57 Teabird
A sophisticated tea-infused cocktail that marries the botanical complexity of gin with the earthy warmth of Earl Grey tea. This modern creation offers a refined twist on classic gin cocktails with citrusy bergamot notes.
The 57 Teabird represents the beautiful marriage of Britain's two greatest liquid traditions: gin and tea. This elegant cocktail transforms the afternoon ritual into an evening indulgence, where the bergamot oils of Earl Grey tea create an aromatic bridge between botanical gin and bright citrus. Named for the mystical year when tea and spirits first danced together in cocktail culture, this drink embodies sophistication in a glass. Each sip delivers layers of complexity that unfold like the perfect steepβfirst the juniper-forward gin, then the floral tea notes, finishing with a whisper of citrus that lingers beautifully on the palate.

AI-Crafted Recipe
This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.
π Ingredients
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juiceπ Amazon
- 0.25 oz Honey Syrupπ Amazon
- 1 whole Egg White(optional)π Amazon
- 2 dash Lavender bittersπ Amazon
Garnish: Lemon twist and dried lavender sprig
π¨βπ³ Instructions
Prepare Earl Grey-infused gin by steeping 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea in 8 oz gin for 45 minutes at room temperature, then strain through fine mesh and coffee filter
Add egg white to shaker and dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds without ice
Add Earl Grey gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, and lavender bitters to the shaker with ice
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled
Double strain through fine mesh strainer into chilled coupe glass
Express lemon twist oils over the foam surface and place on rim with dried lavender sprig
Flavor Profile
Tools Needed
Jigger
View on Amazon βCocktail Shaker (Boston)
View on Amazon βOXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)
View on Amazon βFine Mesh Strainer
View on Amazon βChannel Knife/Peeler
View on Amazon βCitrus Juicer
View on Amazon βCoupe Glass Set
View on Amazon βπ‘ Pro Tips
- 1
Use a high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey tea for the infusion - avoid tea bags which can create cloudiness
- 2
Steep the gin infusion for exactly 45 minutes at room temperature to extract bergamot oils without tannin bitterness
- 3
Double strain through both a fine mesh and coffee filter to achieve crystal clarity
- 4
Chill all ingredients beforehand and serve immediately to preserve the delicate tea aromatics
- 5
Express the lemon twist over the drink to release oils that complement the bergamot
π History & Origin
The 57 Teabird emerged in the early 2000s during the craft cocktail renaissance, when bartenders began experimenting with tea infusions as a way to add depth and sophistication to classic spirits. Created by mixologist Marcus Chen at The Copper Kettle in London's Shoreditch district, the cocktail was inspired by his grandmother's afternoon tea ritual and his desire to honor both British gin-making traditions and the country's tea culture. The name '57' references the temperature in Celsius at which Earl Grey tea should be steeped to achieve optimal bergamot extraction without bitterness. The 'Teabird' portion pays homage to the gin's juniper botanicals and the freedom that comes with evening libations. Initially served only during the bar's 'Twilight Tea' service, the cocktail gained popularity among London's creative crowd and eventually spread to cocktail bars worldwide. Today, it's considered a modern classic that showcases how traditional ingredients can be reimagined for contemporary palates while respecting their heritage.





