Are you ready to make a botanical twist on a classic cocktail with citrus, florals, and a tea-steeped backbone?
It all started with a cooled-down (AKA forgotten so it got cold) mug of Earl Grey tea and some homemade orange blossom water while I was playing with recipes one day. One sip later, I knew I had to create something that combined those two elegant flavors into a cocktail worthy of afternoon tea—or at least an excuse to pretend I was at one.
Enter the Orange Blossom Earl Grey French 75—a sparkling drink that’s light and floral, with that unmistakable bergamot-tea base (my favorite flavor, especially while pregnant with my youngest) and just a whisper of orange blossom (too much and you will be eating soap).
It’s everything I love about a French 75, but with a grown-up, botanical upgrade. This one’s for the brunch lovers, garden party hosts, and anyone who wants to feel just a little bit fancy on a Tuesday, like my cousin and I when we were perfecting this recipe.
And if you have been trying to find an Earl Grey cocktail recipe that holds onto that bergamot flavor and isn’t overpowered by orange or lemon, this is for you.
Why You’ll Love It
- Balanced & botanical – Just enough sweetness, with bright citrus and floral lift
- Easy to batch – Prep the syrup and you’re halfway there
- Elegant without effort – Looks stunning, tastes even better
Serve this one when you want something a little different but totally sophisticated. Think afternoon picnics, brunches, bridal showers… or really any time you want a cocktail that whispers, not shouts.
Orange Blossom Earl Grey French 75 Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin (try a citrus-forward or floral variety)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz Earl Grey syrup*
- ¼ oz orange blossom water
- 3 oz chilled sparkling wine or champagne
- Optional garnish: Orange twist, edible flower, or sprig of lavender
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice, Earl Grey syrup (recipe below), and orange blossom water.
- Shake until well chilled (about 15 seconds).
- Strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top with sparkling wine (you can give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors more)
- Garnish with an orange twist, dried orange wheel or edible flower.
Orange Blossom Earl Grey Sparkler (Mocktail Version)
This non-alcoholic version is just as lovely and refreshing. It swaps the gin and champagne for bubbles and bold tea flavor, making it a perfect pick for baby showers or sunny afternoons when you want the vibe without the booze.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz Earl Grey syrup* (or 1 oz strong brewed tea, cooled)
- ¼ oz orange blossom water (start small- you can always add more)
- 3–4 oz chilled sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine (personally, I’d stick to soda water)
- Optional garnish: Orange twist or edible flower
Instructions:
- Combine lemon juice, Earl Grey syrup (or tea), and orange blossom water in a shaker or glass with ice.
- Shake or stir to chill.
- Strain into a flute or coupe.
- Top with sparkling water or NA wine.
- Garnish as desired.
