This Earl Grey Spritzer is an easy champagne cocktail made with an earl grey honey simple syrup and a splash of fresh orange juice.
When we want to "get away" but really can't get away, we often find ourselves on a Saturday or Sunday morning heading west out of Kansas City, across the state line, through a stretch of farmland and into Lawrence, Kansas. Home to the University of Kansas and some serious Civil War history, it was where we lived for one year after leaving New York City.
In retrospect, going from NYC to Lawrence, KS was much harder than we anticipated. We went from the constant buzz and frenetic energy of NYC, to evenings where crickets filled the otherwise quiet air.
It was a jarring transition at first. Unbeknownst to me, I had trained myself so well to keep up with the pace and the intensity of the city that suddenly it was gone and I didn't know how to make sense of it. To cope with what I can only describe as a feeling of loss, Heath and I dove into exploring our new home. What we found was an artistic, funky college town, full of great live music, wonderful food, and the nicest people you'll ever meet.
On a recent Sunday morning jaunt to Lawrence, I ordered an earl grey spritzer at one of our favorite farm-to-table restaurants.
If you follow me on Snapchat you may have seen it! (Can we be friends on Snapchat?! Find me at salted plains). I was smitten with the flavors, and of course, the bubbles were an added bonus.
The earl grey honey simple syrup comes together easily, and instead of using Cointreau, I opted for a splash of fresh orange juice.
Top it off with cava or sparkling wine of your choice, and you have a cocktail worthy of brunch or happy hour.
In the mood for a classic breakfast drink? Check out this mimosa recipe!
📖 Recipe
Earl Grey Spritzer
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons earl grey simple syrup see recipe below
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice
- Cava very cold
Earl Grey Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 ½ teaspoons loose leaf earl grey tea or 2 tea bags
- ½ cup honey
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add earl grey and allow to steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain out the tea leaves (or remove tea bags) and return water to saucepan. Return to medium heat and add honey, stirring occasionally until dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To assemble spritzer, add 2 tablespoons of earl grey simple syrup to a champagne flute. Add orange juice and top with Cava.
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles
Tessa, I caught a glimpse of this bevvy over the weekend and had to hold myself back from printing it out and stuffing it - partially - under everyone's pillow over here (you know, a very 'subtle' mother's day hint :o) I love what you've done with this spritzer! I'm not very inventive when it comes to alcohol (#lightweight) but, I do love bubbles and this combination sounds like a delicious way to explore - I'm so intrigued. I belong to a beverage group board on pinterest that would be perfect for this beauty!
Tessa
Bahaha, the most subtle of hints! Too funny! :) I hope you were spoiled on Mother's Day, bubbles or not. Maybe I should start doing that around here...
I really like the flavor that the earl grey lends here without being too overpowering. Sometimes I think earl grey can be like that (maybe that's just me?). Thank you so much, Kelly. xoxo
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife
I just added you on Snap!!! Yay! I went from three years of living in Beijing, China to living in a small town just north of Santa Barbara. It's still an adjustment!! Your new town sounds wonderful...can't wait to see some of it on Snapchat! xoxo
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
What a big transition for you two! Do you love it now? Rob and I moved to Whidbey Island 15 years ago, and I can't even imagine moving back to the city. When we want to get our city fill, we head two hours South to Seattle. But we're always ready to come home after a day or two of sights, sounds and smells. It can be overwhelming! This spritzer is Oooooh so tasty, Tessa! I love discoveries like this at our favorite restaurants. Earl grey is my favorite tea ever.. so I know I'd love this. I have champagne on the ready.. can I sub?
Tessa
It was! Even though we both grew up in the Midwest, it was a shock to the system after having been NYC for several years. Lawrence is on the opposite end of the spectrum from big city! Making the small move from Lawrence to Kansas City put us at a happy medium. Now, like you guys, when we visit NYC, I'm good after a few days and ready for home. We do love it here!
I think champagne would definitely work with this! xoxo
Rachel @ Bakerita
Oh yes, this looks so incredibly delicious - I adore earl grey tea! My kind of brunch drink :) sounds like such a charming town you live in!
Tessa
Earl grey is so good, isn't it?! It was a really nice place to live - luckily we are not far from it now. :) Thanks, Rachel!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I LOVE Earl Grey tea Tessa, so I know I'm going to love this cocktail! LOVE that overhead shot...those little bubbles! I can taste it!
Tessa
Me too, Mary Ann! When I lived in NYC, the Starbucks I frequented would start making my Earl Grey for me when I walked in the door. Never had to say a thing! ;) Thank you so much for your kind words! xo.
Abby @ Heart of a Baker
Oh I love that you used the flavors of Earl Grey in this, so good! I'm sure the brunch spot was amazing, judging by your recommendation in KC that I took advantage of, you know the best places!
Tessa
Earl grey is my go-to tea! You need to come back so we can brunch together! :)