3 minutes

Iced Caramel Macchiato

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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!

Close up photo of an iced caramel macchiato on a white marble coaster on a dark red table with caramel sauce and vanilla simple syrup bottles in the background.


 

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.

– Carol Bender

Close up photo of a glass filled with an iced caramel macchiato.

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.

Ingredients to make an iced caramel macchiato on a red surface.

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.

  1. Pour the vanilla simple syrup and milk into a glass.
  2. Add ice to the glass, filling it almost all the way up.
  3. Pour in the espresso.
  4. 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.
Photo collage showing step by step photos for how to make an iced caramel macchiato at home.

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. It’s 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.

A close up photo of a glass with iced caramel macchiato in it and a bottle of caramel syrup and vanilla simple syrup in the background.

If you’ve tried thisĀ recipe, please let leave a review in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos, or join ourĀ Sugar & Soul Show-offs CommunityĀ and share them there.

Close up photo of a glass filled with an iced caramel macchiato.
4.91 from 10 votes

Caramel Macchiato (Iced)


Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 1 drink
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!

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

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 391mg | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 367IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 2mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

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4.91 from 10 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    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 I’m sure much cheaper.

  2. Michael Henry says:

    šŸ˜‹my wife loves a Carmel Macchiato!! I’m definitely making this one soon!

  3. Carol Bender says:

    5 stars
    This taste so good just like the coffee shops by me thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

  4. 5 stars
    This is so easy to make and tastes just like the coffee shops.

  5. 5 stars
    Can’t wait to try the recipe it sounds delicious yummy šŸ˜‹ šŸ˜ 😊 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.

  6. Richard L Giddens says:

    Great, can’t wait to try them

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