earl grey martini
The Earl Grey Martini: Audrey Saunders' Tea-Infused Modern Classic
The Earl Grey Martini was created by Audrey Saunders, one of the most influential bartenders of the craft cocktail movement. Saunders developed the drink while working at Pegu Club in New York City, which she opened in 2005. The cocktail became one of her signature creations and helped establish her reputation as a master of balanced, sophisticated drinks.
The drink's innovation lies in infusing gin with Earl Grey tea, which adds bergamot citrus notes that complement gin's botanicals. This technique of fat-washing or infusing spirits became increasingly popular in craft cocktail culture, but Saunders' Earl Grey infusion was one of the earliest and most successful applications.
What makes the Earl Grey Martini work is how the tea's bergamot flavor enhances rather than masks the gin. The lemon juice and simple syrup create a sour base, while the egg white adds silky texture and visual appeal with its foam cap.
RECIPE:
2 oz Earl Grey tea-infused gin*
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Lemon twist for garnish
Method:
Add all ingredients to shaker without ice
Dry shake for 15 seconds
Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled
Double strain into chilled coupe glass
Garnish with lemon twist
*To infuse: Add 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea to 750ml gin, let steep 2 hours, strain