If you’re craving a refreshing drink on a warm day, an iced caramel macchiato is just what you need. This recipe brings you a deliciously creamy coffee drink topped with a sweet caramel drizzle that makes every sip feel special.
This recipe reduces confusion in layering flavors, provides milk and espresso options, and adds clear instructions for sweetener and caramel drizzling in iced caramel macchiatos.
I love how this iced caramel macchiato solves the common issue of expensive coffee shop visits while still giving you the same delightful flavors at home. It’s easy enough to whip up even on those busy weeknights when kids are bouncing off the walls, and you just want a little treat.
This recipe works by layering simple ingredients that blend beautifully together, and you can have it ready in about 10 minutes. Once you’ve tried this, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought versions.
If you enjoy sweet drinks, my homemade Caramel Cheese Popcorn is another fun treat to whip up alongside this refreshing coffee!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free because it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients in its components.
- The recipe is not dairy-free as it includes milk and whipped cream made from dairy products.
- This recipe is not suitable for vegan diets because it uses milk and whipped cream derived from animals.
- This recipe suits vegetarian diets since none of the ingredients are derived from animal flesh or byproducts.
- The recipe is not low-carb or keto-friendly due to the vanilla syrup and caramel sauce containing sugars and carbohydrates.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Refreshing on Hot Days You’ll love how easy it is to whip up an iced caramel macchiato that cools you down during the summer. The chilled espresso and creamy milk combination is both satisfying and thirst-quenching.
- Customizable Ingredients Feel free to switch up the milk to your liking, whole, almond, or oat are all great options. Using your favorite vanilla syrup means you can tailor the sweetness to suit your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare With just 10 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this tasty drink without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s ideal for busy mornings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
- Delicious Layers The distinct layers of milk, espresso, and caramel sauce create a beautiful presentation. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the drinking experience with a perfect blend of flavors in each sip.
How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 (12 oz cup) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-cook
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious homemade iced caramel macchiato recipe that is gluten-free and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla syrup, quality vanilla syrup with natural ingredients
- 6 ounces (180 ml) milk, cold (whole milk recommended, but almond or oat milk can be used)
- 1 ounce (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso, medium roast preferred
- Ice, plenty to fill the cup
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling on top (good-quality, made with real sugar)
- Optional: Whipped cream, for topping (dairy-based for this recipe)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla syrup into the bottom of a 12 oz (360 ml) cup. This step creates a sweet base for your drink and can be adjusted if using larger cups (3 teaspoons for 16 oz, 4 teaspoons for 20 oz). Taste and adjust sweetness to preference.
- Step 2: Fill the cup with cold milk until it is approximately halfway full, about 6 ounces (180 ml). The milk balances the strong coffee flavor with creaminess.
- Step 3: Add ice to the cup, filling it almost to the top but leaving room for the espresso. The ice chills the drink and helps maintain the layered effect.
- Step 4: Pour 1 ounce (30 ml) of freshly brewed espresso slowly over the ice and milk, creating a distinct layered appearance. For larger servings, increase espresso to 2 ounces for 16 oz cups or 3 ounces for 20 oz cups.
- Step 5: Generously drizzle caramel sauce on top of your drink to finish. The caramel adds sweetness and a rich look.
Notes
- Store the iced caramel macchiato in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Place the drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shake gently before serving cold.
- Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before stirring and serving.
- If your drink tastes too bitter, add 1 to 2 teaspoons more vanilla syrup after brewing espresso to increase sweetness.
- For frothier milk texture, shake cold milk in a sealed jar for about 30 seconds before adding to the drink.
- To increase coffee flavor, double the espresso to 2 ounces in a 12 oz serving.
- To make a less sweet drink, reduce caramel sauce to a light drizzle; start with half a tablespoon for milder sweetness.
- If ice melts too fast, fill the cup halfway with ice before adding espresso to keep the drink chilled longer.
- Serve with almond flour bread or gluten-free blueberry muffins.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait for a balanced snack.
- Use the drink to make iced coffee popsicles or frozen desserts, add to smoothies for a caffeine boost, or blend into protein shakes for extra flavor.
- Top with whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce for variety. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for additional spice notes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided
Ingredient Notes
- Brewed espresso: Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. Opt for a medium roast for balance, it brings depth without overpowering the milk.
- Ice: Use plenty of ice to chill your drink quickly. Clear ice works best because it looks nice and melts slower, keeping your coffee from getting watery.
- Vanilla syrup: A quality vanilla syrup sweetens your drink and complements the espresso’s richness. Look for natural ingredients; you could even make your own for more flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can use any milk you like. Almond or oat milk offers a fun twist if you’re after something different.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle a good-quality caramel sauce on top. It adds sweetness and a beautiful finish. Look for one made with real sugar for the best taste.
- Whipped cream: If you want extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it feel special. Try making your own for fresher flavor!
Recipe Tips
- If your Iced Caramel Macchiato tastes too bitter, try using 1 to 2 teaspoons more vanilla syrup to adjust the sweetness after brewing espresso.
- When your milk isn’t frothy enough, consider using cold milk and shaking it in a sealed jar for about 30 seconds before pouring over the espresso.
- If your drink lacks flavor, double the espresso amount to 2 ounces for a stronger coffee flavor in a 12 oz serving.
- For a less sweet drink, reduce caramel sauce to a drizzle instead of a full layer; start with half a tablespoon for a milder taste.
- When your ice melts too quickly, fill the cup halfway with ice before adding espresso to maintain a chilled drink longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a slice of almond flour bread or gluten-free blueberry muffins. Pair with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait for added nutrition.
Use to make iced coffee popsicles or a frozen dessert. Add to smoothies for a caffeine boost or blend into a protein shake.
Top with whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk to give your iced caramel macchiato a dairy-free option without changing the flavor too much.
- Add 3 teaspoons of hazelnut syrup instead of vanilla syrup for a nutty twist that complements the caramel drizzle on your iced caramel macchiato nicely.
- Either brew strong coffee or use espresso shots for the base, adjusting to 1 oz for 12 oz cups or 2 oz for 16 oz cups to keep the drink balanced.
- If using agave instead of vanilla syrup, pour 2 teaspoons into a 12 oz cup and fill halfway with milk before adding ice and espresso as usual; this pairs well with lighter syrups like in my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your iced caramel macchiato fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store your iced caramel macchiato in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day to maintain freshness and flavor.
Refrigeration: Place the drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shake gently before serving cold.
Freezing: Pour into a freezer-safe container, freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before stirring and serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Gluten Free Almond Cake
- Gluten Free Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
- Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake
- Gluten Free Apple Bundt Cake
If you enjoyed this Iced Caramel Macchiato or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
