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Caramel Macchiato
This iced caramel macchiato recipe tastes just like your favorite coffee shop drink, but costs way less. Make it at home fast using simple ingredients and sweet caramel syrup.
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Skip the coffee shop and make this iced caramel macchiato at home in minutes! It’s sweet, creamy, and so refreshing. You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up this chilled drink fast. Drizzle caramel on top for that classic coffeehouse look and taste.
This iced caramel macchiato is super easy to make—just follow the simple guide below. We include step-by-step photos and directions to help you along the way. You’ll also find pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked recipe questions.
More Recipes ⭐ Crockpot Chocolate Caramel Cake | Caramel Apple Spice Cake Crisp | Iced Tea
You can make this iced caramel macchiato recipe at home in under ten minutes using strong coffee, milk, and sweet caramel sauce. It tastes just like your favorite coffeehouse drink, but costs way less and uses ingredients you already have.
Make this drink for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or when guests stop by. The rich caramel and creamy layers make every sip worth it.
Caramel Macchiato Ingredients
For The Caramel Macchiato Syrup:
- ½ cup of simple syrup
- ¼ cup of caramel topping or try our homemade caramel sauce
- ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk
Pro Tip
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water.
In a saucepan, bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from heat, funnel into a glass or plastic container with a lid, and let cool completely before use.
You can make a large batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge once cooled for up to a month so that it is ready to use, and you don’t have to make it fresh every time.
For The Macchiato:
- Ice
- 2 to 4 tablespoons of caramel macchiato syrup (from above)
- Cold pre-brewed coffee, instant coffee, or instant espresso
Substitutions and Additions
Coffee: Feel free to use your favorite flavored coffee, just make sure it goes well with the caramel sauce. You can also swap in decaf if you want the flavor without the caffeine.
Milk: For a dairy-free version, use soy, almond, or coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Want a lighter option? Try low-fat milk instead.
Ice: Want it warm? Skip the ice and use freshly brewed hot coffee instead of chilling it.
How to Make an Iced Caramel Macchiato
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures to make this iced coffee macchiato at home today. Use the helpful tips and tricks listed below to make sure it turns out just right. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Combine the simple syrup, caramel topping, and condensed milk and mix well.
Pro Tip
Put syrup in a squeeze bottle for easy dispensing and storage.
SECOND STEP: Fill a mug or mug-sized glass with ice.
THIRD STEP: Add the caramel macchiato syrup to the glass of ice.
FOURTH STEP: Fill the remainder of the mug with cold pre-brewed coffee, instant coffee, or instant espresso.
FIFTH STEP: Stir well.
Pro Tip
If an even creamier drink is desired, add a tablespoon of cream or milk.
How To Serve Caramel Macchiato
You can serve this macchiato recipe in so many ways all year long. It’s sweet, simple, and works for any crowd.
- Serve at brunch or breakfast gatherings: This chilled drink makes a fun treat for brunch with friends or family. Pair it with moist blueberry bread or cheesy breakfast casserole.
- Cool off with it on hot summer days: Hot outside? Mix one up for a refreshing boost. It goes great with five star bars or egg salad sandwiches.
- Make it kid-friendly or perfect for adults: Skip the caffeine and use decaf for kids. Adults love it with mini cherry cheesecake or butterscotch bars.
Why You'll Love This Iced Macchiato Recipe
This caramel macchiato coffee has quickly become a reader favorite. It’s easy to whip up, fun to serve, and perfect for every season. Whether you're starting your morning or winding down in the afternoon, this chilled coffee drink hits the spot.
Here are the reasons why our readers love this iced coffee recipe:
- Saves Money: Skip the coffee shop line and save cash by making your own at home.
- Tastes like a Treat: It’s sweet, creamy, and feels like a little reward you can make anytime.
- Works Year-Round: Serve it chilled in summer or warm in winter without changing the steps.
- Customizable: You can swap in different milk, use flavored coffee, or make it decaf for anyone in the family.
- Kid-Friendly Option: Use decaf and let kids feel included with their own fancy “coffee” drink.
This recipe is always a hit, and we know you’ll keep coming back for it!
Recipe FAQ
Do I need espresso for this iced caramel macchiato?
No, you don’t need espresso for this iced caramel macchiato. Strong brewed coffee works just fine in this recipe.
How much caramel sauce should I use?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce in your iced caramel macchiato, depending on how sweet you like it.
Should I stir the drink after pouring the milk?
No, you don’t need to stir. That layered look is what makes this iced caramel macchiato so fun and coffee-shop ready.
Do I need a blender to make an iced caramel macchiato?
No blender is needed for an iced caramel macchiato. Just mix, pour, and add caramel for that smooth finish.
How strong should the coffee be for this recipe?
Brew your coffee strong for this iced caramel macchiato, so the flavor still comes through the milk and caramel.
Can I make this recipe without sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can skip the condensed milk. Use regular milk and adjust your caramel sauce for the right sweetness.
Is this iced coffee drink hard to layer?
No, it’s easy to layer your iced caramel macchiato. Pour the milk slowly over the ice, then drizzle coffee on top.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve an iced caramel macchiato at home?
Pour it into a tall glass with ice, then drizzle caramel on top for a fun, coffee-shop-style drink.
Can I serve iced caramel macchiato for brunch?
Yes, serve it chilled at brunch alongside sweet breakfast items. It’s a great way to add something special to the table.
Should I stir the drink before serving?
No need to stir your iced caramel macchiato. Let the milk and coffee stay layered for that classic look.
Is this drink okay to serve to kids?
Yes, serve it with decaf coffee for kids. They’ll love the creamy, sweet caramel flavor without the caffeine.
Can I serve this recipe at a party?
Yes, you can serve iced caramel macchiatos at parties. Make a batch ahead and pour when your guests arrive.
What season is best for serving iced caramel macchiato?
Serve this drink all year, but it’s especially refreshing during warm spring and summer days when you need something cool.
Storage FAQ
Want to prep ahead or chill your drink for later? Here's exactly how to store each part the right way.
How do I store coffee syrup in the fridge?
Store the caramel macchiato syrup in a squeeze bottle or sealed container for up to 4 weeks.
Can I make iced coffee ahead of time? Brew the coffee in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week for quick and easy mixing.
Can I keep this recipe in the freezer?
This drink doesn’t freeze well. Only the syrup stores safely in the fridge—make the rest fresh each time.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
This iced caramel macchiato recipe tastes just like your favorite coffee shop drink, but costs way less. Make it at home fast using simple ingredients and sweet caramel syrup.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- Caramel Macchiato Syrup
- ½ cup simple syrup (see notes for instructions to make this syrup)
- ¼ cup caramel topping
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Caramel Macchiato
- Ice
- 2 to 4 tablespoons caramel macchiato syrup (from above)
- cold pre-brewed coffee (instant coffee, or instant espresso)
DIRECTIONS
- Combine simple syrup, caramel topping, and sweetened condensed milk and mix well to make the caramel macchiato syrup.
- Fill mug or mug-sized glass with ice.
- Add the caramel macchiato syrup to the glass of ice.
- Fill the remainder of the mug with cold pre-brewed coffee, instant coffee, or instant espresso.
- Stir well.
Notes
- Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water.
- In a saucepan, bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from heat, funnel into a glass or plastic container with a lid, and let cool completely before use.
- You can make a large batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge once cooled for up to a month so that it is ready to use and you don’t have to make it fresh every time.
- Put syrup in a squeeze bottle for easy dispensing and storage.
- If an even creamier drink is desired, add a tablespoon of cream or milk.
Nutrition
Calories: 907kcal | Carbohydrates: 220g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 454mg | Sugar: 220g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 6mg
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Comments
Liza P. says
Shockingly I liked this better than my Starbucks. I didn't think that was possible as I'm a complete addict. But I did, so I'm happy - I'll be making this all winter.