Description
A delicious homemade iced caramel macchiato recipe that is gluten-free and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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