Iced Caramel Macchiato
This Iced Caramel Macchiato is a Starbucks Copycat Recipe that’s made right at home with espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce! Take your first sip in just 3 minutes!

Why you’ll love Caramel Iced Macchiato
This Iced Caramel Macchiato drink has a bottom layer of sweet vanilla simple syrup that’s topped with milk before adding in the bittersweet espresso on top! Then just finish it off with a drizzle of buttery caramel syrup, easy enough right?
When it comes to this Iced Caramel Macchiato Starbucks Copycat Recipe you’ll love that combining only 4 ingredients right at home delivers you the same taste you get at Starbucks! The only difference is that it’s cheaper and way more convenient than waiting in that long drive-thru line and let’s be honest, that line can get really LONG!
If you’ve never even tried an Iced Caramel Macchiato now is your chance! There’s a reason this sweet, creamy coffee drink is one of the most popular go-to orders at Starbucks!
Rebecca’s Recipe Review
Taste: Sweet vanilla flavor with subtle notes of buttery caramel.
Texture: Smooth, slightly creamy, depending on your choice of milk.
Ease: 2/10
Pros: Since this drink is made at home, you can control the flavor and level of sweetness!
Cons: None!
Would I Make This Again? Yes, this is one of my favorite drinks to make at home!
This taste so good just like the coffee shops by me thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
ā Carol Bender

Caramel Macchiato Iced ingredients
Making this Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe at home is a lot easier than some may think! To start you need just a few ingredients:
- Vanilla Simple Syrup – I used Torani Vanilla Syrup but you could also use a sugar-free vanilla syrup if you’re looking to save on calories!
- Milk – Feel free to use what you have on hand! I prefer using whole milk but non-fat milk, almond milk, or even soy milk are also popular options.
- Espresso – If you want a more authentic Starbucks flavor then grab their Starbucks Dark Roast Espresso!
- Ice – To keep the drink chilled! Serve with Coffee Ice Cubes so it doesn’t get watered down!
- Caramel Sauce – For that sweet drizzled topping! I love using Ghirardelli Creamy Caramel Sauce, yum!
Once you have your ingredients you can make this in your favorite glass to enjoy at home or toss it in your favorite tumbler for on the go!
Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe substitutions and variations
Feel free to use your favorite milk in this recipe, some options are:
- 2% Milk
- Skim Milk
- Almond Milk
- Oat Milk
- Soy Milk
- Cashew Milk
Using anything other than vanilla syrup and caramel sauce means this drink is no longer a traditional caramel macchiato, however, you can definitely use it as a base to make other macchiato recipes.
We love using caramel flavor syrup and chocolate sauce for a more indulgent twist.
And Homemade Brown Sugar Simple Syrup with caramel sauce is another favorite of ours!
What Can I Use Instead Of Espresso?
If you don’t have an espresso machine at home here are a few substitutes ideas:
- Dark roast coffee
- Instant espresso
- Nespresso
If you want to invest in your own machine, this is the Espresso Machine I have and I absolutely love it! We’ve had it for 18 months and use it daily, low maintenance, and works beautifully! Our favorite coffee to use with it is actually Lavazza Espresso.

How To Make An Iced Caramel Macchiato
I worked at Starbucks for 4 years in college and this is the exact way a grande size is made.
- Pour the vanilla simple syrup and milk into a glass.
- Add ice to the glass, filling it almost all the way up.
- Pour in the espresso.
- Top with a caramel drizzle and enjoy!
Rebecca’s Tips
- Traditionally, this macchiato is enjoyed in layers rather than stirred together. Of course, feel free to enjoy it any way you prefer!
- To make it sweeter, you can add in more vanilla simple syrup or more caramel drizzle on top! Maybe even both if you like a really sweet iced macchiato!
- It’s important to add the ice AFTER adding the syrup and milk. This helps the espresso “float” which gives it that signature macchiato look. Feel free to stir it all together though, if you prefer it that way.
- Feel free to make this drink hot instead of iced! To do so, just skip the ice and steam the milk.
- You don’t have to allow the espresso cool before pouring it into the glass. I personally don’t!
- You should make this drink in a 16-ounce glass that way there’s plenty of room for ice, which will cool down the espresso once added.

Iced Macchiato Storage
If using espresso, I wouldnāt recommend storing this drink as it is best enjoyed right after making. If you must store it, the drink should be okay in the fridge for about 8 hours since this isnāt a hot drink that youāll be reheating.
If making with cold brew coffee, it can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for a few days.
What’s the difference between a caramel latte and macchiato?
A caramel latte is made with caramel simple syrup whereas a caramel macchiato is made with vanilla simple syrup. The macchiato also has the espresso poured on top after the other ingredients are added, with a latte, it goes in the cup before the milk.
Which is stronger latte or macchiato?
The are generally equal. Itās more about the order in which the ingredients are added to the cup.
Is an iced caramel macchiato sweet?
Yes, I find them to be fairly sweet. But this is easy to adjust by using less or more syrup to suit your tastes.

Pour another homemade cup of caffeine by grabbing another coffee recipe!
- Cafe con Miel – Spanish coffee made with espresso, honey, and whole milk, ready in just 5 minutes!
- Mocha Coffee Punch – Made with International Delight Mocha Iced Coffee!
- Whipped Coffee ā Dalgona Coffee – 4 ingredients are needed to make this frothy, trendy beverage!
- Iced Coffee Bar & Homemade Creamers – A fun, easy coffee bar to enjoy with the girls at brunch!
- Shaken Brown Sugar Oatmilk Espresso – An easy, tasty Starbucks copycat drink!
Did You Make This Recipe?
If youāve tried thisĀ recipe, please let leave a review in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Donāt forget to tag me āĀ @sugarandsoulcoĀ āĀ on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos, or join ourĀ Sugar & Soul Show-offs CommunityĀ and share them there.

Caramel Macchiato (Iced)
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vanilla simple syrup I used Torani
- 8 ounces milk of choice, I prefer whole
- ice
- 2 ounces espresso 2 shots
- Caramel sauce for drizzle topping
Instructions
- Add the vanilla simple syrup and milk to a 16 ounce glass.
- Fill almost all the way with ice.
- Pour in the espresso.
- Top with caramel drizzle.
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate using whole milk. To reduce calories you could use a non-fat milk or almond milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!
Share your thoughts!
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I sort of followed this recipe. I have the Ninja Duo Specialty Brew System so I brewed 3 small scoops of Deathwish Coffee (strong) on the Speciality setting which is 4 oz. in a glass Pyrex measuring cup. I poured in Smuckers Simply Caramel sauce and whisked, tasting for sweetness (like it a little sweet. Used part half and half and part Fairlife 2% milk and the vanilla Torani syrup whisked and over ice. Poured the caramel coffee mixture over it, topped with whipped cream and another drizzle of caramel. I ended up mixing it in after tasting it. It was delicious, and Iām sure much cheaper.
šmy wife loves a Carmel Macchiato!! Iām definitely making this one soon!
This taste so good just like the coffee shops by me thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Oh, you are so very welcome, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This is so easy to make and tastes just like the coffee shops.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can’t wait to try the recipe it sounds delicious yummy š š š Thank you for sharing and I’m happy that I found your website and Instagram, CHEERS TO A MACCHIATO CARAMEL THAT IS LOL MY FAVORITE. THANKS AGAIN CAROLYN GARCIA FROM ILLINOIS.
Great, can’t wait to try them