This Copycat Starbucks Caramel Latte recipe is easy to make and it's my personal favorite. Try one of the tastiest Starbucks espresso-based beverages at home, following my step-by-step instructions.
You'll be surprised how easy it is to make this Caramel Latte at home. And if you use Starbucks caramel syrup, which is not hard to find, your latte will taste just like Starbucks. Warm, sweet, and smooth, this drink is just a perfect way to warm up during the cold winter months.
If you've ever tried Starbucks’ Caramel Latte before, you know that you are in for a real treat. Let's dive in and learn how to make it at home. All you need are these three ingredients: caramel syrup, espresso, and milk.
Starbucks Caramel Latte Video Tutorial
CARAMEL SYRUP
If you are going for authentic Starbucks flavor, you'll want to use Starbucks Caramel Syrup. It can be found at WalMart, Target, and on Amazon.com. You can also try buying it at Starbucks’ shop. At most locations, they sell it for around $15 per bottle. Of course, you can purchase caramel syrup from other brands. I've used this Torani Classic Caramel Syrup in the past, and it was great.
ESPRESSO
Espresso could be made with an espresso machine, various K-Cup machines, or with a macchinetta or “moka.” If you don’t own any of these items, I suggest starting with a macchinetta. That’s what all of Italy is using! It is cheap, easy to use, and the Italians swear it makes the best espresso. There are several good brands to choose from, like Bialetti and Grosche, but I have to tell you that even the cheapest $10 macchinetta makes espresso well. Check out this video I found on how to use a macchinetta:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVwtNYd3eQU
MILK
By default, Starbucks uses 2% milk for all latte recipes. You can use whole milk or nonfat milk with the same success. If you prefer non-dairy milk, you can use it too, but they may not froth very well.
As with any latte, you’ll need to froth the milk for this Caramel Latte too. You can froth the milk by simply warming it up (microwave or stovetop) and whisking it, or shaking it in a jar. But if you enjoy making lattes and cappuccinos at home, you’ll need a simple and effective milk frother. There are two kinds of milk frothers that work really well: manual milk frothers (I use this Ninja Frother), and electric frothers (I recommend this MilkBoss by Zulay Kitchen). Check out the reviews on these frothers. They are both very effective. Here is a video on how to use a manual milk frother:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPl1bF_0Dik
NOTE: If you own a French Press, you can use it to froth the milk as well. Check this article for more info: Use a French Press to Make Frothy Milk for an Easy Homemade Cappuccino.
So, now that we have discussed each of the three ingredients in detail, we are ready to make our Starbucks Caramel Latte.
HOW TO MAKE STARBUCKS CARAMEL LATTE
1. Prepare the espresso using the method of your choice.
2. Warm up the milk (stovetop or microwave). Froth the milk.
3. Add the caramel syrup into the serving cup. Pour in the espresso.
4. Add the milk and enjoy!
CARAMEL LATTE FAQs:
What is the difference between Caramel Latte and Caramel Cappuccino?
Both a Caramel Latte and a Caramel Cappuccino are made with the same ingredients: espresso, caramel syrup, hot milk, and foam. The only difference between the two is that the cappuccino has more foam by volume than the latte does. So, if you enjoy light and foamy drinks, cappuccinos are the way to go. And if you are not a fan of milk foam, lattes are your beverage. At Starbucks, baristas are trained to make cappuccinos by following the 50/50 rule, where the drink has 50% foam and 50% milk; lattes are 90% milk and only 10% foam.
What is the difference between Caramel Latte and Caramel Macchiato?
This is a very common question. A Caramel Latte is made by mixing espresso with caramel syrup and pouring steamed milk on top. A Caramel Macchiato is made by mixing vanilla syrup and steamed milk together, and then pouring the espresso on top, leaving the black mark on the milk foam ("macchiato" means "marked" in Italian). After, caramel sauce is drizzled on top of the drink. You can find my Caramel Macchiato recipe here.
How many calories in Caramel Latte?
It has about 155 calories per 12 oz. cup. Refer to the nutrition box in the recipe card below, for more information.
How much caffeine in Caramel Latte?
A tall (12.oz) cup has about 75 mg. of caffeine at Starbucks. Your homemade espresso will be different, and most likely have less caffeine. In comparison, a tall cup of regular (Pike Place) Starbucks coffee has 235 mg. of caffeine.
Why I share Starbucks recipes? Read my Starbucks Journey. 🙂
STARBUCKS CARAMEL LATTE
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. Starbucks Caramel Syrup
- 2 oz. espresso
- 8 oz. 2% milk or milk of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the espresso using the method of your choice.
- Warm up the milk (stovetop or microwave). Froth the milk.
- Add the caramel syrup into the serving cup. Pour in the espresso.
- Add the milk and enjoy!
rabeea says
can I use Camaral sauce instead of caramel syrup??
Tania Sheff says
Hi Rabeea! Yes. The Latte will have a bit different taste and consistency, but it'll taste great nonetheless. Thanks for stopping by!
Holden says
Wow, This looks yummy. And I am so happy to know that I can make it at home. Can't wait to try this. Thanks for the sharing this yummy recipe, Tania!
Tania says
Thank you so much, Holden!
Mayp says
Hi, i have a small coffee shop, so far this my first exposure in this business, hope you can email me some recipe's such sandwiches and coffee.... thank you very much.
Michelle says
Yum! So cozy and perfect for December.
Tania says
Thanks! It really is! 🙂