Fall calls for a warm mug in both hands. But the difference between a flat, bitter cup and a truly cozy one usually comes down to two things: water temperature and steep time. Every tea type, whether black, green, oolong, white, herbal or mushroom, has its own sweet spot.
Below, you'll find our quick-start steeping guide, followed by eight autumn favorites from the Sullivan Street Autumn Tea Favorites collection, each with its own brewing instructions. Every tea is small-batch loose leaf, so you can taste the difference fresh leaves make.
The Basics of Steeping Loose Leaf Tea
Before we get to the individual teas, a few rules apply to every cup:
- Start with fresh, filtered water. Stale or heavily chlorinated water dulls the flavor.
- Measure your leaves. A good starting point is 1 level teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup. Bulky blends with fruit or spices may need a little more.
- Give the leaves room. Use a roomy infuser basket or strainer so the leaves can unfurl and release their flavor.
- Watch the clock. Oversteeping is the number one cause of bitter tea. Set a timer.
- Remove the leaves when time is up so the tea doesn't keep extracting.
Quick Reference: Water Temperature & Steep Time by Tea Type
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate Black (Darjeeling) | 195–205°F | 3–4 min |
| Spiced Black Chai | Simmer | 5 min |
| Smoked Black | 212°F | 3–4 min |
| Roasted Green (Hojicha) | 205–212°F | 1–2 min |
| Oolong | 190–195°F | 2–3 min (multiple infusions) |
| White | 175–185°F | 4–5 min |
| Herbal | 212°F | 5–10 min |
| Mushroom | Simmer | 10–15 min |
No temperature-control kettle? Bring water to a full boil, then let it rest: about 1 minute for 205°F, 2 minutes for 195°F, and 3–4 minutes for 175–185°F.
8 Autumn Teas & How to Steep Each One
1. Darjeeling Autumnal Black Tea (Makaibari Estate)
Often called the "champagne of teas," Darjeeling is a refined, aromatic black tea, and this autumnal harvest from Makaibari Estate is a natural fit for crisp fall afternoons. Because it's more delicate than a bold breakfast black, it rewards a gentler touch.
- Amount: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz
- Water: 195–205°F
- Steep: 3–4 minutes
- Serve: Enjoy it plain to appreciate the nuance. If you add anything, keep it to a tiny splash of milk or a touch of honey.
Shop Darjeeling Autumnal Black Tea – from $12.00
2. Masala Chai Black Tea
Nothing says fall like a pot of spiced chai on the stove. Chai is meant to be bold and creamy, so skip the delicate steeping and simmer it the traditional way.
- Amount: 1 heaping teaspoon per cup
- Method: Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based) in a small saucepan. Add the tea and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: About 5 minutes, then strain into your mug.
- Serve: Sweeten with honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
Shop Masala Chai Black Tea – from $9.00
3. Genghis Khan Smoked Black Tea
Campfire weather deserves a campfire tea. This smoky black tea is robust and full-bodied, and it stands up to fully boiling water without turning harsh as long as you watch the timer.
- Amount: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz
- Water: 212°F (fresh off the boil)
- Steep: 3–4 minutes
- Serve: Black, or with a splash of milk. It's also a great companion to savory fall snacks like aged cheese and roasted nuts.
Shop Genghis Khan Smoked Black Tea – from $10.00
4. Hojicha Roasted Green Tea
Most green teas need cooler water, but roasted green tea is the exception. The roasting process gives hojicha a toasty, mellow character with less bitterness, which makes it a forgiving, cozy choice, even in the evening.
- Amount: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz
- Water: 205–212°F
- Steep: 1–2 minutes
- Serve: Plain, or with steamed milk for a roasty, latte-style cup.
Shop Hojicha Roasted Green Tea – from $13.00
5. Lychee Oolong Tea
Oolong sits between green and black tea, and it's the tea that rewards patience. Tightly rolled leaves slowly open over several infusions, revealing more flavor each time, so one scoop can keep you sipping all afternoon.
- Amount: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz
- Water: 190–195°F
- First steep: 2–3 minutes
- Re-steep: Use the same leaves 2–3 more times, adding about 30 seconds to each infusion.
- Serve: Plain, with no milk needed. Its fruity notes shine on their own.
Shop Lychee Oolong Tea – from $16.00
6. White Cider Tea Blend
White tea is the gentlest of the true teas, and boiling water will scorch it. Cooler water keeps this apple-orchard blend soft and sweet instead of astringent.
- Amount: 1–1½ teaspoons per 8 oz (blends with fruit and spice pieces are bulky)
- Water: 175–185°F
- Steep: 4–5 minutes
- Serve: Hot, or brew a double-strength batch, pour over ice and enjoy it as a crisp iced cider-style tea on warm fall afternoons.
Shop White Cider Tea Blend – from $16.00
7. Turmeric Medley Herbal Tea
Herbal teas (technically tisanes) contain no tea leaves, so there's no risk of bitterness from hot water. Roots, spices and herbs actually need hot water and a longer steep to release their flavor, which makes them perfect for a slow, warming evening mug.
- Amount: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz
- Water: 212°F (full boil)
- Steep: 7–10 minutes, covered to hold in the heat and aroma
- Serve: Add a drizzle of honey and a splash of milk for a golden, comforting cup.
Shop Turmeric Medley Herbal Tea – from $13.00
8. Chaga Chai Mushroom Tea
Mushroom tea is the most "slow-food" brew on our list. Chaga is a dense, woody mushroom, so a quick dunk won't do it justice. Like a good soup, it needs time on the stove to release its earthy, rich flavor.
- Amount: 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz
- Method: Add the blend to cold water in a saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat.
- Simmer: 10–15 minutes (covered), then strain.
- Serve: Enjoy as is, or stir in milk and a little maple syrup for a chai-latte feel. The leftover pieces can often be simmered again for a lighter second cup.
Shop Chaga Chai Mushroom Tea – from $18.00
Tips for a Better Cup All Season Long
- Pre-warm your mug or teapot. A splash of hot water first keeps your tea warmer for longer.
- Store tea properly. Keep leaves in an airtight tin, away from light, heat and strong smells.
- Adjust to taste. Our times are starting points. If you prefer a stronger cup, add a little more tea rather than steeping longer. That gives you more flavor without more bitterness.
- Check the label. Each Sullivan Street tea includes brewing recommendations from our shop, so use them as your go-to guide for that blend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steeping Tea
How long should I steep loose leaf tea?
It depends on the type. Most black teas take 3–5 minutes, green teas 1–3 minutes, oolong 2–3 minutes (with several re-steeps), white tea 4–5 minutes, and herbal teas 5–10 minutes. Mushroom teas are simmered for 10–15 minutes.
Does water temperature really matter?
Yes. Water that's too hot can make delicate teas taste bitter, while water that's too cool won't fully extract flavor from robust blacks, herbals and mushroom teas.
Can I re-steep my tea leaves?
Many can. Oolong is famous for multiple infusions, and quality white, green and mushroom teas often give a second cup. Chai blends and fruit-and-spice blends are usually best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make these teas iced?
Absolutely. Brew a double-strength batch using the hot steeping directions, then pour it over a glass full of ice. The White Cider blend and Lychee Oolong are especially refreshing served cold.
Find Your Fall Favorite
Ready to start steeping? Browse the full Autumn Tea Favorites collection for spiced chai, cinnamon, apple and herbal blends, or explore all of our loose leaf teas. Spend $70 or more and your order ships free.
Happy steeping, and cheers to a cozy season from all of us at Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company. 🍁☕
