Iced Caramel Macchiato

By
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
A recipe developer and food photographer, Leah Maroney is an ardent home cook and food blogger who has written over 300 recipes for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/20/21
iced caramel macchiato

The Spruce / Leah Maroney
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 coffee
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
202 Calories
2g Fat
38g Carbs
9g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 202
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 204mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 37g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 330mg 25%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 448mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A caramel macchiato is a delectable iced coffee treat that you can get at your favorite coffee house, but it is so easy to make at home and costs a fraction of the price. It only takes four simple ingredients (plus ice). You can even try your hand at making your own vanilla syrup and caramel sauce if you wish. Use an instant espresso for an even easier recipe.

It’s technically a latte and is traditionally served layered. Give it a quick stir before enjoying or drink it as is. If you’re looking for a hot caramel macchiato for those chilly days, use hot-brewed espresso and heat the milk before adding.

There are lots of ways to mix up this recipe, and it’s also easy to make it dairy free and vegan. There are several store-bought vegan caramel sauces, and any kind of dairy-free milk tastes delicious in this recipe. Double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch for guests and friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk, chilled

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup

  • 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, or to taste, divided

  • 2 cups ice

  • 1/4 cup espresso, chilled

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for iced caramel latte

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  2. Combine milk and vanilla syrup in a glass or measuring cup. Whisk to combine.

    Milk and vanilla syrup mixed in a measuring cup

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  3. Drizzle glass with caramel syrup, if desired. Add ice and top with milk mixture.

    Ice, milk, and caramel sauce in a glass

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  4. Top drink with chilled espresso. Drizzle with more caramel sauce on top of ice (if using) and serve immediately.

    Chilled espresso in a glass with milk

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

  5. Stir drink when you are ready to enjoy. It looks beautiful in two layers, but tastes best once stirred together. 

    Recipe Variations

    • Salted Caramel Macchiato: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel sauce and stir a sprinkle of salt into the vanilla and milk combination. 
    • Cocoa Caramel Macchiato: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup along with the caramel sauce on top of the coffee. You can also mix the chocolate syrup with the milk for an extra chocolaty flavor. 
    • Cinnamon Caramel Macchiato: Use cinnamon syrup instead of the vanilla syrup or go crazy and use a bit of both. Top the espresso with a sprinkle of cinnamon and caramel syrup. 
    • You can use a strong cold brew instead of the espresso.
    • Use dairy-free alternative milk if you are dairy free. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk all work well, especially in this iced variation. 
    • Use a vegan caramel sauce or use a caramel-flavored syrup, which is usually already vegan.
    • If you’re looking to get extra fancy, top the drink with some whipped cream and then the caramel sauce.

    Tips

    • Make sure to chill the espresso ahead of time or else it will melt the ice and water down the drink.