Every winter, I go on a serious Earl Grey kick. I’ve written before about how my tea-drinking habits shift with the seasons – I tend to drink lighter, fruity teas in the summers and dark, spiced blends in the winter (switching to lemon-ginger if I have a cold or sore throat). But for some reason, each year from January to about mid-March finds me reaching for the Earl Grey (I have three kinds in the tea cabinet right now). It’s strong, dark and warming, but somehow that bright hint of bergamot lightens things up, making it the perfect cuppa to warm and inspire on a wintry day. (And a huge peanut-butter-chocolate-chip cookie from Bread & Chocolate doesn’t hurt either.)
Besides, ever since Shanna reminded me that it’s his favorite, I think of Captain Jean-Luc Picard when I make a cuppa.
What warming drinks do you reach for on winter days?
cakes, tea and dreams 
So funny to read this post, because I’m sipping on an Earl Grey right now! Great minds. I’m all about the tea when the weather is cold… or warm… as you know. My winter flavors are Earl Grey, or teas with a vanilla or almond flavor. In the evenings, I love honey vanilla chamomile from Celestial Seasonings and Rouge Bourbon Vanille from Mariage Freres. Hmmm, reading that over, I do seem a little bit vanilla obsessed!
I’m still having a serious relationship with my Christmas teas from Twinings and Stash but I’ll never forsake my true love, Irish Breakfast. I do enjoy a good Earl Grey from time to time but my black teas are for mornings only.
About a week ago I started reaching for the Earl myself. I have chosen nothing else all week. Mst be something about January. Wish I could share a cup with you today.
“Make it so!”
I love Earl Grey, and drink it year round.
Now I have to go make a cup.
I’m a cinnamon spice or chai type of tea drinker in the winter, with a few drops of honey. Mmmm….
You can’t beat a nice cup of tea all year round, but I do like a hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. I’d forgotten about Picard being a fan of the Earl Grey, but I agree, it’s a lovely beverage.