No time to make a coffee run? Make this iced caramel macchiato at home! This easy copycat coffee recipe has to be one of my favorite DIY Starbucks drinks. It’s easy to make and you can save some serious dough by skipping the coffee shop.
When we go out to eat, I tend to always order the same thing. I’m what I like to call a “create of habit.” I’ll patiently sit while everyone looks over the menu deciding what they want to eat or drink. Not me. I know going in what I want. [Heck, I know before we go in what I want.]
Local pizza place? The Jack special, please. Italian food? Bowtie pasta with white sauce, artichokes and sun dried tomatoes. [Please and thank you.] Starbucks? Iced caramel macchiato.
As much as I love indulging by going to Starbucks every once and a while, I decided to create my own. So ya know, I can have it at home. All the time.
What is a caramel macchatio?
A caramel macchiato is an espresso based drink that is topped with steamed milk and caramel sauce. Macchiato means “marked” in Italian so the espresso (or coffee) marks the top of the steamed milk. This is a popular drink at Starbucks and one that is really easy to make at home. You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients to make this iced caramel macchatio. In fact, you only need 6 common ingredients.
I have to warn you though – once you find out how easy this is to make you may never want to buy one again. [Seriously.] And its so quick to make too. I can whip one up in under a minute now. My kids are starting to wonder if they will ever have another pink cake pop. [Maybe I should figure out how to make those too?!]
As much as I love grabbing a drink from Starbucks, it is nice to be able to make my favorite drink at home. In my pajamas if I so choose. Which may happen from time to time. [shhhh.]
Iced caramel macchiato ingredients
It’s super easy to make this iced caramel macchiato at home. In fact, you may have most of the ingredients on hand already! [Score!]
Here is the ingredient list to make your own:
- Instant espresso
- Vanilla syrup
- Milk
- Caramel
- Ice
Espresso – You can use fresh espresso if you have an espresso maker. You can also use an espresso coffee pod or any other version of fresh espresso you like. I like using instant because it cools faster, which means I get my drink faster. You can also use a strong coffee.
Vanilla syrup – This syrup, along with the caramel sauce, is used to sweetener the caramel macchatio. You can use your favorite store bought syrup, or make your own vanilla syrup! It’s pretty simple and great to have on hand.
Milk – Feel free to use your favorite milk in this recipe. You can also make it dairy-free by using coconut or almond milk as well.
Caramel – Of course you need a caramel sauce for this caramel macchatio! I love using my homemade caramel sauce with cream for this recipe. You can also use you store bought caramel sauce as well. Just pick a good quality sauce to improve the flavor of your drink.
How to make an iced caramel macchiato
Once you have gathered your ingredients you will want to –
Step 1 Make your espresso. If you are using instant espresso, combine the instant with your water and stir. If you are using fresh hot espresso, make it and let it sit for a bit so it cools. If you use hot espresso and add the ice to it, it will water down the coffee.
Step 2 Assemble the drink. Add your vanilla syrup to the bottom of your cup. Add in your milk and ice next. Pour the cooled espresso over top, add caramel sauce on top and enjoy!
Tips and tricks
A few helpful hints about the caramel macchiato you are about to make:
Do you stir it?
“I’m a barista at Starbucks, so if you want this to be just like the caramel macchiato we serve, don’t stir it. The word “macchiato” means “marked” in Italian, so the espresso and caramel drizzle are supposed to “mark” the top of the drink. This is part of what makes the drink different from an iced vanilla latte, which would have the espresso on the bottom so it mixes with the syrup and milk right away.” – from reader Amber
Is the caramel macchiato sweet?
Yes. It gets its sweetness from the caramel and vanilla syrup.
Is there coffee in it?
Yup. Or espresso. You can use cold brew coffee or fresh espresso instead of the instant. Basically, any type of coffee works great in this Starbucks copycat iced caramel macchatio recipe!
Do I have to steam the milk?
Since this is an iced caramel macchatio, you do not need to steam the milk. If you make a classic hot caramel macchatio, you can steam the milk. Cold milk works perfect in this recipe.
How do I make a hot caramel macchatio?
You can follow my easy recipe for how to make a hot caramel macchiato here. It’s just as easy as the iced version!
How to order an iced caramel macchiato at Starbucks
This one is super easy to order at Starbucks and most other coffee shops. Caramel macchiatos are common drinks so simply ask your barista “Can I please have an iced caramel macchiato?” and be sure to tell them your size.
Want to try a different version of this iced caramel macchiato? Ask for it upside down when you order and they will combine it all together. I love doing it this way because the caramel sauce get evenly distributed in the drink. SO GOOD!
More copycat Starbucks drinks
Want more coffee flavored posts? Check out:
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso
- 1/4 cup of cool water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 cup of milk (of choice)
- 1 cup of ice
- caramel for drizzle
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Cholesterol: 20mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 24gSugar: 17gProtein: 8g
Like this DIY Starbucks recipe? Be sure to pin it to your coffee board!
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Erlene says
I would so love to make this if my hubby hadn’t used up all of my instant espresso. Pinning for later. Would love if you came to share this on The Yuck Stops Here! recipe link up.
Kelley says
Ohh make sure to grab some next time your out! This is sooo worth it! Im heading to your site now. Thanks for the invite!
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe says
This just reminded me of a granita I used to order at a coffee shop next to my old office. I think I’ll have to try this recipe and turn it into a granita to see how close it is. I miss that! 🙂 Coffee in pancakes huh?? Hmmm… [#PinItThurs]
Kelley says
Ohh a granita sounds fabulous! Let me know if it tastes the same. And yes! coffee in pancakes is awesome! 🙂
Kimberlee says
This sounds really good. Pinning so I can have the recipe to try it out soon. Thanks.
Kelley says
Thanks Kimberlee! I hope you enjoy it when your try it! 🙂
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Yummy! I need to try this homemade version! Thanks so much for linking up to Freedom Fridays!
Kelley says
Thanks Jamie! Its so easy and sooo good 🙂
Patricia steedly says
I love your your recipes, so many to choose from
Kelley says
Thanks so much! So glad you like them!
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
Kelley, this is the EXACT same drink that I always get at Starbucks! It’s my favorite, but I can’t wait to try your easy, at-home version! Sounds so good. 🙂 I’m working on a Hawaiian Iced Coffee recipe right now. There’s a local place here that makes an amazing iced coffee with coconut and macadamia, and I’m trying to recreate it. 🙂 Thanks so much for this great recipe!
Kelley says
Ohhh!! Let me know when you post the recipe! I want to try it! My dad lived in Hawaii for 6 years and we went over a lot. I love it!
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
I just made your recipe today, Kelley! We got a Nespresso machine over the weekend and I decided to try this out with it today. AMAZING!!! Seriously, so good. 🙂
Kelley says
Hoooray! Im so glad you liked it! Isn’t it so easy too?! 🙂
Alex says
This looks AMAZING! Thank you for sharing!!
Kelley says
My pleasure! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Felissa (Two Little Cavaliers) says
I am going to save a small fortune with this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
By the way, I found you at the Mommy Club!
Kelley says
Awesome! Yes, it will totally save you some money! Which may be one of my favorite parts 🙂
ang says
Kelley,
I’ve never tried this at Starbucks, but I’ll be making it at home for sure! YUM!!
Thanks so much for linking up on Cook it! Craft it! Share it! this week!
ang
Kelley says
Thanks Ang! Its one of my favorites and I love how easy it is to make at home!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Mmmm, those are my favs at Starbucks, second only to chai lattes! I featured this on my blog this morning and I’m just stopping by to pin it!
Kelley says
Thanks Jessi! Im going to go check it out!
Raia says
Ohhh, yum. Definitely keeping this one in the back of my brain… 😉 Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays!
Kelley says
Oh yes! Its so easy and saves some moolah! (Plus its pretty tasty!)
Caroline says
Coffee-wowness and then some! A must try. Thank you so much for sharing!
Kelley says
Its totally a must try! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Becca from ItsYummi! says
SO much better than spending $5 for one!
Kelley says
Right?! I totally agree! 🙂
Christina @ It's a Keeper says
This look INCREDIBLE! I can’t wait to try making this!
Kelley says
Thanks Christina! Its pretty delicious! 🙂
Becca from ItsYummi! says
You just saved me $5.00, thank you very much! <3
Kelley says
haha! My pleasure Becca! 🙂
Mandy says
Love looove the Starbucks’ caramel macchiato, but it’s so expensive on a college budget. I’ll definitely be giving this recipe a try, thanks so much!! Also, the Starbucks brand vanilla syrup is a few dollars cheaper than the Torani and you get more per bottle… for those on a budget or just looking to save a few extra dollars!
Kelley says
Ohhh.. thats great to know Mandy! Ill have to grab a bottle when mine runs out! Hope you enjoy the recipe! If you make it feel free to email me a picture 🙂
Jenny says
Oh my gosh, this sounds so great. However, I have to tell you, one of my biggest pet peeves in the world is when people call it eXpresso. It’s eSpresso. A quick update and you’ll have a million more coffee lovers rootin’ for ya!
Kelley says
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for correcting me! This post is over 2 years old.. how embarrassing! It is all corrected. Thanks Jenny!
Leonor says
Hi Kelley, I made the Carmel Macchiato and it was AWESOME! Even my 17 year old daughter told me, “You Nailed It!”
Kelley says
Hooooray!! So glad yall liked it!!
Amber Gonzalez says
I’m a barista at Starbucks, so if you want this to be just like the caramel macchiato we serve, don’t stir it. The word “macchiato” means “marked” in Italian, so the espresso and caramel drizzle are supposed to “mark” the top of the drink. This is part of what makes the drink different from an iced vanilla latte, which would have the espresso on the bottom so it mixes with the syrup and milk right away. Just a helpful hint ?
Kelley says
SUPER HELPFUL! I appreciate the feedback Amber. I’ll edit the recipe soon! Thank you!
Leah says
Hi, I found your iced caramel macchiato recipe and am going to try this but I have a question as to what caramel brand do you use? Or where can I purchase the caramel?
thank you.
Kelley says
I really like the Torani brand caramel – https://amzn.to/2rVePrt. You can buy it at most grocery stores or on Amazon. I hope that helps!