Homemade Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato (Better Than the Original!)

I’ll admit it—I have a weakness for Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiatos. There’s something magical about that perfect blend of vanilla sweetness, rich espresso, cold milk, and decadent caramel drizzle that keeps me coming back. But what started as an occasional treat quickly became a costly habit. When I calculated that I was spending nearly $25 a week on these delicious concoctions, I knew something had to change. After much experimentation in my kitchen, I’ve perfected a homemade version that not only tastes identical to the Starbucks original but allows me to customize the sweetness and strength to my exact preferences. Now I can enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes without breaking the bank!

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What Exactly Is an Iced Caramel Macchiato?

Although Starbucks calls this drink a “macchiato,” it’s quite different from a traditional Italian macchiato, which is simply espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk foam. The Starbucks version is more similar to an iced latte with special additions:

• Vanilla syrup at the bottom
• Cold milk as the middle layer
• Freshly pulled espresso shots poured over the top
• Finished with a crosshatch pattern of caramel sauce

This layered approach creates a beautiful drink that evolves as you sip it, starting sweeter and gradually becoming more coffee-forward as the ingredients mix together.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

• Impressive presentation – Wow friends and family with your barista skills
• Save money – Make multiple drinks at home for the price of one at Starbucks
• Customize to your taste – Adjust the sweetness, coffee strength, and milk type
• No waiting in line – Enjoy your favorite treat without leaving home
• Fresher ingredients – Use your favorite high-quality coffee and caramel sauce

Iced Caramel Macchiato Ingredients

To make a homemade iced caramel macchiato, you’ll need:

• Vanilla syrup – Creates the sweet foundation and aromatic vanilla flavor that defines this drink
• Milk – Provides creamy texture and dilutes the intensity of the espresso
• Ice cubes – Chills the drink and adds refreshing coldness
• Espresso shots – Deliver the coffee flavor and caffeine kick
• Whipped cream – Adds a luxurious, airy texture and additional sweetness
• Caramel sauce – Contributes rich, buttery sweetness and the signature finishing touch

No espresso machine? No problem. See below for ideas for suitable substitutions.

Make sure to use a good quality caramel sauce and not a caramel-flavored syrup for this recipe. 

Equipment Options

Squeeze bottle for precise caramel drizzling (optional)

For espresso:

• Espresso machine (ideal but not necessary)
• Moka pot (excellent alternative)
• French press with extra coffee grounds
• Aeropress
• Strong brewed coffee
• Instant espresso powder

For assembly:

• Clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers
• Long spoon for stirring
• Squeeze bottle for precise caramel drizzling (optional)

How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato

• Pour vanilla syrup into a glass.
• Add cold fresh espresso shots to the glass and stir.
• Add ice and milk. Stir to combine.
• Top with whipped cream.
• Finish the drink with a caramel drizzle in a hatch pattern over the whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to play with this iced caramel macchiato recipe to make it your own. A few suggestions include:

• Change the type of milk in the drink. Try swapping out the whole milk for almond, oat, coconut, reduced-fat, or skim milk.
• Skipping the whipped cream and replacing it with foam. You can find inexpensive standalone frothers online. 

What Goes With Iced Caramel Macchiatos 

You don’t need to serve anything with a caramel macchiato iced coffee. If you feel a little peckish, go for something that is not too heavy and a bit salty.

Savory dishes like a Quiche Lorraine or a Chicken Croquette will pair exceptionally well.

Favorite Summer Starbucks Drinks

• Caramel Frappuccino
• Iced Vanilla Latte
• Oat Milk Iced Coffee Starbucks
• Passion Tea Lemonade
• Pink Starbucks Drink
• S’mores Frap Starbucks
• Strawberry Frappuccino
• Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino
• Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

Popular Fast Food Iced Drinks

• Dunkin Iced Coffee
• Iced Cake Batter Latte
• Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe
• Sonic Ocean Water

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat Starbucks recipes here on CopyKat!