocktail with lemon tartlets, fresh fruit bowls, or mixed berry tarts. The citrusy and floral notes from the earl grey tea infused in this drink will complement the tangy flavors of these desserts perfectly.
For a savory pairing, serve this drink alongside seafood dishes such as seared scallops, grilled shrimp skewers or baked salmon with a citrus glaze. The subtle smokiness from the earl grey tea will bring out the flavors of these dishes while refreshing your palate.
Perhaps you are looking for non-alcoholic options to serve with this refreshing beverage. For lighter alternatives, this grey champagne spritzer pairs perfectly with iced tea or lemonade. The sweetness from honey simple syrup in this recipe blends well with fresh-squeezed lemon juice to make the perfect glass of iced tea.
In conclusion, with its delicate flavor profile and effervescence, the Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer can be served alongside a variety of foods and enjoyed on its own. Experiment with different pairings to find your ideal combination, as there is no limit to what you can create with recipes like these best champagne cocktail recipes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
To make your life easier when hosting a party, you can definitely make the Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer in advance. First, brew the tea according to the recipe instructions and let it cool down to room temperature. Then, make the honey simple syrup and let it chill in the refrigerator. Once both components are ready, simply mix them together and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve, just strain the champagne spritzer mixture into your champagne flutes, top with some sparkling wine or prosecco, and garnish with a thin slice of lemon. You can prepare the lemon slices ahead of time as well and just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
This make-ahead method not only saves you time, but also allows you to enjoy your own party without worrying too much about preparing drinks for everyone. Plus, you won’t need to spend much time reheating or recrafting this cocktail – it will still taste fresh and delicious even when made ahead of time!
You can also store any leftover Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer in the fridge for up to two days. Just make sure you cover it tightly with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and spoilage. When you’re ready to drink it again, shake the container gently to re-mix all of the ingredients and re-craft your cocktail if needed.
Overall, these storage tips help ensure that you have a batch of delicious cocktails on hand for whenever company comes by – which is perfect if you want to host more spontaneous gatherings or surprise guests regularly!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure a perfect Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer, there are some tips that should be noted. One of the most important tips is to use cold Earl Grey simple syrup when making the cocktail. This guarantees that the sugars in the syrup dissolve properly and that the flavors of the ingredients mix together seamlessly.
Another important tip is to chill all of your ingredients before starting the recipe, including the champagne or prosecco, fresh lemon juice, and Earl Grey tea. This ensures that every single ingredient in your cocktail is at its optimal temperature for blending.
When assembling your cocktail, use a cocktail shaker to blend your ingredients together. Shaking your cocktail helps ensure that all of your ingredients are well mixed and that there’s amalgamation between them.
Finally, when it’s time to serve, make sure to garnish with a thin lemon slice or strips of lemon zest for an added touch of flavor and dimension to your drink. The visual appeal this will add to your drink is a significant factor as well.
By following these steps and using only the best quality ingredients, you can make sure that your Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer will taste as good as it looks. These easy-to-follow tips will help you create delicious cocktails that everyone will enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing yet elegant cocktail. Its unique blend of cold Earl Grey tea, honey simple syrup, and sparkling wine gives it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other spritzer recipes. The spritzer is easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s preferences.
This drink not only tastes good but also looks amazing in a champagne flute, making it a great option for entertaining guests. It is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a dinner party or a simple brunch. With the addition of lemon slices and zest, the drink becomes even more festive and visually appealing.
Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe next time you’re looking for something new to try. You won’t regret it! Cheers to spritzer recipes best enjoyed with Treaty Paris’ Earl Grey tea cocktail!
Earl Grey Champagne Spritzer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 earl grey tea bags
- 10 ounces champagne, very cold
- 2 thin lemon slices
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in 1 cup water and bring to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture turns syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Place the tea bags in the saucepan and let the mixture come to room temperature. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. (Syrup will keep up to one month stored in the refrigerator in a container with a tight fitting lid.).
- Spoon 3 tablespoons of the cold Earl Grey simple syrup into each Champagne flute. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon.
- Carefully pour 5 ounces of champagne or wine into each flute.