Copycat Iced Caramel Macchiato (Starbucks Recipe)

I’ve got a treat for you today that’s going to save you a ton of money and let you skip the coffee shop lines: a Copycat Iced Caramel Macchiato. If you’re like me and love those sweet, creamy caramel macchiatos, you’re going to love how easy it is to make this at home. 

If you’re anything like me and your favorite coffee drinks are from Starbucks, but you don’t want to spend $100 a week on coffee, I got you. 

Classic espresso drinks are surprisingly easy to make, they just require a Nespresso machine or some type of espresso maker. Once you’ve got your homemade espresso shot, the rest is very simple.

Let’s dive right in and make this delicious drink together!

If you love Starbucks drinks and food you may also enjoy my 30 Homemade Starbucks Copycat Recipes.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS COPYCAT ICED CARAMEL MACCHIATO RECIPE

• Cost-Effective: You can make multiple drinks at home for the price of one from the coffee shop.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, milk type, and even the amount of coffee to suit your taste perfectly.
• Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just a few minutes, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE COPYCAT STARBUCKS ICED CARAMEL MACCHIATO

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this iced latte (the exact measurements, nutritional value and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Shots of espresso
• Cold milk – can use cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or favorite milk of choice.
• Sugar-free vanilla syrup – can use regular vanilla syrup if desired.
• Drizzle of caramel

HOW TO MAKE THE STARBUCKS ICED CARAMEL MACCHIATO COPYCAT RECIPE

1. Grab a tall glass and drizzle the sides with caramel sauce. This is going to give you that signature sweet touch in every sip. Be generous – you know you love that caramel!
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Then pour in your milk of choice over the ice. If you want it exactly like Starbucks, use 2% milk.
3. Stir in the vanilla syrup.
4. Brew a double shot of espresso. If not, strong brewed coffee works just fine. The key is to have a nice, bold coffee flavor.
5. Pour the espresso over the back of a spoon onto the milk. This helps it to layer nicely on top, creating that beautiful macchiato look. If it mixes a bit, no worries, it’ll still taste amazing.
6. Finish off your drink with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream before the caramel drizzle.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Homemade Vanilla Simple Syrup: If you want to make your own vanilla syrup, just combine equal parts sugar and water, add a splash of vanilla extract, and heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Strong Coffee: If you’re using brewed coffee, make it extra strong so it stands up to the milk and caramel.
• Cold Brew: For a different twist, you can use cold brew coffee instead of hot espresso. It’s smooth and delicious!

FAQS

HOW CAN I MAKE ICED COFFEE IF I DON’T HAVE AN ESPRESSO MACHINE?

You can use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso for a similar effect. Just make sure it’s strong enough to stand up to the milk and caramel.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ICED MACCHIATO AND A HOT CARAMEL MACCHIATO?

An iced macchiato is served cold with ice, while a hot caramel macchiato is a warm drink made with steamed milk. Both have similar ingredients but offer different experiences.

SHOULD I POUR THE ESPRESSO AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CUP OR AT THE TOP?

For a true macchiato experience, pour the espresso on top of the milk and ice. This creates a layered effect that looks great and tastes delicious.

IS CARAMEL SYRUP THE SAME THING AS CARAMEL SAUCE?

Caramel syrup is thinner and typically used for flavoring drinks, while caramel sauce is thicker and often used as a topping. For this recipe, either can be used, but caramel sauce adds a richer texture.

CAN I USE INSTANT ESPRESSO FOR THIS HOMEMADE ICED CARAMEL MACCHIATO?

Yes, instant espresso is a convenient and quick option for making a homemade iced caramel macchiato.

CAN I USE PLANT-BASED MILKS OR VEGAN CARAMEL SAUCES?

Yes, of course. You can tailor this Starbucks caramel macchiato to fit your specific dietary needs.

Other Favourite Starbucks Recipes You May Enjoy!

• Copycat Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte 
• Copycat Starbucks Egg White Bites Without Sous Vide Machine
• Starbucks Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites
• Starbucks Sweet Cream Cold Foam
• Copycat Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops
• Copycat Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap Recipe
• Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops Copycat Recipe
• Vegan Copycat Lemon Loaf
• Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops

IF YOU TRIED THIS HOMEMADE CARAMEL MACCHIATO PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS POPULAR DRINK ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails