Caramel coffee always feels like comfort in a cup for me. There’s something about that buttery sweetness blending into rich espresso that makes an ordinary morning feel a little more special.
I’ve tried everything from a classic caramel latte to iced versions on hot afternoons, and every recipe brings its own twist.
I love experimenting at home because it feels indulgent but simple. You don’t need a café to enjoy them. Once you’ve got caramel syrup or sauce in the kitchen, the options are endless.
These caramel coffee recipes are my go-tos, and I think you’ll find a few that instantly become your favorites too.
1. Classic Caramel Latte
The caramel latte is one of those drinks that never goes out of style.
You start with freshly brewed espresso, then add steamed milk for a creamy base that balances the strong coffee flavor.
The star, of course, is caramel sauce, which gives the drink its signature sweetness and warmth.
I like to stir caramel into the espresso before adding the milk so the flavor blends evenly, then finish with a drizzle on top.
| Recipe: Brew 1–2 shots of espresso. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of caramel syrup. Add 6–8 ounces of steamed milk. Top with foam and a caramel drizzle. |
2. Iced Caramel Macchiato
There’s something about an iced caramel macchiato that feels extra refreshing while still being rich.
The drink starts with a glass of ice, a generous pour of cold milk, and then the espresso is added on top, for that beautiful layered look.
What ties it all together is the caramel drizzle, which slowly blends into the coffee as you sip.
I love how every sip tastes a little different — sometimes more coffee-forward, sometimes more sweet and creamy.
| Recipe: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add ¾ cup cold milk and 1–2 tablespoons caramel syrup. Pour 1–2 espresso shots on top. Finish with caramel drizzle. Find the full with tips and tricks here. |
3. Caramel Cold Brew
Cold brew already has a smooth, less acidic taste compared to regular iced coffee, which makes it an amazing base for caramel.
I usually swirl caramel syrup at the bottom of the glass before adding ice and cold brew concentrate, then finish with a splash of cream. The caramel brings out a dessert-like quality without being overwhelming.
It’s the kind of drink you can sip slowly in the afternoon when you want something both refreshing and indulgent.
| Recipe: Add 1–2 tablespoons caramel syrup to a glass. Fill with ice and 1 cup cold brew concentrate. Stir, then top with a splash of cream. |
4. Caramel Mocha
Chocolate and caramel are a dream team, and combining them with coffee makes for a treat that feels almost like liquid dessert.
To make a caramel mocha, you mix espresso with cocoa or chocolate syrup first, then add steamed milk for creaminess.
The caramel syrup blends in to create that extra sweetness that ties everything together.
I like to top it with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle to make it even more indulgent.
| Recipe: Brew 1 shot of espresso. Stir in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate syrup and 1–2 tablespoons caramel syrup. Add 6–8 ounces steamed milk. Top with whipped cream and caramel. |
5. Salted Caramel Cappuccino
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, a salted caramel cappuccino is one to try.
Start with espresso, then add a layer of steamed milk topped with a thick froth. Caramel syrup goes right into the coffee, but the magic is in sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle on top.
The foam holds the flavor beautifully, and each sip has that sweet caramel smoothness balanced by a light salty kick.
| Recipe: Brew 1 shot of espresso. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons caramel syrup. Add 4–6 ounces steamed milk and thick froth. Top with caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt. |
6. Caramel Affogato
This caramel drink feels like dessert and coffee in one.
An affogato starts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato, then a hot shot of espresso gets poured right over.
Adding caramel sauce makes it even more indulgent, as the caramel melts into the ice cream and coffee together. I like to drizzle a little extra on top for good measure.
| Recipe: Place 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small bowl. Pour 1 hot espresso shot over. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon caramel sauce. |
7. Caramel Frappuccino
Blended coffee drinks are always a hit, and a caramel frappuccino is basically the best way to cool down while still getting that caramel flavor fix.
You’ll need ice, milk, brewed coffee, and caramel syrup, blended until smooth and frosty.
I always top mine with whipped cream and a thick caramel drizzle for that café look.
| Recipe: Blend 1 cup ice, ½ cup milk, ½ cup strong brewed coffee, and 2–3 tablespoons caramel syrup until smooth. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. |
8. Caramel Irish Coffee
This caramel coffee combines a little indulgence with a grown-up twist.
Irish coffee mixes hot coffee with Irish whiskey and sugar, topped with cream. Adding caramel syrup instead of plain sugar makes the flavor richer and more unique.
The caramel smooths out the sharpness of the whiskey, and when you sip through the cream, it feels velvety and warming.
| Recipe: Brew 1 cup of hot coffee. Stir in 1 tablespoon caramel syrup and 1 shot Irish whiskey. Top with lightly whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle. |
9. Caramel Cortado
A cortado is traditionally just espresso cut with a small amount of warm milk, so it’s less milky than a latte but not as strong as straight espresso.
Adding caramel syrup to the espresso before the milk gives it a sweet edge while still keeping the bold coffee flavor front and center.
It’s a quick drink, meant for sipping slowly, and it’s great when you want caramel flavor without committing to a big, frothy latte.
| Recipe: Brew 1–2 shots of espresso. Stir in 1 tablespoon caramel syrup. Add 2 ounces steamed milk. Serve in a small glass. |
10. Caramel Flat White
Flat whites are known for being smooth, with velvety microfoam instead of thick froth.
By stirring caramel syrup into the espresso first, you get a sweetness that blends seamlessly with the milk.
The microfoam makes the caramel flavor feel richer, almost buttery, without being overpowering.
| Recipe: Brew 2 shots of espresso. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons caramel syrup. Add 4–6 ounces of steamed milk with microfoam. Pour slowly for a creamy finish. |
12. Caramel Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you love fall coffee flavors, adding caramel to a pumpkin spice latte makes it even better.
The cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spices already make the drink feel cozy, but caramel syrup adds an extra sweetness that balances the warmth of the spices.
I stir caramel into the coffee base and then add whipped cream with a caramel drizzle on top. It turns a seasonal favorite into something even more indulgent.
| Recipe: Brew 1 shot of espresso. Stir in 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice syrup and 1 tablespoon caramel syrup. Add 6–8 ounces of steamed milk. Top with whipped cream, pumpkin spice, and caramel drizzle. |
13. Caramel White Mocha
White chocolate and caramel together create a super smooth and dessert-like coffee drink.
I start with espresso, then stir in white chocolate sauce and caramel syrup until it’s silky. Steamed milk rounds it out, making the whole drink creamy and sweet.
I usually top it with whipped cream and more caramel just to lean into the dessert vibe.
If you want a coffee that tastes like a treat, this one’s hard to beat.
| Recipe: Brew 1 shot of espresso. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons white chocolate sauce and 1 tablespoon caramel syrup. Add 6–8 ounces of steamed milk. Finish with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. |
14. Caramel Honey Latte
Combining caramel and honey in a latte creates a unique flavor.
Start with espresso, add a spoonful of honey, stir in caramel syrup, then pour over steamed milk. The honey softens the caramel’s richness, making the drink taste layered instead of overly sweet.
I keep the topping simple, maybe just a light caramel drizzle.
It’s a cozy option when you want something a little different from the standard caramel latte, but still warm and comforting.
| Recipe: Brew 1–2 shots of espresso. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup. Add 6–8 ounces of steamed milk. Top with caramel drizzle if you like. |
This post showed you the 14 best caramel coffee recipes.
Check out more coffee ideas:
- 15 Starbucks Pumpkin Drinks You’ll Want to Sip All Season
- 20 Non-Dairy Starbucks Drinks You’ll Want to Order Again and Again
- 17 Best Starbucks Refreshers That Actually Taste Amazing
Leave a Reply