This Iced Caramel Macchiato recipe is sweet and satisfying. It will save you time and money. Make this coffee shop favorite at home and enjoy it any time you want.
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Why this Iced Coffee Recipe is a Keeper
It’s easy to make this iced latte drink at home. This copycat Starbucks caramel drink tastes just like your favorite coffee. Here’s a few reasons why you should make your very own iced caramel macchiato without taking a trip to the coffee shop.
- 5 Minute Drink: Have this refreshing macchiato ready from the comfort of your own kitchen in just 5 minutes. Caramel macchiatos are the perfect drink for the summer months.
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Adaptable: Use substitutes or add whatever flavors you’d like.
If you’re looking for more copycat Starbucks drinks and other recipes, try these: Starbucks Pink Drink, Blueberry Scones, and Glazed Lemon Loaf.
What is a Macchiato?
A macchiato seems similar to a latte or cappuccino, but is distinct in that a macchiato is made with an espresso shot and a few ounces of milk. However, latte macchiatos also exist, which use more milk and ice to dilute the espresso and sweeten the drink.
Ingredient Notes for an Iced Caramel Macchiato

- Coffee: A strong dark coffee is recommended for this sweet and creamy drink, such as Italian roast or Moka Java.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the macchiato.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for Starbucks Espresso Iced Coffee
- Store Bought Creamer: You can buy creamer from the store instead of stirring in heavy cream.
- Shots of Espresso: Add one shot of espresso on top of the macchiato, or two shots of espresso if doubling the recipe.
- Pinch of Espresso Powder: Use espresso powder in place of coffee or a brew concentrate.
- Syrup: Add a pump of starbucks vanilla syrup and steamed milk.
Special Equipment Needed for the Iced Latte
- Espresso Machine: An espresso machine is perfect for instant coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine to brew coffee, you’ll want to use a coffee pot instead. Keurig or Nespresso machines also work fine without using an espresso machine.
Iced Coffee Pro Tip
Make coffee ice cubes for more flavor.
How to Make this Copycat Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe
Learn how to make your favorite tall size or grande iced coffee with cold milk at home and adjust the sweetness to your liking. In just a few short steps, you’ll have this coffee with an authentic Starbucks taste without having to enter a drive-thru.
These are the basic steps for making an iced caramel macchiato at home. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Mix the Coffee
Pour coffee into a mug over ice. Then, mix caramel sauce and a tablespoon of sugar into hot coffee until they dissolve.
2. Add Cream and Top
Stir in heavy cream until mixed together. Then, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate, or drink immediately.
Iced Macchiato FAQs
Many coffee makers now have the option for making iced coffee. If you do not have one, brew an extra cup in the morning and store it in the fridge for your macchiato.
Use a sugar free caramel syrup, along with a sugar replacement.
Yes; use soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk instead of regular milk.
Expert Tips for Making an Iced Caramel Macchiato with Caramel Sauce
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Make this macchiato with homemade whipped cream.
- Chocolate Chips: Top with chocolate chips or shavings.
- Layers: Build the macchiato in layers for improved presentation and flavor.
- Liqueur: Add Bailey’s Irish cream or Kahlua to make a version with a real kick.
- Hint of Vanilla: Flavor this cold brew beverage with different syrups, such as a few pumps of vanilla syrup or hazelnut. Torani vanilla syrup works well, or any kind of simple syrup.
- Hot Caramel: You can top the macchiato with a hot caramel drizzle.
What to Serve with this Iced Macchiato Recipe
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Iced Caramel Macchiato
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Coffee
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Caramel Sauce
Instructions
- Pour coffee into your favorite mug over ice
- Mix caramel sauce and sugar into hot coffee until melted.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce
Christina’s Notes
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Make this macchiato with homemade whipped cream.
- Chocolate Chips: Top with chocolate chips or shavings.
- Layers: Build the macchiato in layers for improved presentation and flavor.
- Liqueur: Add Bailey’s Irish cream or Kahlua to make a version with a real kick.
- Hint of Vanilla: Flavor this cold brew beverage with different syrups, such as a few pumps of vanilla syrup or hazelnut. Torani vanilla syrup works well, or any kind of simple syrup.
- Hot Caramel: You can top the macchiato with a hot caramel drizzle.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
I can already tell I’m going to be making this for coffee cocktails.
You will love it!:)
This is so easy and I love these drinks in the summer. Thank you for sharing!