Delicious Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe with Easy Homemade Vanilla Syrup
A refreshing iced caramel macchiato featuring homemade vanilla syrup, layered espresso, cold milk, and caramel drizzle. Quick and easy to make, perfect for a sweet coffeehouse treat at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean pod (optional)
- 2 shots freshly brewed espresso (about 60ml or 2 fl oz)
- 1 cup cold milk (240ml or 8 fl oz) – whole, skim, oat, or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (30ml or 1 fl oz)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
Instructions
- Make the Vanilla Syrup (about 10 minutes): In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Add the scraped seeds and pod of a vanilla bean if using. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup just begins to simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it gently cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and let cool completely. Remove vanilla pod before storing syrup in a glass jar or bottle. The syrup keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the Espresso Shots (about 5 minutes): Brew 2 shots (about 60ml or 2 fl oz) of fresh espresso using your espresso machine or preferred method. Chill briefly in the fridge if desired.
- Assemble the Iced Caramel Macchiato: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to the top. Pour in 1 cup (240ml or 8 fl oz) of cold milk over the ice. Add 2-3 tablespoons of homemade vanilla syrup and stir gently to mix.
- Slowly pour the espresso shots over the milk and syrup mixture to create a layered effect.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30ml or 1 fl oz) of caramel sauce over the top. Use the back of a spoon to guide the caramel drizzle for a pretty swirl.
- Give it a gentle stir before sipping, or leave layered for presentation. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer drink. Shake milk in a jar for frothier texture. Chill syrup before use for a cleaner taste. Warm caramel sauce slightly if too thick for drizzling. Adjust sweetness by varying syrup and caramel amounts. For dairy-free, use oat or almond milk. Pour espresso slowly over the back of a spoon for layered effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 12-14
- Calories: 180250
- Sodium: 0.501
- Fat: 48
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 68
Keywords: iced caramel macchiato, homemade vanilla syrup, iced coffee, caramel macchiato recipe, easy coffee drinks, iced espresso drink