Iced Caramel Macchiato


The perfect iced caramel Macchiato (Starbucks-style, & budget-friendly!)


Published: June 10, 2022 · Modified: March 14, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan


Iced caramel macchiato in Starbucks cup

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing iced caramel macchiato, inspired by your favorite Starbucks drink! This easy-to-make recipe saves you money while offering the same delicious flavor you know and love.

Top View of Iced caramel macchiato in a cup with a straw

What's an iced caramel Macchiato?

Caramel macchiatos are sweet, creamy coffee topped with a sticky caramel sauce. Iced caramel macchiatos usually contain espresso, milk, caramel sauce, and ice. Always starting with ice, they are made by layering its delicious ingredients. Once you have finished constructing your coffee, hopefully it will end up looking like a Starbucks iced coffee, straight from the coffee shop.

Why make this recipe?

  • Save Money: Ditch expensive coffee shop lines and create café-quality drinks at home.
  • Customize to Your Taste: Choose your preferred milk, adjust the sweetness, or add whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Simple & Refreshing: This recipe comes together in minutes, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
  • Go Vegan-Friendly: Easily adapt this recipe for a dairy-free version by using non-dairy milk and checking caramel sauce labels.

Caramel Macchiato vs. Caramel Latte: The Difference

Unsure which delicious coffee drink to choose? Here’s a breakdown:

Caramel Macchiato:

  • Layers: Vanilla syrup, milk, espresso, and caramel sauce drizzle on top.
  • Flavor: Vanilla-forward with a subtle caramel finish and balanced espresso strength.

Caramel Latte:

  • Layers: Caramel syrup, milk, espresso, and optional whipped cream.
  • Flavor: Bolder caramel presence, contrasting with the coffee’s bitterness and creamy milk.

Ultimately, the choice is yours! Do you prefer a vanilla-tinged sweetness or a full-on caramel punch?

Crafting Your Perfect Iced Caramel Macchiato: Easy steps with pictures!

1. Chill Out:

Start by adding 1 cup of ice cubes to your favorite mug or tumbler.

Adding ice into Starbucks style coffee cup

2. Sweeten Things Up:

Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup for a delightful base.

Pouring vanilla syrup over ice into Starbucks style coffee cup

3. Milk It:

Pour in your chosen cold milk, filling the cup to ¾ full.

Adding milk to Iced caramel macchiato recipe

4. Espresso Yourself:

Add a bold touch with a double shot of espresso, poured slowly over the milk mixture.

Pouring a double espresso shot into an Iced Caramel Macchiato

5. Caramel Craving:

Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel drizzle over the top for a decadent finish.

Top iced caramel macchiato with caramel sauce

Going vegan? No problem! Making a non-dairy macchiato

Transforming this recipe into a vegan and dairy-free version is a breeze! Simply swap out two key ingredients:

  • Milk: Choose your favorite non-dairy alternative, like oat, soy, almond, or coconut milk. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment and find your favorite pairing with coffee.
  • Caramel Sauce: While some store-bought options might contain dairy, many brands offer vegan caramel sauces. Look for these in your local supermarket or specialty stores.

Here are some tips:

  • Check the labels to ensure the caramel sauce is genuinely dairy-free.
  • Consider making your own vegan caramel sauce; many recipes are readily available online.

No matter your choice, creating a delicious and satisfying non-dairy macchiato at home is easy and enjoyable!

Top View of Iced caramel macchiato in Starbucks cup

Unraveling the Iced Caramel Macchiato: Ingredients & Calories

This refreshing summer drink is crafted with a few key ingredients:

  • Espresso: The bold and caffeinated base adds a deep coffee flavor.
  • Vanilla Coffee Syrup: Sweetens the drink and adds a touch of vanilla complexity.
  • Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth texture. This recipe suggests semi-skimmed milk, but you can choose your preferred type.
  • Ice: Chills the drink and provides a refreshing element.
  • Caramel Sauce: Using caramel drizzle on top makes for a decadent finishing touch.

Calories and Sizing:

It’s important to be mindful of calorie content, especially when enjoying sugary drinks. Here’s the breakdown for a Starbucks iced caramel Macchiato recipe with semi-skimmed milk:

  • Tall (12 fl oz): 155 calories
  • Grande (16 fl oz): 193 calories
  • Venti (24 fl oz): 229 calories

Remember, these figures are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

For more detailed nutritional information and allergen listings, visit the official Starbucks website where you can find printable PDFs.

Skip the paper cup and upgrade to this eco-friendly Starbucks tumbler!

Crafted from recycled glass, this 16 oz beauty holds your favorite starbucks caramel macchiato and comes with a lid and reusable straw. Inspired by the Grande size, it’s the perfect on-the-go companion. Boasting tons of 5-star reviews on Amazon, this stylish tumbler is sure to turn heads (and encourage eco-conscious conversations!). Feel good knowing you’re doing your part for the planet, one sip at a time.Starbucks Iced Reuseable Glass Cold Cup

Tips for a Delicious Experience:

Opt for Quality Espresso:

Using high-quality espresso ensures a rich and satisfying flavor profile in your beverages. If an espresso machine isn’t available, substitute with strong brewed coffee for a similar taste experience.

Explore Milk Alternatives:

Delve into the world of non-dairy milk options such as oat milk, soy, almond milk, or coconut milk to discover the perfect complement to your coffee creations. These alternatives offer a variety of flavors and textures, allowing you to tailor your drinks to your preferences and dietary needs.

Get Creative with Vegan Caramel Sauce:

Feeling adventurous? Experiment with homemade vegan caramel sauce to add a luxurious touch to your beverages. Numerous recipes are accessible online, offering a delicious dairy-free alternative that elevates the flavor of your drinks.

Enhance with Syrups:

Elevate the flavor profile of your beverages with a selection of syrups. From classic vanilla syrup and indulgent caramel syrup to vibrant fruity options like raspberry or hazelnut, syrups add depth and complexity to your coffee creations, allowing you to craft unique and delicious drinks.

Iced caramel macchiato in Starbucks cup

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Jennifer Ryan
This very popular iced caramel latte macchiato recipe is super simple to make, its a perfect balance of ingredients that's refreshingly sweet.
5 from 27 votes
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1
Calories 335 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • The first step to making your caramel macchiato is to grab a coffee mug and add 1 cup of ice.
    150 g Ice
    Adding ice into Starbucks style coffee cup
  • Then add two tablespoons of vanilla syrup to the bottom of your cup.
    2 tbsp Vanilla coffee syrup
    Pouring vanilla syrup over ice into Starbucks style coffee cup
  • Next pour in your cold milk.
    250 ml Milk
    Adding milk to Iced caramel macchiato recipe
  • Pour over a double espresso.
    80 ml Double espresso
    Pouring a double espresso shot into an Iced Caramel Macchiato
  • Lastly drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over the top of your iced coffee drink.
    1 tbsp Caramel sauce
    Top iced caramel macchiato with caramel sauce
  • Serve straight away and enjoy.
    Iced caramel macchiato in Starbucks cup

Video

How to make an Iced Caramel Macchiato | Starbucks Style Caramel Macchiato #Shorts

Notes

Tips & Tricks
If you want to be a little fancy you can also add freshly whipped cream to the top of your iced coffee and a little more caramel sauce too.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 223mgPotassium: 439mgFiber: 1gSugar: 46gVitamin A: 423IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 305mgIron: 1mg
Keyword best coffee recipe, Coffee, iced coffee recipe, iced drink, Nespresso, quick and easy, starbucks copycat, summer coffee
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

8 thoughts on “Iced Caramel Macchiato

    1. Yes, iced caramel macchiatos do taste sweet but not too sweet. Of course, if you add “too much” caramel sauce or syrup to the recipe, then it will be a lot sweeter. I imagine most people choosing a caramel macchiato from the Starbucks menu are looking for a sweet and creamy coffee, instead of just a caffeine boost.

    1. The best way to sweeten this caramel macchiato is to add a small amount of simple syrup or honey. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a bit of extra flavor. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you could add a shot of flavored syrup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try adding a few drops of stevia or a teaspoon of agave nectar.

    1. For this caramel macchiato recipe, we recommend using a medium-dark roast espresso. This type of espresso will provide a bold flavor that will complement the sweetness of the caramel and the creaminess of the milk.

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Calories and Considerations:

A typical iced caramel macchiato can have around 335 calories. Here are some tips for mindful consumption:

  • Opt for sugar-free syrup to significantly reduce sugar content.
  • Skip the whipped cream for a lighter option.
  • Consider a sugar-free Americano for the lowest calorie option.

Remember, you can always customize this recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is an Iced Caramel Macchiato a cold brew?

No, an iced caramel macchiato is not a cold brew. While both are popular cold coffee options, they differ in their preparation and ingredients.

An iced caramel macchiato is made with espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, ice, and caramel sauce, resulting in a sweet and creamy beverage with layers of flavor.

On the other hand, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smooth and mellow coffee concentrate that is often diluted with water or milk and served over ice.

How can I make homemade caramel sauce for my iced caramel Macchiato?

Making caramel sauce at home is easy! Start by dissolving sugar in water over medium heat until it turns amber. Then, whisk in butter and heavy cream until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt for flavor. Let it cool and thicken before drizzling it over your iced caramel macchiato for a delicious finishing touch!

Where does the coffee beans in my cup come from, and how does its origin affect the taste?

Your coffee beans embark on a remarkable journey from farm to cup! Grown in diverse regions around the world, each location contributes unique flavor profiles. For instance, Colombian beans are known for their robust character, while Ethiopian beans boast aromatic notes. Understanding these origins enhances your coffee experience, allowing you to appreciate the subtle nuances in each sip.

What should I consider when exploring the nutritional content of coffee drinks?

Understanding the nutritional information of your favorite coffee beverages empowers you to make informed choices. While some coffee drinks offer beneficial antioxidants and essential nutrients, others may contain added sugars and fats. Explore the ingredients and choose options that align with your health and wellness goals. Consider factors like sugar content, milk alternatives, and added syrups. By staying informed about the nutrition facts, you can make mindful decisions that align with your health and wellness goals.

Looking for more refreshing coffee treats? Explore our delightful Affogato recipe, a coffee “ice cream float” perfect for hot days!

Irish Affogato Coffee Recipe

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