Alright, folks, gather ’round! Today, I’m diving into something a bit different, but oh-so-satisfying: the magic that happens when you combine black tea and bergamot. I’ve been a tea fanatic for years, but I’ve recently been exploring the world of blending my own, and let me tell you, this one’s a winner.

Getting Started

First things first, I gathered my ingredients. You’ll want some good quality loose leaf black tea. I opted for a strong Assam, because I like that malty flavor, but a Ceylon or even a Keemun would work well too. Then, the star of the show: bergamot. Now, you can get bergamot essential oil, but I managed to find some dried bergamot peel, which I think gives a more nuanced flavor.

• loose-leaf black tea.
• dried bergamot peel.

The Experimentation Phase

This is where the fun begins. I started by brewing a small pot of just the black tea, so I could get a baseline flavor. Then, I took a separate infuser and added a tiny pinch of the bergamot peel. The first time, I used way too much – it was like drinking perfume! So, a word of caution: start small. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

I played around with the ratios for a while. I tried different steeping times, different amounts of bergamot, and even different temperatures of water. What I found is that the bergamot really shines when the water isn’t quite boiling – around 200°F (93°C) seems to be the sweet spot. And, a little goes a long way. For a standard mug, I ended up using about a half teaspoon of the dried peel.

The Perfect Blend

After a few (delicious) trials, I nailed it. Here’s what worked for me:

• Tea: 1 teaspoon of loose leaf Assam.
• Bergamot: 1/2 teaspoon of dried bergamot peel.
• Water: 200°F (93°C) filtered water.
• Steeping Time: 3-4 minutes.

I combined the tea and bergamot in my infuser, poured the hot water over it, and let it steep. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly – citrusy, floral, and slightly spicy. And the taste? Smooth, balanced, and utterly delightful. The bergamot adds a bright, refreshing note to the robust black tea, creating a cup that’s both invigorating and comforting.

My Verdict

This black tea and bergamot blend is definitely going into my regular rotation. It’s perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. It’s also surprisingly versatile – I’ve enjoyed it hot, iced, and even with a splash of milk. If you’re a tea lover, I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s a simple way to elevate your tea game, and the process of experimenting and finding your perfect blend is half the fun!

That all I wanna share with you guys, hope you enjoy it.