Caramel (brown liquid) Stage Temperature
338°F
at sea level · 100% sugar
The melted sugar turns brown as it caramelizes
Used for dessert decorations, candy coating for nuts; bitter above about 350°F.
Source: Exploratorium: Science of Cooking — sugar stages. Checked Oct 13, 2026.
Caramel (brown liquid) at your altitude
Sea level338°F
1,000 ft336°F
2,000 ft334°F
3,000 ft332°F
4,000 ft330°F
5,000 ft328°F
6,000 ft326°F
7,000 ft324°F
8,000 ft322°F
Lowered 1°F per 500 ft, per the Exploratorium. For an exact offset, boil water, note your thermometer reading, and subtract the difference from 212°F. Find your boiling point.