How to Make a Green Earl Grey Tea Latte – A Scandinavian-Inspired Recipe

If you love the floral, citrusy aroma of Earl Grey but prefer a lighter caffeine kick and a more vegetal flavor, a Green Earl Grey tea latte is your perfect match. This Nordic-inspired twist on the classic latte swaps black tea for green tea—usually a Chinese green like Gunpowder—infused with bergamot oil. The result is a delicate, aromatic drink that pairs beautifully with steamed milk and a touch of sweetener.

At Nordqvist Tea, we believe in bringing Scandinavian tea culture into your daily ritual. Making a tea latte at home is surprisingly simple: you just need quality loose leaf tea, fresh milk (or a plant-based alternative), and a few minutes of mindful brewing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof Green Earl Grey latte recipe, from selecting the right tea to achieving that silky microfoam.

What Is Green Earl Grey Tea?

Traditional Earl Grey is a black tea scented with bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. Green Earl Grey follows the same principle but uses green tea leaves as the base. The green tea provides a grassy, slightly nutty undertone that balances the bright, floral citrus notes of bergamot. This makes for a less tannic, more refreshing cup—ideal for lattes where the milk shouldn’t overpower the tea’s character.

Nordqvist offers several green teas that work wonderfully for this recipe. Our China Gunpowder, with its tightly rolled leaves and smoky depth, is a classic choice. For a more delicate version, you can experiment with our White tea, which is minimally oxidized and yields an even lighter latte. The key is to choose a quality green tea that can stand up to milk without turning bitter.

• Green tea: Use Chinese Gunpowder or a Japanese sencha for a clean base.
• Bergamot: Look for teas labeled “Green Earl Grey” or add a drop of food-grade bergamot oil to your plain green tea.

Ingredients & Equipment for a Perfect Latte

To make a Green Earl Grey tea latte for one, you’ll need: 1 teaspoon of loose leaf green tea (or 1 tea bag), 1/2 cup water (at 80°C / 175°F), 1/2 cup milk (dairy or oat milk works best), and 1–2 teaspoons of honey, agave, or sugar. Optional: a pinch of vanilla powder or cinnamon for garnish.

Equipment is minimal: a small saucepan or milk frother, a teapot or infuser, and a mug. If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the milk in a jar or whisk it vigorously. For the most authentic Scandinavian experience, consider using a stovetop milk steamer. Our Earl Grey 800 g is a black tea option if you prefer a bolder latte, but for this green version stick with the lighter leaf.

Step-by-Step Green Earl Grey Tea Latte Recipe

Step 1: Brew the tea. Heat water to 80°C (not boiling, to avoid bitterness). Add your green tea leaves to an infuser and steep for 2–3 minutes. Remove leaves and set aside. Step 2: Froth the milk. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming (but not boiling). Use a frother, whisk, or jar to create foam. Step 3: Combine. Pour the brewed tea into a mug, then slowly add the frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the foam on top. Step 4: Sweeten and garnish. Stir in honey or sugar, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla, and enjoy immediately.

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a drop of bergamot oil to the brewed tea before adding milk. This amplifies the citrus notes and makes your latte taste like it came from a cozy café in Stockholm or Helsinki. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, you can substitute with a rooibos-based tea like Tea Heaven Rooibos, though the flavor profile will shift toward honeyed, nutty notes.

• Brew at 80°C for green tea – higher temperatures extract too much bitterness.
• Use whole milk or oat milk for the creamiest texture.
• Don’t boil the milk; scalded milk loses sweetness.

Scandinavian Tips for the Best Latte Experience

In Scandinavian tea culture, the latte is often enjoyed as a midday break or “fika” moment. Pair your Green Earl Grey latte with a cardamom bun or a piece of dark chocolate for a complete treat. The lightness of green tea makes it an excellent base for iced lattes in summer—just brew double-strength tea, cool it, and pour over ice with cold milk.

Experiment with different sweeteners: birch syrup (a Nordic specialty) adds a unique mineral sweetness, or try agave for a neutral taste. For a truly authentic touch, add a pinch of sea salt to balance the froth. And remember, the quality of your tea matters. Nordqvist’s China Gunpowder offers a robust, slightly smoky note that contrasts beautifully with the citrus bergamot, making it our top pick for this latte.

Now that you know how to make a Green Earl Grey tea latte, it’s time to stock your kitchen with the right tea. Start with our China Gunpowder for a classic green base, or explore our full range of green teas to find your favorite. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a café-quality latte in the comfort of your home—Scandinavian style.