Twinings is giving its 180-year-old classic Earl Grey tea a modern twist by launching two new blends.

New Twinings Earl Grey contains bergamot to enhance its citrus taste, while Sunshine Grey has a lemon flavour and is designed to be drunk with a slice of lemon instead of milk.

"A third of consumers prefer to drink Earl Grey without milk so the launch of Sunshine Grey and its refreshing, lemony taste will make the tea even more appealing to customers who prefer their Earl Grey served in the traditional way, with a slice of lemon," said director of corporate relations Stephen Twining.

The new arrivals (rsp: £2.39 for 50 bags) will be supported by a series of Afternoon Tea events in major cities across the UK. Twinings will also be linking up with British designer Alice Temperley to ­produce an exclusive Temperley for Twinings print that will be featured on a range of products.