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Creamy Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe Easy Starbucks Copycat at Home

creamy iced caramel macchiato recipe - featured image

A simple and delicious copycat of Starbucks’ iced caramel macchiato, featuring layered espresso, creamy milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle for a refreshing and indulgent coffee treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 shots (about 2 oz or 60 ml) freshly brewed espresso
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk (whole milk preferred, or 2%, oat milk, almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (thick, buttery like Ghirardelli or homemade)
  • About 1 cup ice cubes
  • Optional: whipped cream for topping
  • Optional: pinch of sea salt to sprinkle on caramel

Instructions

  1. Make the vanilla syrup (if homemade): Combine 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar with 1/2 cup (120 ml) water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Let cool.
  2. Brew the espresso: Prepare 2 shots (about 2 oz or 60 ml) of espresso using your espresso machine or stovetop maker. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the glass: Fill a tall glass with about 1 cup (240 ml) of ice cubes.
  4. Mix milk and vanilla syrup: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of cold milk into a separate container. Stir in 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup until combined. Pour this milk mixture over the ice in your glass.
  5. Pour espresso over milk: Slowly pour the freshly brewed espresso shots over the milk and ice to create layered effect.
  6. Drizzle caramel sauce: Generously drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the top.
  7. Optional toppings: Add whipped cream and a light sprinkle of sea salt on caramel if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon for stirring. Stir to combine flavors before each sip.

Notes

Use freshly brewed espresso for best flavor. Pour espresso slowly over milk and ice to maintain layers. Whole milk or creamy oat milk gives best texture. Homemade vanilla syrup tastes fresher. Caramel sauce should be thick for best drizzle effect. Avoid overfilling with ice to prevent watery drink. Can substitute strong brewed coffee if no espresso machine is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: iced caramel macchiato, Starbucks copycat, iced coffee, caramel coffee, vanilla syrup, espresso drink, creamy iced coffee