Iced Caramel Macchiato (Starbucks Inspired)

By Nichole J. •  Updated: 04/09/25 •  3 min read
Iced Caramel Macchiato (Starbucks Inspired)

Iced Caramel Macchiato: The Coffee That’ll Make Your Alarm Clock Apologize for Waking You

Coffee lovers, unite! If your morning needs a hero (and let’s be real, whose doesn’t?), this Iced Caramel Macchiato is here to save the day—no cape required. Skip the drive-thru line and avoid paying $7 for a drink that’s basically milk with a coffee cameo. Let’s make this sweet, creamy, caffeinated masterpiece at home. Spoiler: Your sweatpants-approved barista skills are chef’s kiss.

What You’ll Need (Serves 1 Human Who Deserves Nice Things)

Iced Caramel Macchiato - Ingredients

Steps to Caffeinated Bliss

  1. Chill your glass. Fill it with ice, then dump the ice. Why? Science. (Okay, fine—it keeps your drink colder longer. You’re welcome.)
  2. Drip the vanilla syrup into the glass. Swirl it around like you’re casting a delicious spell. Abracadabra, basic coffee be gone!
  3. Add fresh ice to the glass, then pour in the milk. Leave 1 inch of space at the top for espresso. Pretend you’re building a coffee lava lamp.
  4. Pour espresso slowly over the back of a spoon onto the milk. This creates the “macchiato” effect (translation: “stained milk” in Italian, aka “fancy coffee layering”).
  5. Drizzle caramel sauce on top like you’re decorating a tiny edible sweater. Go zig-zag, spiral, or write your name—this is your moment.

Pro Tips for Maximum Joy

Why This Works

The vanilla sweetens the milk, the espresso packs a punch, and the caramel says, “You’re adulting andtreating yourself? Legend.” The layers aren’t just pretty—they let you sip from sweet to bold, like a coffee flavor rollercoaster.

Final Verdict

This drink takes 5 minutes, costs less than your streaming subscriptions, and tastes like a caffeinated hug. Stir it (or don’t—rebel!), grab a straw, and enjoy. Your future self will high-five you. And if not? Eh, blame the espresso. 😉☕

Iced Caramel Macchiato

Iced Caramel Macchiato (Starbucks Inspired)

If your morning needs a hero (and let’s be real, whose doesn’t?), this Iced Caramel Macchiato is here to save the day—no cape required.

Ingredients

  • 1 shot espresso
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce
  • 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
  • Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)

Instructions

  1. Chill your glass. Fill it with ice, then dump the ice. Why? Science. (Okay, fine—it keeps your drink colder longer. You’re welcome.)
  2. Drip the vanilla syrup into the glass. Swirl it around like you’re casting a delicious spell. Abracadabra, basic coffee be gone!
  3. Add fresh ice to the glass, then pour in the milk. Leave 1 inch of space at the top for espresso. Pretend you’re building a coffee lava lamp.
  4. Pour espresso slowly over the back of a spoon onto the milk. This creates the “macchiato” effect (translation: “stained milk” in Italian, aka “fancy coffee layering”).
  5. Drizzle caramel sauce on top like you’re decorating a tiny edible sweater. Go zig-zag, spiral, or write your name—this is your moment.

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Nichole J.

Food Lover, Coffee Addict, and Recipe Tinkerer. When I'm not testing recipes, I'm debating whether coffee counts as a meal (it does). I created cooksandcoffee.com and my goal is to help you cook better, faster and have some fun along the way

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