It’s easy to bash on the big bad corporations, but when Tazo (wholly-owned by Starbucks) upgraded its teas from fannings in fabric tea bags to whole leaf in sachets, they drastically improved their product. This updated Earl Grey is more on the smokey side than it is citrusy, and I appreciate that. If it was strong on the bergamot, it wouldn’t go as well with additions at the condiment bar, since Starbucks usually doesn’t have lemons handy. It also gives you the option of making it into a latte, where the smokiness shines.
Try it iced before the summer ends. Order it as follows:
“Short earl grey, 2 tea bags, venti cup of ice.” Make sure the water is filled to the top of the short cup, and make sure the venti cup is filled to the top with ice. Steep as recommended below, and add sweeteners (if desired) while hot. Once dissolved, pour over ice, and either add cold milk on top, or add more water to fill the cup up. Either way, it’ll be perfect! I have made this drink a couple of hundred times, without fail.
