Description
A homemade iced caramel macchiato featuring rich, thick caramel sauce made from scratch, allowing for better flavor control and cost savings compared to coffee shop versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Homemade Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup (115g) Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup (200g) Dark Brown Sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) Heavy Cream (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- For the Iced Caramel Macchiato:
- 2 shots (about 2 ounces) Espresso
- 1 cup (240ml) Milk (whole or oat)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Syrup (Optional)
Instructions
- Combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and glossy.
- Carefully pour in the room-temperature heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up aggressively; keep stirring constantly.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Pour into a container to cool.
- Brew two shots of espresso (about 2 ounces) and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour in the milk, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- If using vanilla syrup, add it to the milk and stir gently.
- Pour the espresso slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the milk surface to create distinct layers.
- Drizzle the homemade caramel sauce generously over the top of the drink, aiming for the sides of the glass.
- Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
Ensure heavy cream is room temperature to prevent the caramel from seizing. Use large ice cubes to prevent rapid melting. The caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks; reheat slightly before using. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 6
Keywords: iced caramel macchiato, homemade caramel sauce, coffee recipe, espresso drink, dairy-free option, morning ritual