I know that there is no right or wrong answer on what, if anything,
should be added to tea, as it is a purely a matter of personal
preference. I have always found it interesting, however, that the
overwhelming majority of people in the British Isles add milk to their
tea -- even those who drink coffee black. When you order tea or have
it served to you in someone's home, it is usually assumed that you want
milk and is often already added to the tea when you get it. . Quite
different from the States, where some add milk, some add lemon, and
many don't add anything at all.

I like to add milk to the "breakfast" blends. Earl Grey I like plain
and I usually don't bother with flavored teas. I must say that the
strong blends favored in the British Isles do benefit from the addition
of milk, and most packages of tea come with the suggestion "Best served
with milk."

In reviewing the Twinings website, I found it interesting to note that
they sometimes offer contradictory advice over how their teas should be
drunk. Their UK site makes the following recommendation for Earl
Grey:

Brewing Instructions: Brew for 3-5 minutes. Drink black or with a little milk, or with a slice of lemon.

Now take a look at their recommendations for Earl Grey on their
International site:

How and when to serve
Black or with very little milk, but never lemon which detracts from the
Bergamot. Some have it for breakfast, most in the afternoon, and some
in the evening.


So I suppose that this means one should never add lemon to Earl Grey,
unless you happen to be in the UK, in which case it is perfectly
acceptable!! LOL (Personallly, I don't like lemon at all in hot tea,
but can't drink iced tea without it).

The newly revamped Twinings US site makes the following suggestions:

Best served with milk:
English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Prince of Wales, Irish
Breakfast, Assam.

Best served without milk:
Lapsang Souchong, Jasmine, Traditional Gunpowder, Darjeeling, herbal
infusions, fruit-flavored black teas.

I definitely agree with their "without milk" suggestions. As far as
their "with milk" recommendations, I don't like milk in Earl Grey. And
I can't imagine adding it to Lady Grey -- I would have thought that
adding milk to a citrus-scented blend (with orange and lemon) would be
a big no-no.

Any thoughts on the subject?

Pat (bored on a rainy Saturday afternoon)

Ok, I'll bite, I've been bored all day.

As to whether milk goes with citrus scents, think Sherbet or Cream
Sickles. However I would never put lemon JUICE and milk in the same
cuppa. I'm not into curds in my tea. LOL

I have never liked milk in any hot drink since I was a teen. I found
out a few years ago that I am allergic to it. so that could explain my
aversion. I don't drink it in any tea or coffee drink. I like Chai
though so I drink that with lemon rather than with milk. That is
nummy.

And if I drink coffee for breakfast, I drink it with Orange juice in
it. GREAT way to start the day.

Kitty wrote:
Ok, I'll bite, I've been bored all day.


I have never liked milk in any hot drink since I was a teen. I found
out a few years ago that I am allergic to it. so that could explain my
aversion. I don't drink it in any tea or coffee drink. I like Chai
though so I drink that with lemon rather than with milk. That is
nummy.


Isn't chai, by definition, made with milk?

I guess, but.... When I buy it in the grocery it is tea with spices.
Which I add boiling water to. then I add honey which is traditional,
and lemon since milk makes me itch. When I buy it as starbucks that
is what I get as well. I can and have drunk it with soy milk. But
lemon is better. Kitty

On 22 Apr 2006 20:49:25 -0700, "Kitty"
wrote:

And if I drink coffee for breakfast, I drink it with Orange juice in
it. GREAT way to start the day.

Really? Is this a joke?

I don't drink coffee in the morning, but I quite enjoy a cup in the
afternoon. But orange juice in it? Sounds funny.

What proportions would that be?


Lars
Stockholm