This rich creamy Starbucks copycat Iced Caramel Macchiato is a breeze to make at home. Just 4 ingredients and this coffee drink gets ready in under 10 minutes (gluten-free, can be made vegan).
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About Iced Caramel Macchiato
Iced Caramel Macchiato is a Starbucks copycat drink that is refreshing, creamy, and super delicious with strong coffee and caramel flavors.
This creamy coffee is my favorite drink to sip on hot summer days.
Macchiato means “marked” in Italian so the espresso marks the top of the steamed milk. It is a rich espresso-based drink that is topped with steamed milk and caramel sauce. You can either make it hot or iced.
In this post, I am sharing an iced version of this Starbucks copycat beverage.
I have been experimenting a lot with creating some of the popular drinks served at Starbucks lately and after successfully re-creating their Chocolate Chip Frappe, Iced Vanilla Latte, Caramel Latte, Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew, and Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, I experimented with their super-popular Iced Caramel Macchiato recipe.
The happy news is that after a few tries, I have a recipe that I am very proud of.
This DIY Starbucks drink comes together in under 10 minutes using 4 simple ingredients.
It is gluten-free and can be easily made vegan. You can also double or triple the recipe as per your requirement.
The best part about making it home is that you can easily customize it to your liking. Add more coffee if you like it stronger, and add more caramel sauce if you like it sweeter.
If you are a coffee lover just like me, here are some more of my favorites
Ingredients
Milk – Use any cold milk that you like – whole milk, skim milk, or low-fat milk. Plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk also works great.
I personally like to use whole milk for a creamier coffee.
Vanilla Syrup – You can make your own vanilla syrup at home or buy a bottle. If buying vanilla syrup, try to get the Starbucks syrup to achieve a very authentic Starbucks taste.
I have also mentioned a quick recipe to make vanilla syrup in the post below.
Caramel Sauce – You can make homemade caramel sauce (caramel syrup) at home or buy a bottle. If buying, try to get Starbucks syrup for a very authentic taste. Ghirardelli’s caramel sauce also tastes great.
There are many vegan caramel sauces available in the market if you want to make it vegan.
Espresso – Make a fresh espresso shot if you have an espresso machine. If not, then you can use espresso coffee pods too.
You can also brew strong coffee using any of your preferred methods and use it in place of espresso.
I have used a Vietnamese Filter, South Indian Filter, and a Moca Pot to make strong brewed coffee and used it in this recipe. All of these taste fabulous.
French Press Cold Brew Coffee is also a great option. The Nespresso machine, instant espresso powder, or Aeropress coffee also work great to make this iced macchiato.
Ice Cubes – You will need lots of ice cubes to make this copycat Starbucks iced caramel macchiato recipe.
You can also top the ready iced coffee drink with whipped heavy whipping cream and a caramel drizzle on top, yum! Extra caramel is always good, right?
How To Make Iced Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks serves this drink in a layered fashion and it looks pretty cool. You must stir it before sipping to blend in all the flavors.
Pour 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup into a tall (8-10 oz) serving glass.
Fill the glass ¾th with ice cubes.
Pour ¼ cup chilled milk over the ice and top it with 2 shots of espresso (or ¼ cup strongly brewed coffee).
Note – There is no need to cool down the espresso (or the coffee). Add it to the glass soon after brewing for best-tasting coffee.
Tip – Use chilled milk to keep the coffee cool for a longer time.
Add some more ice cubes to fill the glass.
Now drizzle 1 tablespoon caramel sauce on top of the drink and serve the coffee immediately with a stirrer. Stir well before drinking.
You can also top the glass with whipped cream and drizzle with more caramel sauce before serving.
Tip – If kept for a longer time, this drink gets washed out, as the ice cubes start to melt. To retain the coffee flavor for a longer time, freeze some brewed coffee in ice cube trays. Use these coffee cubes in place of regular ice.
Add more sweetener if the coffee is not sweet enough for your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make your own vanilla syrup, you just need three ingredients,
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
In a medium saucepan, add water and sugar. Boil on medium-high heat until the mixture thickens. This will take about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring frequently.
Once done, remove the pan from the heat. Add in vanilla extract and cool it down to room temperature. Store it in a clean glass jar for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Yes, dissolve 2 teaspoon instant coffee powder in ¼ cup water and use it in place of espresso in the recipe.
Yes, you can. Check this recipe for details.
Storage Suggestions
It’s best to consume this delicious drink immediately after preparation to enjoy its flavors and textures.
If there are any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period but they may lose some of their taste and texture.
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Recipe Card
Starbucks Copycat Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (recipe in notes)
- ¼ cup chilled milk (whole, skim, low fat or plant-based)
- 2 shots espresso (or use ¼ cup of strongly brewed coffee, add more coffee for a stronger drink)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (caramel syrup) (add more if you like it sweeter)
- ice cubes (as required)
Instructions
- Starbuck serves this drink in a layered fashion and it looks pretty cool. You must stir it before sipping to blend in all the flavors.
- Pour 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup into a tall (8-10 oz) serving glass.
- Fill the glass ¾th with ice cubes.
- Pour chilled milk over the ice and top it with espresso (or strongly brewed coffee).
- Note – There is no need to cool down the espresso (or the coffee). Add it to the glass soon after brewing for best-tasting coffee.
- Add some more ice cubes to fill the glass. Now drizzle caramel sauce on top and serve the coffee immediately with a stirrer. Stir well before drinking.
- You can also top the glass with whipped cream and drizzle with more caramel sauce before serving.
- Add more sweetener if the coffee is not sweet enough for your liking.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!