Make a refreshing iced caramel macchiato at home and save money compared to the coffee shop prices. This sweet, creamy, and caffeinated summertime drink is surprisingly easy and fast to make with just a few simple ingredients. All it takes is some strongly brewed coffee or espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, ice, and drizzled caramel sauce to whip up an indulgent iced caramel macchiato in minutes.
You can enjoy this popular coffeehouse favorite from the comfort of your kitchen for just pennies per drink rather than spending $5-$6 at Starbucks. According to Forbes, brewing specialty coffee drinks like iced caramel macchiatos at home can save you 50-80% over buying them from cafes and coffee shops. Keep reading to learn insider tips and step-by-step instructions for making barista-worthy iced caramel macchiatos at home for a fraction of the cost this summer.
Overview of the Iced Caramel Macchiato
The iced caramel macchiato is a sweet and creamy iced coffee drink made popular by coffee chains like Starbucks. It combines rich espresso with vanilla syrup, frothy steamed milk, ice, and drizzled caramel sauce. The result is an indulgent, flavorful caffeinated beverage perfect for summer.
According to Starbucks, a venti iced caramel macchiato contains:
- 5 shots of espresso
- 3 pumps of vanilla syrup
- Milk
- Ice
- Caramel drizzle
This recipe can easily be customized to your preferences with the amount of espresso, sweetener, and toppings. Feel free to experiment to create your perfect iced coffee drink!
Why Make Your Iced Coffee Drinks?
While grabbing an iced macchiato from the coffee shop is convenient, making it at home has many advantages:
Save Money
Coffee shop drinks add up quickly! An iced caramel macchiato costs $5-$6 on average from Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or Caribou Coffee. Making it at home with ingredients you likely already have on hand brings the cost down to under $1 per drink. The savings add up over time.
Customization
You’re in control of the ingredients when you make it yourself. Add more or less vanilla and caramel to suit your sweetness preferences. Use any type of milk – dairy, nut, oat, soy – the options are endless! Choose high-quality coffee for maximum flavor.
Convenience
Skip the drive-thru and make coffeehouse drinks from your kitchen whenever you want them. No waiting in line is necessary. Have all your favorite iced coffee drinks like caramel macchiatos ready in minutes.
Quality Ingredients
Use premium coffee and fresh milk of your choice. Make small batches to enjoy the coffee and syrups at their peak freshness. You can even whip up homemade caramel sauce!
How to Make an Easy Iced Caramel Macchiato
With just 5 simple ingredients, you can make an iced caramel macchiato rivaling your favorite coffee shop.
Ingredients Needed:
- Espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Vanilla syrup
- Milk
- Ice
- Caramel sauce
Espresso
Optimal flavor comes from freshly pulled espresso shots. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong coffee works too. Strongly brew coffee using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water.
Vanilla Syrup
The vanilla syrup provides sweetness and pairs perfectly with the espresso. Make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water with vanilla extract. Or use store-bought vanilla syrup like Torani or Monin brands.
Milk
Any type of dairy or non-dairy milk works great. Try milk alternatives like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Froth the milk before adding it for extra creaminess.
Ice
Ice is essential for both chilling and diluting the coffee to the perfect iced coffee drinking temperature. Use ice cubes or crushed ice.
Caramel Sauce
Drizzle the top with caramel sauce for sweetness and flair. Make your own or use store-bought. Homemade has unbeatable flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brew espresso shots or strongly brew coffee. Allow to cool slightly.
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Add milk of choice.
Pour freshly brewed espresso over ice. Add vanilla syrup and stir gently to combine.
Top with caramel sauce in a zig-zag pattern or as desired.
Enjoy immediately while ice cold!
Tips for Making the Best Iced Caramel Macchiato:
- Make vanilla simple syrup from scratch for the freshest flavor
- Allow espresso to cool slightly before using to prevent melted ice
- Use an insulated tumbler to keep the drink chilled longer
- Customize with your choice of milk, sweeteners, and toppings
- Store leftover espresso in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Assemble the drink right before serving for optimal texture
With just a bit of planning, you can enjoy easy, affordable iced caramel macchiatos all summer long!
Frequently Asked Questions
What coffee should I use?
Opt for freshly prepared espresso for the closest match to coffee shops. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strongly brewed coffee is the next best option. As a last resort, instant espresso powder can be used too.
Do I need to make my own vanilla syrup?
No – store-bought vanilla syrup works fine, but homemade has a fresher, purer flavor. Starbucks uses a vanilla-flavored Torani syrup that you can buy online or in stores.
Can I use caramel coffee creamer instead of caramel sauce?
Yes, the flavored coffee creamers can work in place of caramel sauce. However, homemade caramel sauce or store-bought options like Smucker’s deliver that true rich caramel flavor.
How do I froth the milk?
Use a milk frother, french press, or blender to froth up milk before adding it to your drink. The tiny air bubbles give a smooth, creamy texture. Or simply shake up milk in a jar before pouring if you don’t have a frother.
How long does brewed espresso last?
Freshly brewed espresso is best used within 10-15 minutes. However, you can store leftover espresso in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Make your favorite coffeehouse drinks at home and save money this summer with easy homemade iced coffee recipes. This iced caramel macchiato is sweet, creamy, and full of flavor. Skip the coffee shop line and enjoy it from the comfort of your own kitchen instead!
