When Earl Grey is mentioned, one might picture an afternoon tea complete with glossy china cups and saucers. But this classic beverage blend has stepped out of its traditional confines and is taking up space in the specialty food and restaurant scene. The "Earl Grey Effect" has permeated bakery menus, artisanal drinks and cocktail bars across the country. A search for the #earlgrey hashtag on Instagram reveals a world of botanical treats that embody the unique charm of the tea's flavor profile, from towering layer cakes and chewy iced cookies to fragrant liqueurs.

Why has this black tea become so trendy? It's equal parts nostalgia and versatility. Tea consumption has long been associated with elegance and propriety, making it the perfect canvas for reinvention. As consumers seek out new taste experiences and chefs push boundaries, the unmistakable presence of Earl Grey makes it a great choice for standing out in the crowd. Learn more about Earl Grey tea; the taste, the name and how it's moving the flavor dial.

Earl Grey is a distinct mixture of black tea and bergamot oil or extract -- making the taste lemony and floral with hint of spice. Bergamot is a punchy citrus fruit similar in size to an orange that balances the woodsy depth of the tea leaves. This winning combination truly shines in desserts like panna cotta, tiramisu and basically any baked good imaginable.

You can't mention bergamot tea without mentioning a London Fog, a popular beverage consisting of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and lavender. This perfumed drink is ideal inspiration for all manner of fun recipes.

Yes, an 8-ounce cup contains between 40-120 milligrams of caffeine, depending on brewing method. This comes in below coffee's 95-200 milligram range. Earl Grey can be made from single estate black tea or a blend, but in both instances the plant is a member of the Camellia sinensis family -- naturally caffeinated leaves, buds and stems used for making all varieties of tea.

Earl Grey's name comes from Charles Grey, a British politician, wealthy land owner and brief lover of the married Duchess of Devonshire.

There are a few theories floating around, but the most prominent is that Charles, also the British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834, was gifted the citrus-infused tea from a Chinese ambassador. The gift was one of gratitude, as the earl allegedly saved the life of the ambassador's son. While the historical accuracy is iffy, there's no doubt Grey's name helped propel the blend into popularity.

Incorporating tea into baked goods, beverages, and other recipes is a surprisingly easy endeavor. The flavor is best infused via cream or milk for a pronounced yet balanced result. Earl Grey concentrate is also an option -- simply combine tea, water, and sugar, then simmer until a syrupy consistency is achieved.

Whether enjoyed in a creamy scoop of ice cream, a frothy London Fog, or an abstract cocktail, The Earl Grey Effect is in full swing. Its distinct floral essence is not just flavoring our food and drink; it's redefining how we experience them.