Name: Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Ice: Enough to fill your serving glass.; Milk: Approximately 1 cup (240 mL); Vanilla Syrup: About 1 tablespoon; Espresso: 2 shots (about 2 ounces or 60 mL); Caramel Sauce

If you daydream about that perfectly balanced, creamy concoction topped with a generous swirl of golden caramel from your local Starbucks, I’ve got a special treat for you. I’ll be sharing a (not-so-secret) Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso recipe that will satisfy your Starbucks cravings without having to change out of your pajamas.

How to make Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso

A Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso is a cold beverage made with iced espresso, milk, and caramel syrup. The drink is typically prepared by layering the espresso over ice, adding milk (usually steamed or cold), and drizzling caramel syrup on top for sweetness.

Ingredients

Ice: Enough to fill your serving glass.
Milk: Approximately 1 cup (240 mL). Feel free to choose your preferred type—whole milk, 2%, skim, or any non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Vanilla Syrup: About 1 tablespoon (15 mL), or to taste. You can buy this at a store or make your own.
Espresso: 2 shots (about 2 ounces or 60 mL). Strong-brewed coffee can work as a substitute if you don’t have an espresso machine.
Caramel Sauce: Use enough for drizzling, which is usually about 1-2 tablespoons. Again, this is available at stores, or you can opt for homemade.

Instructions

Prepare the Espresso: Start your journey by extracting two shots of rich, dark espresso if you’re using a coffee maker, brew coffee that is much stronger than usual.
Vanilla Syrup: Pour the vanilla syrup into a large glass. The size of the glass should accommodate the full drink with room at the top to prevent spills when stirring.
Milk: Add the milk of your choice to the glass with the vanilla syrup and stir to combine. Doing this before adding ice ensures that the vanilla flavor is evenly distributed.
Ice: Fill the glass with ice, but leave enough room for the espresso. Don’t overfill the glass for visual appeal, as the layered effect is an exciting part of a macchiato’s charm.
Espresso: Gently pour the freshly brewed espresso over the milk and ice. The espresso should create a beautiful layer on top of the milk, which is a hallmark of the macchiato.
Caramel Drizzle: Finish your masterpiece with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, letting it cascade over the ice and espresso, adding that signature sweetness and aesthetic appeal.

Tips

Layering: For the distinct layered look, pour your espresso slowly over the back of a spoon to let it gently rest on top of the milk instead of mixing straight in.
Stir for Taste: While it’s tempting to jump straight in, stir your Iced Caramel Macchiato before drinking to combine all the flavors. When mixed through, the caramel transforms your sip into a sweet, creamy delight.
Espresso Alternatives: If you don’t have an espresso machine, no problem. You can use approximately 1/2 cup of strong coffee or a double-strength Keurig brew, or even explore using instant espresso powder mixed with water.
Milk Frothing: If you prefer a more velvety texture, lightly froth your milk before adding it to the glass. Cold milk can be frothed with a unique frother or by shaking vigorously in a tightly sealed jar.
Homemade Syrups and Sauces: Making your own syrups and sauces at home is fun and allows you to adjust the sweetness and flavor profile to your exact liking.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect accompaniment to your homemade Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso can turn a simple coffee break into an indulgent treat.

Sweet Pairings

Classic Coffee Cake: A tender, cinnamon-streusel-topped coffee cake beautifully complements the caramel and vanilla notes in the macchiato. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cake, making for a harmonious match.
Chocolate Croissants: The buttery, flaky texture of croissants filled with rich chocolate offers a luxurious contrast to the iced espresso. The chocolate enhances the depth of the Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso, while the pastry adds a satisfying crunch.
Biscotti: Choose an almond or vanilla biscotti for a crunchy texture that softens perfectly when dipped into the iced macchiato. The subtle flavors of the biscotti won’t overpower the coffee, making this a light yet delightful option.
Blueberry Scones: Freshly baked scones with plump blueberries add a lovely, fruity contrast to the caramel and coffee flavors. Serve them warm for a comforting snack that feels like a hug in combination with your iced coffee.

Savory Pairings

Avocado Toast: For a healthier option, serve your caramel macchiato with a slice of creamy avocado toast. To enhance the flavors, sprinkle the avocado with red pepper flakes, sea salt, and a squeeze of lime. The creaminess of the avocado complements the richness of the coffee.
Quiche: A slice of quiche, whether it’s classic Lorraine or filled with spinach and feta, provides a satisfying, savory counterpart to your sweet coffee treat. The egg’s richness and the flaky pastry’s texture play well against the smooth and sweet macchiato.
Bagels with Cream Cheese: A freshly toasted bagel slathered with cream cheese is a simple yet delightful pairing. Opt for plain cream cheese or adventurous flavors like strawberry or jalapeño to add an interesting twist to your coffee break.
Cheese and Fruit Plate: A selection of cheeses (think Brie, cheddar, and gorgonzola) alongside fresh fruits like apples, pears, and grapes can create a sophisticated snacking experience. The variety of flavors and textures pairs wonderfully with the layered notes of the caramel macchiato, offering a bite that ranges from sweet to tangy and savory.

Quick Snacks

Granola Bars: A homemade or store-bought granola bar can provide a quick and satisfying snack for those on the go. Choose bars with nuts or chocolate to complement the coffee flavors.
Mixed Nuts: A handful of roasted, lightly salted nuts offers a simple, healthful snack that matches the richness of the caramel macchiato without overshadowing it.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso at home can be simplified with various substitutions that can accommodate dietary restrictions, flavor preferences, or what you have on hand.

Espresso

Regular Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute a strong-brewed coffee. Aim for a dark roast to get as close as possible to the robust flavor of espresso.
Instant Espresso Powder: This can be a quick alternative if you’re short on time or equipment; just be sure to dissolve it properly in hot water to avoid a grainy texture.

Milk

Non-Dairy Milk: For those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just prefer non-dairy options, almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk can be great substitutes. Each will add its own unique flavor to the macchiato.
Lactose-Free Milk: This is an excellent choice for those who are lactose intolerant but still want the flavor of cow’s milk.
Half-and-Half or Cream: For a richer, creamier drink, you can use half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.

Vanilla Syrup

Homemade Vanilla Syrup: You can make your vanilla syrup by simmering equal parts of sugar and water and adding a vanilla bean pod or a few drops of pure vanilla extract.
Other Flavored Syrups: You might want to experiment with the flavor profile; try hazelnut, almond, or coconut syrup as an alternative.
Maple Syrup or Honey: For a more natural sweetener option, you can use a small amount of maple syrup or honey, though this will alter the flavor profile of the beverage.

Caramel Sauce

Homemade Caramel: A simple caramel made at home with sugar, butter, and cream can be a tastier alternative to store-bought caramel sauce. It allows you to control the consistency and sweetness.
Caramel Syrup: If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use caramel syrup, which is generally thinner but will still impart a sweet caramel flavor.
Dulce de Leche: For a deeper caramel flavor, dulce de leche is an excellent option, although it is thicker and sweeter.

Ice

Coffee Ice Cubes: To prevent your macchiato from being watered down as the ice melts, try freezing coffee into ice cubes and using those instead of regular ice cubes.

Final Thoughts

With a step-by-step guide to creating the Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Iced Espresso at your fingertips, you can now enjoy this indulgent beverage anytime.

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