My love affair with the Starbucks Caramel Macchiato began during college finals week when I desperately needed something different than my usual coffee. That first sip was a revelation, rich espresso cutting through sweet vanilla and caramel, all mellowed by steamed milk. It quickly became my reward for completing assignments, my comfort during stressful days, and, unfortunately, a noticeable drain on my student budget. After some experimentation, I perfected this copycat recipe that not only saves money but allows me to customize it exactly to my taste. Now, I enjoy this luxurious coffee experience whenever I want, without the line or the price tag!
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Table of Contents
What makes this Caramel Macchiato so good?
This copycat Caramel Macchiato recipe captures the signature Starbucks flavor profile by following their exact layering technique. The vanilla syrup forms the sweet base, the steamed milk adds creaminess, the espresso cuts through with rich coffee flavor, and the caramel drizzle creates that perfect finishing touch. By using the same high-quality ingredients and preparation method, you’ll create a coffeehouse-worthy drink that rivals the original.
What is in a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato?
Starbucks serves its version of the Italian espresso macchiato. The Italian macchiato is an espresso shot topped with a cloud of steamed milk. Adds vanilla syrup to the cup, then Starbucks steams milk adds the steamed milk to the cup, then they pour over the espresso, some people like theirs topped with whipped cream, and finally, the signature caramel sauce cross-hatch goes on top.
The caramel macchiato has been a mainstay at Starbucks since it opened its first coffee shop in Seattle, Washington, in 1971. It has to be the caramel drizzled down the cup or on top of the whipped cream in the signature crosshatched Starbucks pattern that makes it just so delicious.
How to your own caramel macchiato without a fancy espresso machine
No fancy Espresso machine? No Problem.
- If you don’t have a fancy espresso maker at home, you can brew coffee that has a darker roast than you typically enjoy.
- The Nespresso Cafe machines do a good job of making espresso (although they don’t achieve the pressure quite as high as a dedicated espresso machine, they do a good job for home use).
- Italians make their espresso with one of these Bialetti Moka Express pots. They make excellent espresso for a great price.
- You can purchase Instant Espresso powder, this has great flavor.
Caramel Macchiato Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need to make this espresso drink: Keep in mind that Starbucks sells its coffee and many coffee syrups online. Go to either your local Starbucks or go to the Starbucks website to purchase the real ingredients.
Coffee Options
No espresso machine? No problem! You can still make a delicious caramel macchiato using:
- Nespresso Cafe machines – Good alternative for home espresso
- Bialetti Moka Express pot – Traditional Italian stovetop espresso maker
- Instant espresso powder – Quick solution with good flavor
- Dark roast coffee – Brew extra strong for a similar effect
Milk Alternatives
Feel free to customize with:
- Oat milk – Creates excellent foam and adds subtle sweetness
- Almond milk – Lighter option with nutty undertones
- Coconut milk – Adds tropical notes and richness
- Soy milk – Produces good foam and has protein content
Chef’s Note: Lower-fat milk steams better than whole milk, creating more lasting foam.
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato
You can DIY Starbucks Caramel Macchiato at home. Let’s get started.
- Steam the milk.
- Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of a coffee mug. (Completely optional, I like to do this if I am using a glass mug).
- Add vanilla syrup.
- Add hot espresso and stir to mix the caramel sauce, vanilla, and espresso together.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How to Steam Milk
The steamed milk is what makes this drink so amazing. When coffee shops steam milk they add air to the drink. Guess what, you can, too. You will need to heat the milk in your microwave or on the stovetop until warmed, no need to boil the milk, just warm it until it is warm to the touch.
Pour the warm milk into a canning jar with a lid, or another jar with a lid. Seal the jar, and give it a good shake. The shaking will cause the milk to become filled with air.
Recommended Products
Here are a few items you can purchase to enhance your home coffee experience.
This is one of my favorite Starbucks copycat recipes, making coffee at home is a great way to save money while still enjoy the rich creamy texture of a caramel macchiato. I know when you give this recipe a try, you will feel like it’s the real thing!
Love Starbucks Food and Drinks? Try These Recipes
- Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
- Starbucks Banana Bread
- Starbucks Cafe Mocha
- Starbucks Flat White Coffee
- Starbucks Iced Chocolate Mocha
- Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Starbucks London Fog
- Starbucks Pink Drink
- Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
- Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus
- Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha
More Caramel Recipes
Check out even more drink recipes and the best Starbucks recipes on CopyKat!
Copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- 1.5 ounces hot espresso
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
Instructions
- Heat milk to about 150 degrees (between 140 and 160 degrees). Do not let it boil or scald.
- Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of a coffee mug.
- Add vanilla syrup to the mug.
- Add the hot milk to the mug.
- Pour the espresso to the mug, and give it a quick stir.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This is delicious. Better than Starbucks. it did take a little time and effort to bring all the components together as I had to make the espresso, the vanilla syrup, the caramel sauce, the steamed frothed milk, and the whipped cream, but oh was this the best! Worth the effort. As I always ask for 3 pumps of espresso, I tripled that part. I used my french press to make the espresso, and used a 2 oz. shot glass to measure out a “pump” as 2 oz. I also used the french press to make the foamed milk after heating it to 160 in the saucepan. I made the caramel sauce and the vanilla syrup and had them in the fridge ready to go. I did have to microwave the caramel sauce as it separated and set, but a little heat and a stir and it was good again for drizzling. The only problem I encountered was by the time I added everything, the drink was no longer hot, and was sort of lukewarm. Not what I was going for as far as temperature. The flavor was fantastic though, so I’ll play around with it and see if I can get it to the hotter temp I prefer. Yes, this is better than Starbucks and now I can have one anytime I get a craving! Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I am going to wow the family by making them homemade Starbucks drinks for our next holiday breakfast. This is just wow.
I promise do it again once or twice, and it will move a little faster.
Wow, this Caramel Macchiato recipe is spot on! I’ve been missing my daily Starbucks treat since the prices went up, and this has been a game changer. It tastes exactly like what I used to order every morning, but now I can enjoy it without breaking the bank. Thanks so much for sharing this. You’ve brought back my morning joy! ☕💖
This Caramel Macchiato recipe is a lifesaver! It tastes just like the real deal from Starbucks. I’ve been making it at home and pouring it into my old Starbucks cup to bring to work, and you should see the looks I get! My co-workers are so jealous, they think I stop by Starbucks every morning. Little do they know, I’ve become my own barista thanks to this fantastic recipe. Thanks for sharing—it’s our little secret! 😉☕
Just made it for my wife as she loves the Starbucks ice espresso caramel macchiato!
Thank you 👍❤️🌹
Excellent copy without the added sugar and preservatives that are in the commercial brand😊
Went looking because the price went from $6/bottle to $10/bottle🙄
Everything is so much more expensive now. I only have a coffee out about once a week as a treat, otherwise, I make it at home.
Yummy
My treat is Peppermint mocha coffee that only comes out at Christmas time
This is amazing. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much Stephanie. Nice to have the ingredients at the house in case unexpected company comes! I can whip up this delicious coffee!
The syrup I have is caramel vanilla and that gives it just a little more caramel flavor, as I always ask for an additional shot of caramel at Starbucks.
Wow it was really a wonderful experience . My husband loved it.Thank u Staphnie
I am glad you enjoyed it!
Polly we need both in here. This makes it taste so good.
Looking for a recipe for Starbucks lemon pound cake. It is delicious.
Does anyone have a copycat recipe for Starbucks lemon pound cake? It is delicious.
There is is a really good recipe for Better Than Starbucks Lemon Poundcake on the Averiecooks website.
Thank you for letting me know.
I am not a coffe-Holocene! I like the cold Green Tea Frappecino with soy milk! Refreshing, non-caffeine & delicious!
I have never tried one of those. It sounds delicious.
I work at Dunkin Donuts, so I make all of the same coffee drinks that Starbucks make. I really find it fascinating. So anyway when I go to Starbucks my favorite drink is tall black coffee no sugar. Then I’m in heaven. And that’s the truth.
I wished I could drink my coffee black. I feel it always needs cream.
Would love to find recipe for Cranberry Bliss bars. One of the Starbucks treats I look forward to every Christmas.
I will see what I can do.
yessss
Mocha with skim and whipped and a blueberry scone.
I love a good mocha!
I used to think old men who drank their coffee black were strange. Now I’ve become one of them.
Before I hit 50, I would have loved drinks like this. Since then, I’ve decided they are too sweet, not necessarily for everyone, but for me. I used to gorge myself on candy and Pepsi and desserts. I don’t know why I stopped. A month ago, they had 5 for $5 on two liter Pepsi products. I used to go through Pepsi like crazy, but I drank half of one bottle within a week, and the other four are still unopened. About the only candy I consume are Dove dark chocolate bites, and the label says 5 pieces is a serving, but I only want 2 or 3.
I bought myself a machine so I could make Hawaiian Shave Ice, and I keep thinking that I’m going to experiment around with brewing concentrated coffee, so I cam make myself black coffee snow cones. I suspect if I just used regular strong coffee, cold, it’d taste too weak. Or maybe I could make a black coffee granita. Sure wish I could enjoy the taste of this recipe, but that’d be a sin to invest the time and money to make your recipe, and abandon it after one taste.
You could just make a delicious pot of cold brew coffee 😉
Steve, don’t mean to be nasty but what is your point?
I think he’s participating in the conversation in his own way, and sharing memories. People do this especially as they get older, as they have more to share. Having spent a lot of time with my grandparents and great-grandmother when I was growing up, I enjoy the conversations and memories of older people.
Chai Cream Frappacino
Chai always reminds me of fall.
What is your favorite treat at Starbucks?
Just walking into Starbucks is a treat. I feel like I have come home. They are so welcoming. I frequent Barnes and Noble Starbucks after shopping and am able to have a hot or cold drink and relax with a book or magazine, catch up on email, and just relax till the “guys” are ready to pick me up and head home. Love all coffee and most teas so it is hard to pick a favorite.
I don’t know why I don’t grab a coffee at Barnes and Noble more often. There is a nice one near my house. That sounds like a good way to cap off shopping.