Earl Grey sounds like a tweedy British invention, but it was actually Chinese tea masters who first blended black tea with bergamot. The match became a classic: sweet, floral bergamot mixed with malty, full-bodied black tea leaves. There are endless ways to sip Earl Grey. The English favour a thin slice of lemon. Parisians prefer a sprig of lavender. In South Africa, they’re partial to Rooibos Earl Grey (which is, helpfully, caffeine free). That light citrus zing has one other bonus – Earl Grey works wonders in desserts. Chocolate is a classic, but try infusing Earl Grey in custard. It makes a cracking crème brûlée.