Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe (My Go-To Starbucks Drink to Make at Home)

Iced caramel macchiatos used to be one of those drinks I always grabbed from Starbucks when I needed something sweet and energizing.

But once I realized how easy (and customizable) it is to make at home, I stopped paying $6 for it.

If you’ve never tried making one yourself, you’re in for a treat. It’s not only cheaper but also way more fun because you get to control how sweet, creamy, or strong you want it.

I’ll walk you through exactly how I make an iced caramel macchiato at home—with simple ingredients, helpful tips, and a few tweaks you can try depending on your taste.

Why I Make Caramel Macchiato at Home

Here’s why I’m hooked on the homemade version:

• Custom sweetness – I don’t always want it super sweet, and the syrup at cafes can be a bit much for me. At home, I can go lighter or use homemade vanilla syrup.
• Better milk options – I switch between oat milk, almond milk, or 2%, depending on my mood.
• More caramel, obviously – I don’t hold back with the caramel drizzle. It’s kind of the point of the drink for me.

Plus, once you try it once, it becomes second nature. Iced caramel macchiatos are now one of my favorite afternoon pick-me-ups, especially when it’s hot out.

What You’ll Need for Homemade Iced Caramel Macchiato

Let’s go over the ingredients. I’ll also include my thoughts and some swaps you can make if needed.

1. Espresso or Strong Coffee

I use two shots of espresso if I have it. Otherwise, I just brew very strong coffee or mix instant espresso with hot water (1–2 teaspoons per shot).

Nescafé makes a good instant espresso powder, and it works well.

Tip: Chill your espresso or coffee before pouring it over ice if you want cleaner layers.

2. Milk of Choice

I go for oat milk when I want a smoother, creamy texture or 2% cow’s milk when I want something more traditional.

Almond milk also works if you like that nutty flavor.

Tip: If you froth your milk—even cold—it adds a nice texture. I sometimes shake it in a jar to add air.

3. Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla syrup adds a sweet base layer. I either use store-bought (like Torani or Starbucks brand) or make my own with sugar, water, and vanilla extract.

DIY Vanilla Syrup: Combine 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar + 1 tbsp vanilla extract. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until dissolved. Done.

4. Caramel Sauce

This is the fun part. I love Ghirardelli’s caramel sauce for this—it’s rich and thick.

You can also use your favorite store-bought drizzle or even make it from scratch if you’re feeling extra.

Pro Tip: Swirl it around the inside of your glass too for a café-style look.

5. Ice

Seems obvious, but it makes a difference.

Use clean-tasting ice and fill the cup generously. I like mine full of ice, so it stays super cold and doesn’t get watery.

How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato (Step-by-Step)

Once you get the hang of this, it’s just a matter of layering things in the right order. Here’s how I do it:

Step 1: Add Vanilla Syrup

Start with 1–2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup at the bottom of your glass.

I adjust depending on how sweet I want it that day.

Step 2: Fill with Ice

Fill the cup with ice right after adding the syrup so the layers stay separated.

Step 3: Pour in Milk

Add about ¾ cup of milk (or more if you’re using a big glass).

I pour slowly so it settles nicely under the ice.

Step 4: Add Espresso or Coffee

Gently pour your espresso over the top.

Pro tip: Use a spoon or the back of a fork to break the fall so the coffee floats on top of the milk.

Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel

Now for the fun part—generous caramel drizzle over the top.

You can also swirl it inside the cup before adding ingredients if you want that fancy look.

Pro tip: If you want to make it extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top before drizzling caramel.

Optional Step: Stir Before Sipping

Traditionally, caramel macchiatos are not stirred before drinking, but I usually give mine a quick stir with a straw if I want the flavors mixed right away. Totally up to you.

Tips for an Even Better Iced Caramel Macchiato

Here are a few tricks to make your iced caramel macchiato even better:

• Use espresso ice cubes – If you really want to keep your drink strong, freeze leftover coffee into cubes. It’s a game-changer.
• Try flavored milk – I’ve used vanilla almond milk or cinnamon oat milk to switch it up.
• Make it decaf – Just swap regular espresso with decaf if you’re avoiding caffeine.
• Go light on syrup – If you’re not into sweet drinks, start with half a tablespoon and work your way up.

Iced Caramel Macchiato Variations

Here are a few iced caramel macchiato variations to try:

• Salted Caramel Macchiato – Add a pinch of sea salt to your caramel sauce or sprinkle on top.
• Iced Caramel Mocha Macchiato – Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup before the caramel for a mocha vibe.
• Skinny Version – Use skim milk or a lower-calorie plant milk, and sugar-free vanilla syrup.

Check out more Starbucks copycat recipes:

• Delicious & Easy Iced Sugar Cookie Latte Recipe
• Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe: Your New Go-To Drink!
• 15 Best Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks to Order Year-Round