Because, if it is, you’re in for a treat today. Earlier this week, I was drinking my umpteenth London Fog with my colleague Lindsay at High Tea and I said something like “I seriously have an Earl Grey addiction. I should write about it.” And here we are.
I’ve been a fan of the Earl since forever. It’s such a lovely thing to be a fan of, I think. It reminds me of comfort and calmness, but it also reminds me of sitting with my mom and aunty as they would steep a pot and enjoy an afternoon of conversation. It’s funny, as a kid, I was like, “Gah, is this all we’re doing today? Drinking tea? Exciting.” ? (Cue my mom channeling Mary Poppins here.) Now cut to today, and tears start to well up just thinking about those moments. I think about how my mom and her sister would laugh and cry and talk about their shared history. It makes you realize how important those connections you have with the women in your life are. It also comforts me to know that my sister and I have this connection too. I mean, we still give each other the stink-eye from time to time, but that’s fewer and far between now.
But I’m not here to make you weep, I’m here to make you steep. So pinkies up, my friends, here are a few of my favourite tea things…
This London Fog from Clementine
For me, this is, hands down, the best London Fog in Winnipeg. It’s light and smooth and not too sweet. Heaven in a cup. Pair it with a side of maple bacon. Yeah, sounds odd, just trust me on this.
This shortbread cookie from High Tea Bakery
A perfect pairing to go with your London Fog. High Tea’s sweet, crumbly Earl Grey shortbread is to die for. Their lemon poppyseed one is no slag either. It’s got a slight citrusy taste that competes like a champion against Earl Grey’s distinct flavour.
This candle from Foxhound Collection
Any day you can have the sweet aromas of bergamot and lemon waft through your house is a good day. You can get this candle at Modern Supply Co. However, they are currently sold out of the Earl Grey, but they do have other delightful scents like Lavender + Linen and Patchouli + Mint.
This Imperial cookie from Pinky’s Bake Shop
One of the best cookie mashups you ever did taste.
This cocktail from The Roost
This is the birthday cake, which is made with vodka/coconut milk/earl grey tea/salted caramel/love & magic. Magic, indeed.
This Shades of Earl Grey massage bar from Lush
? Gonna find my baby, gonna hold him tight, gonna grab some afternoon tea-light. ?
This latte from Thom Bargen
The Thom Bargen on Kennedy is where I find myself the most. It’s the prettiest coffee shop what with its lush green living wall, geometrically shaped decor and gigantic pointillism cow painting by local artist, Gabrielle Funk. It’s a happy place. It’s also facing Graham Mall, which is a street that ups its cool factor year after year.
Oh, and they serve Oh Doughnuts. Oh-oh yes they do. ?
This cookie sandwich from Jenna Rae Cakes
Probably one of the most subtle tasting treats I’ve had at Jenna Rae’s.
This cup of Cream of Earl Grey from David’s Tea
Like my aunty always used to say, “Steep your black tea for four minutes and not a minute longer.” To her, bitter tea was a “bloody waste.”
This macaron ice cream sammy from Pinky’s
A giant macaron ice cream sandwich made with Earl Grey, need I say more?
This ice cream recipe from The Farmer’s Daughter
Have not made this, but it looks ah-mazing. Here’s the recipe.
This Bellocq Earl Grey at High Tea Bakery
It’s a seriously smooth blend.
These boxes of tea from Harrods
I got this little set of tea tins when I was in London in 2010. Along with this bag, they were the only things I could afford in Harrods. All of the teas were basic, but jolly good.
This fragrance from Nest
Not quite Earl Grey, but has a spicy tea scent with the citrusy notes of bergamot. I’m obsessed with these Nest fragrances, Citrine and Paradise are also delightful.
And this Earl Grey School in Winnipeg
Obviously a school this ridiculously good looking would be named after the best tea ever. Earl Grey School was also the first junior high school in Canada. Fun fact!
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If you have a favourite Earl Grey beverage, snack, scent, or honestly anything tea-ish, please direct me where to find it in the comments. But please don’t mention Matcha, that green stuff is mucho gross. ☕️
