How to Brew Burnt Sugar Black Tea
By Clipper Ship Tea Company | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to brew Clipper Ship Tea Company's Burnt Sugar black tea for a rich, smooth cup. Includes water temperature, steeping time, and tips for a dessert tea or breakfast tea.
Quick answer
Brew Burnt Sugar black tea with water at 200°F (93°C) and steep for 3–4 minutes. For a dessert tea, add sweetener; for a breakfast tea, add a splash of milk.
Why water temperature matters for flavored black tea
Flavored black teas like Burnt Sugar contain delicate added flavors (caramel and vanilla) that can turn bitter or muted if the water is boiling. Using 200°F (93°C) water preserves the rich, smooth sweetness while still extracting the black tea base fully.
If you don't have a thermometer, let boiling water sit off the heat for about 30 seconds before pouring.
Choosing your brew style: dessert or breakfast
Burnt Sugar is versatile: it becomes a dessert tea when you add sweetener (sugar, honey, or a flavored syrup) and a decadent breakfast tea when a splash of milk is added. The caramel and vanilla notes pair well with both.
For a stronger breakfast cup, steep for the full 4 minutes. For a lighter dessert cup, steep for 3 minutes and add sweetener after removing the leaves.
How to brew Burnt Sugar black tea
- 1. Heat the water to 200°F (93°C): Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it rest for 30 seconds until it reaches 200°F. Avoid using boiling water (212°F) to prevent bitterness. If you don't have a thermometer, use water that has just stopped boiling.
- 2. Measure the tea leaves: Use 1 teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) of loose leaf Burnt Sugar black tea per 8 oz (240 ml) cup. For a larger pot, use 1 teaspoon per cup plus one extra 'for the pot.' Too many leaves can make the tea overly strong and astringent. Start with less and adjust next time.
- 3. Steep for 3–4 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 3 minutes for a lighter cup or 4 minutes for a stronger, more robust brew. Do not exceed 5 minutes. Over-steeping brings out bitterness and masks the caramel-vanilla flavor.
- 4. Remove the leaves and serve: Strain the tea into your cup using a tea filter or infuser. For a dessert tea, add sugar or honey to taste. For a breakfast tea, add a splash of milk. Add milk after removing the leaves to avoid curdling or dulling the flavor.
About this tea
- Burnt Sugar: Tasting notes: caramel, vanilla. Description: Rich black tea with caramel and vanilla flavors similar to a Crème Brûlée. An aromatic tea that is rich, smooth, and sweet. This flavor profile means the tea naturally tastes dessert-like, so you can adjust sweetness and milk to match your preferred style without overpowering the base.
Burnt Sugar
