Description
Save money and time by making a cafe-quality Caramel Macchiato at home. This easy copycat recipe features fresh espresso, vanilla syrup, frothed milk, and homemade caramel sauce for a delicious iced or hot treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 shots espresso (about 2 ounces / 60ml)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended, or oat/almond milk)
- 2–3 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 cup ice cubes (for iced version)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Make the caramel sauce: Combine ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in a pinch of salt, and let cool slightly.
- Brew the espresso: Brew two shots of espresso or strong coffee. Let it cool for a minute or two.
- Froth the milk: For hot version, froth 1 cup of milk until foamy and warm (approx 150°F). For iced version, use cold milk without frothing.
- Assemble the iced drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in vanilla syrup, then slowly pour in cold milk. Finally, pour espresso shots over the milk to create layers. Drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Assemble the hot drink: Pour vanilla syrup into a mug. Add hot milk, then slowly pour espresso over the milk. Top with whipped cream (optional) and drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Enjoy: Stir before drinking for mixed flavors, or sip slowly to enjoy the layers.
Notes
For the best layers, pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon. Ensure the caramel sauce is not too thick; add a splash of warm water if needed. The drink is best served immediately. Caramel sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tall glass
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 8
Keywords: copycat starbucks caramel macchiato, homemade caramel macchiato, iced coffee recipe, espresso drink, vanilla syrup coffee, homemade caramel sauce, coffee shop copycat