Iced Caramel Macchiato At Home: Better Than Starbucks
In the Starbucks version, many people think that only caramel is the main ingredient in iced caramel macchiato. Even though they don’t add the caramel sauce into the drink. But let me tell you, the hidden gem of this drink is the vanilla syrup.
In this recipe, I will make this drink like Starbucks but there will be a little difference. Don’t be afraid, it increases the taste of this drink. So, read the process thoroughly and try it out!
What Is An Iced Caramel Macchiato?
Macchiato basically means stained or marked. This word originated in Italy. The classic recipe is Espresso Macchiato which means espresso stained.
In this classic recipe, first of all, a single shot of espresso is taken, then 10 ml of steamed milk is added in the center of the espresso. Here, the milk is the stainer. And that is one of the differences between today’s macchiato and the classic macchiato.
Nowadays, the macchiato you see in a cafe or in a shop is a variation of the classic one. You can call this macchiato, a Latte Macchiato, because of the milk proportion.
Another version is a double-shot Macchiato.
But now, the Latte Macchiato is more famous than any other version, especially the Iced Caramel Macchiato. Here, the espresso is called – “The Stainer”. Because a large portion of milk and a light layer of espresso is used in this drink.
Ingredients
This recipe is also not complex to make. All the ingredients I will be mentioning here are always available in the market. But if you want to make some ingredients at home, then I will also provide those recipes.
Go through these recipes and try them.
Espresso:
In Macchiato, the espresso flavor is stronger than other ingredients. So, you need to use espresso in a quantity so that it becomes a strong coffee drink. Well, as you are making it at home, quantities are customizable.
Arabica, Robusta, any kind of coffee bean you can use here. Coffee by machine or freshly brewed coffee can be used in this iced caramel macchiato. But I prefer to make it in a coffee machine than brewing.
Besides, coffee prepared by machine is more strong, dense and time-saving. Instant coffee also saves time and is handy. If your caffeine consumption is limited then you can use decaf coffee.
Milk:
This recipe cannot be completed without milk. Try to use whole-fat milk. If you are vegan, you can try any kind of non-dairy milk. People with IBS or lactose intolerant are highly recommended to try plant based drinks.
This drink will be creamy because of the milk. If you use rich fat milk, the quality of this drink and froth will be also good.
Oat milk is one of the best options here besides dairy milk. It also becomes frothy easily. If you prefer almond milk, or coconut milk, it will also work.
But many people don’t want to use the whole-fat milk. Because it creates thick foam and it might be difficult to pour it into the coffee.
Some health conscious people also avoid it.
If you are also one of them then you may use 2% milk. It’s not whole-fat, but it has enough fat to produce a creamy texture. Moreover, if you want to experiment with different flavors then you can try vanilla flavoured milk.
Vanilla Syrup:
It is one of the key ingredients in iced caramel macchiato. I am using homemade vanilla syrup here. If you don’t want to use homemade vanilla syrup, then there are many brands out there, you can pick one.
Torani, Monin etc are available in markets. If you want to have a taste like Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato, then you can use Torani vanilla syrup.
Caramel Sauce:
Caramel sauce gives a little bit of a salty, bitter and sweet taste. It is usually used as a topping, they don’t add it into this drink. You can also get this sauce from the shop from any brand.
But here, you need to pay attention before buying it that you will need caramel sauce, not caramel syrup. There is a difference between the two. The making process is also different.
Sauce is basically used in any kind of milk- based drinks or desserts. The syrup is used in any kind of watery-based drink like Americano. The sauce is also quite thick than syrup.
Ice Cubes:
To make this iced caramel macchiato, you will need ice cubes. You can also use crushed ice. But if you are very sensitive to cold drinks then just add light chilled milk and espresso instead of ice.
If you want to cut off your sugar consumption, then you can try natural sweeteners like Xylitol (not pet-friendly), Erythritol and Stevia. Or you can buy sugar-free vanilla syrup and caramel sauce.
Process Of Making Iced Caramel Macchiato
You can try making some of the ingredients at home. But those ingredients might not fulfill your expectations at first try. If it happens, then you can buy from the shop to save time.
The measurements I am providing here are completely based on my preference. You can change the measurements the way you want.
Cold Milk – ¾ cup
Vanilla syrup – 1 tablespoon
Caramel sauce – 1 tablespoon
Cold Espresso – 2 shots
Ice Cubes – 3 to 4
Step 1 – Ready The Milk
As it will be served cold, you don’t have to steam it. You can keep it in the refrigerator for some time to make it cold. Also, take some milk separately to create froth.
The French press is the best option to make froth. I am using it here. You can take an electrical frother to make it foamy.
There is no exact time to know how long you have to whip the milk. So, just whip the fatty milk until it becomes foamy. As I observed, it takes 30-45 seconds on average.
If you don’t want to refrigerate the drink then pour it directly into a glass with ice. And don’t mix the froth in it. You will be using it on top of the milk after adding espresso.
Step 2 – Prepare The Espresso Mixture
I am using 2 shots of espresso here to make it a little bit bitter. You can use it as you like. Now, pour the espresso shots into a cup and add caramel sauce and vanilla syrup to it.
Stir it well. Then, add this espresso mixture to the glass, spread it carefully, and let it mix naturally with the milk. This will enhance the coffee taste more.
Espresso doesn’t need to be cold. But if you wanna use it, you can use it cold.
Step 3 – Drizzle Caramel Sauce
On top of the espresso, add the froth you made. Then, pour some caramel sauce over it, making a zigzag design.
Before adding these, you can stir the milk and espresso together. But I don’t stir my drink and let it mix naturally. It looks beautiful enough even without garnishing.
Garnishing Options
If you do all these steps then, you don’t need any extra garnishing. But if you wanna make it look extravagant then you can do it.
- Whipped Cream: Whip some cream and place it on top of the milk foam. But be careful while adding flavorful cream. It may increase the flavor and make it taste bad.
- Sugar: Decorate the edges of the glass with sugar. It also looks good.
- Caramel Sauce: You can also drizzle some caramel sauce inside your glass. It will also look pretty.
That’s all you need to do! Isn’t it so simple?
If it already seems like a mouthwatering recipe to you, gather all the ingredients and try it!
I am adding 2 recipes of the ingredients I mentioned above – Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Syrup. If you want to make these at home, follow my recipe
How to Make Caramel Sauce
There are two types of caramel sauce. One is called wet caramel sauce. And the other one is called dry caramel sauce.
In wet caramel sauce water is used. On the other hand, water is not used in dry caramel.
You will need –
- Fresh heavy cream – 100g
- Sugar – 100g
- Butter – 30g
- A pinch of salt
- A brush with water or a lid ( prevent from crystallizing sugar)
Here, many people don’t want to use butter and it’s completely okay. Adding water to the caramel sauce makes it a little bit softer. And what butter does is that it makes the sauce thinner.
Butter also makes the caramel sauce thicker when it is cold. This caramel sauce recipe is an easy recipe to make but requires some tricks. If you become a little bit careless it may burn.
Step 1 – Caramelize The Sugar
In a saucepan, take the sugar. Put your stove on a high flame. As soon as you will see the sugar has started caramelizing, instantly and slowly decrease the heat.
Put the heat in a low flame. Do not stir the sugar constantly. Slowly and steadily stir the sugar from outerside to inner side.
If you’re seeing sugar crystallization, then use the brush with water. Use it where it is crystallizing, and slightly brush it out.
If you are afraid to do so, after adding the sugar, take the lid and cover the saucepan. It will prevent sugar from crystallizing. But you need to constantly check on the sugar after a couple of seconds. So, it doesn’t burn.
Step 2 – Add Heavy Cream
When you see that the sugar has melted completely, then you can add heavy cream. But here, you have to be careful about its temperature. Use it hot, otherwise, the caramel will start splashing and can burn your skin.
If you are making the caramel using water l then you need to add water before adding cream. Here, also, you need to put in hot water. If there is a huge temperature difference, the caramel will start splashing outside.
Step 3 – Add Butter
If you want to use butter, you can add this after putting in heavy cream. Now stir it well. All steps should be done in a low heat.
If you don’t want to use butter, then at step 2, your cooking will be complete.
Butter gives the sauce a shine and makes it more flavorful. Some also use vanilla pods or vanilla extract to this sauce. I skip it but you can add it if you wish to do so.
At the very last, add salt to it. It will enhance the sweet flavor. Mix them well.
Done! Your Caramel sauce is ready to use. The shelf life is 2 to 3 weeks. But you must refrigerate it.
How to Make Vanilla Syrup
It’s quite easy, not that difficult. Only 10 minutes you will need to prepare this.
You will need
- Vanilla Extract or vanilla pods or vanilla bean paste ( according to your measurement)
- Sugar 100g
- Water 100g
First of all, take a pot or saucepan. Add water and sugar to the pot. Put it on the stove and wait till it simmer.
Stir this mixture while simmering until the sugar dissolves. During this time, add vanilla in whatever form you prefer. I like to add vanilla pods.
Cook it really well. So that the vanilla flavor from the pod gets infused in the syrup really well. After a couple of minutes, turn off the stove and let it cool down.
Let the pods stay in the syrup. This way, the syrup will retain flavor. Then, you can store the syrup in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
FAQs
Which flavored whipped cream is best for a Macchiato?
According to my taste, I would say that cinnamon, vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor goes with it really well.
Is The Iced Caramel Macchiato strong?
Yes, it is strong. But, it is less strong than an americano and more stronger than a latte.
Can I add Bailey’s Irish Cream to it?
Yes, you can try this experiment. Even though an Iced Caramel Macchiato is a non-alcoholic drink.
Conclusion
This iced caramel macchiato recipe is very famous and loved by almost everyone. If you are too lazy to go out to buy it, then make it! Making it at home is also cheaper than a shop-bought drink.
You can make this in any way you wish. If you want to eat healthy, then you can try the sugar-free version. You will easily find sugar-free Vanilla syrup and caramel sauce at shops.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
