Prepare the loved-by-everyone Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato at home! I’ll share the tips and the secrets on how to make this delicious treat.
Slightly sweetened milk on the bottom, ice in the middle, bittersweet espresso on top and rich caramel sauce all over the cup… Isn’t this what you are craving this summer? Get ready to make your very own Iced Caramel Macchiato!
While working at Starbucks, I learned that the #1 most loved espresso drink is the incredible Iced Caramel Macchiato and, today, I am sharing with you how to make this drink at home. The basics are pretty simple. We combine vanilla syrup with cold milk, then add some ice, fresh espresso and top it all off with buttery caramel sauce. Let’s discuss each ingredient.
VANILLA SYRUP.
You can purchase vanilla syrup in a large supermarket, or on Amazon. They even sell Starbucks Vanilla Syrup on Amazon, so that would be your best option to achieve a very authentic Starbucks taste. However, I don’t recommend buying the whole bottle if you are not planning on making Iced or Hot Caramel Macchiatos regularly. If you are just making it once, use homemade simple syrup instead, or, I also like using a little agave syrup (Yum!).
MY LATEST VIDEOSMILK.
At Starbucks we usually use 2% reduced fat milk, but you may choose to use whole milk, non-fat milk or vanilla soy milk. If you use vanilla soy milk, you may skip the vanilla syrup altogether.
ESPRESSO.
I always recommend using a macchinetta to prepare THE BEST TASTING espresso. It is a very convenient and cheap option that guarantees great results. You can shop around and find a macchinetta for as low as $7, but I am secretly dreaming about this beauty: Bialetti Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker. Here is a useful video demonstrating how to make espresso using macchinetta:
If you’d like to find out a little more about espresso and what kind of coffee beans are best, check out my Hot Caramel Macchiato recipe.
Lastly,
THE CARAMEL SAUCE.
While it is possible to find Starbucks caramel sauce on EBay and sometimes in-stores, I found that this Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce is really wonderful, so I always purchase this kind.
Here is a quick overview of how to make an Iced Caramel Macchiato.
1. Add vanilla syrup to the cup. (2 tsp – 12oz cup, 3 tsp – 16oz cup, 4 tsp – 20oz cup). Of course, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
2. Add milk over the syrup (approx. halfway).
3. Add ice, reserving room for espresso.
4. Add espresso (1oz – 12oz cup, 2oz – 16oz cup, 3oz – 20oz cup).
5. Drizzle with caramel sauce on top and enjoy!
Let me know if you have any questions about this Iced Caramel Macchiato. I’ll be happy to answer them. Hope you’ll enjoy this deliciousness as much as I did!
MORE STARBUCKS RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:
- Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
- Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
- Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato Video Tutorial
Copycat Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup or to taste
- 6 oz. milk
- 1 oz espresso
- caramel sauce to drizzle
- ice
Instructions
- Add vanilla syrup to the cup first, then milk, ice and espresso on top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
COPYCAT STARBUCKS CARAMEL MACCHIATO
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So you added the hot espresso right to the milk?
Yep. That’s how we do at Starbucks too. It cools down right away. Thank you!
Would you be able to give some tips on making the espresso. I have one of the stove top makers. How much coffee beans to how much water do you usually recommend?
Hi Maria! You’ll need about 1 tbsp. of ground coffee for every two oz. of water. Hope this helps!
Wonderful tip for the caramel!! I’ve never found a good replacement for the coffee shop caramel and I think this will be it!! This was a great article to find! Thank you for your insider tips!
Happy New Year!
Thank you so much, Ashley! I am glad you found this useful. Happy New Year!
How much coffee would I need if I’m not using espresso and using regular drip coffee instead?
Hi Tannia! I don’t recommend using regular drip coffee, since it will change this recipe dramatically. If you want, just prepare yourself a regular iced coffee, add vanilla, Half & Half, and drizzle with caramel syrup on top. This way, you’ll end up having something close to the caramel macchiato. Best regards!
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! You just saved me $100 a month. It tastes delicious.
Cha-ching!!! Thanks, Angel! I am glad you enjoyed the CM!
Reviews state the Bialetti Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker should NOT be used on an induction stove. This makes me sad.
Hi Catherine! As you know, induction stove requires magnetic-based material, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel in order to work, so yes, the Moka Maker will not work in this case. Sorry, my friend. 🙁
What kind of coffee do you use for the expresso?
Hi Kerry! “espresso” is defined by the process, not by the type of bean. Unlike brewing drip coffee, making espresso means forcing hot water through finely ground beans with a high degree of pressure. So, basically, any coffee bean can make espresso as long as it’s prepared this way. I’ve tried many coffee brands, and I am still experimenting. One of my favorite ones is Lavazza Crema e Gusto, check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KLGOSa. Thanks and cheers!
I use this recipe all the time!
Love this! Can’t wait to try it. Any chance you have a recipe for the chai latte?!
Hi Jamie! Thank you. Please, let me know how you enjoyed the drink. I am actually planning to make Chai Tea Latte soon. Stay tuned! P.S. Caramel Frappuccino is coming out next week. It’s a game changer!
This is the perfect recipe for my favorite Starbucks drink! And stunning photos.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing such kind of ides with cool create art on yummy beverage. Great job Tania …! Thanks
Thank you, Sure! I appreciate it! 🙂
Looks delicious, Tania! Love the step-by-step photos too. A lot of people will love this and appreciate you sharing the knowledge.
Thank you so much, Natasha!