Description
This Iced Caramel Macchiato is a refreshing, layered coffee beverage combining cold milk, rich espresso, vanilla syrup, and a drizzle of decadent caramel sauce. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up, this drink balances creamy sweetness with bold coffee flavors, topped optionally with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla syrup, quality vanilla syrup with natural ingredients
- 6 ounces (180 ml) milk, cold (whole milk recommended, but almond or oat milk can be used)
- 1 ounce (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso, medium roast preferred
- Ice, plenty to fill the cup
Toppings
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling on top (good-quality, made with real sugar)
- Optional: Whipped cream, for topping (dairy-based for this recipe)
Instructions
- Add Vanilla Syrup: Pour 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla syrup into the bottom of a 12 oz (360 ml) cup. This creates a sweet base for the drink. Adjust the amount if using larger cups (e.g., 3 teaspoons for 16 oz, 4 teaspoons for 20 oz) according to taste preferences.
- Add Milk: Fill the cup halfway with cold milk, approximately 6 ounces (180 ml), to balance the strong espresso flavor with creamy richness.
- Add Ice: Fill the cup almost to the top with ice, leaving enough room for the espresso. The ice chills the drink and helps maintain the signature layered look.
- Pour Espresso: Slowly pour 1 ounce (30 ml) of freshly brewed espresso over the ice and milk, allowing it to create distinct layers. For larger servings, increase to 2 ounces for 16 oz cups or 3 ounces for 20 oz cups.
- Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Generously drizzle caramel sauce on top of the drink to add sweetness and a visually appealing finish. Optionally, top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use quality vanilla syrup made with natural ingredients for the best flavor.
- Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but almond or oat milk are excellent dairy-free alternatives.
- For a stronger coffee kick, adjust the espresso quantity according to cup size.
- To maintain the beautiful layered effect, pour espresso slowly over the ice and milk.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but enhances the decadence of the drink.
- This recipe is easy to scale up for multiple servings or larger cups by adjusting ingredient quantities accordingly.
