Copycat Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato Recipe

There’s something about that first sip of a Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato. The way the bold espresso trickles through cold, creamy milk, leaving little streaks of coffee like ribbons in a glass sky. Then comes the caramel drizzle, sticky, golden, unmistakable, like a sweet whisper at the end of a sip. If you’ve ever wanted to skip the drive-thru and make this dreamy layered drink right at home, this copycat Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato is the way to do it.

You’ll get that same silky vanilla sweetness, the roasty punch of espresso, and the buttery caramel finish, all in a tall iced cup. Plus, you can tweak it with your milk of choice, adjust the sweetness, or even make it dairy-free. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s one of those little luxuries that’s shockingly easy once you’ve got the formula.

How to make Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

Start with vanilla syrup at the bottom of your cup. Pour in chilled milk, add ice, then slowly float your espresso shots over the top. This creates the gorgeous layered effect that makes the Iced Caramel Macchiato so iconic. Finish with a generous drizzle of caramel in that signature crosshatch pattern, and don’t stir unless you’re into latte vibes. Each sip should start strong and soften as you go, just like the original.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Sugar: 27 g
Protein: 7 g
Caffeine: 150 mg

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1 cup cold 2% milk (or milk of choice)
• ¾ cup ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• 2 shots freshly brewed espresso (about 2 oz)
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Tools you’ll need

• Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
• Measuring spoons
• 16 oz glass or cold cup
• Milk frother (optional, for warming or foaming milk alternatives)
• Spoon or squeeze bottle for caramel drizzle
• Straw

Instructions

Layer the base
Add vanilla syrup to the bottom of a tall glass. Then pour in cold milk until it reaches about three-quarters of the cup. (1 min)

Add ice
Fill the glass with ice, leaving just enough space at the top for the espresso and drizzle. (30 sec)

Pour espresso
Brew your espresso and let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly. Then slowly pour it over the ice to create distinct layers. (1 min)

Top with caramel
Drizzle caramel in a crosshatch pattern across the top. For full Starbucks effect, go heavy. (30 sec)

Don’t stir
Sip as-is to enjoy the layered flavor journey, or stir to blend into a caramel-vanilla latte. Your call. (Optional)

Tips

• Chill your glass for 10 minutes before assembling to keep layers sharper.
• For a less sweet version, reduce the vanilla syrup to 1½ tablespoons.
• Using blonde espresso gives a lighter, fruitier flavor.
• Oat milk or almond milk works beautifully, just avoid foamy barista blends for better layering.
• Try making your own vanilla syrup with equal parts water and sugar, plus a splash of vanilla extract.

What to serve with

Fresh and crunchy
• Sliced apples or pears – Bright and crisp, they cut through the sweetness and refresh your palate.
• Rice crackers with a peanut butter smear – Nutty, light, and just savory enough to contrast the drink.

Comforting treats
• Cinnamon rolls – Sticky, spiced, and perfect for dipping or nibbling between sips.
• Shortbread cookies – Buttery and simple, they won’t outshine the caramel.
• Banana bread – Dense, sweet, and a cozy complement to the roasty espresso.

Savory bites
• Egg and cheese croissant – Rich and filling, it makes the drink feel like a complete brunch.
• Bagel with cream cheese – Soft, salty, and neutral enough to balance the sweet milk and syrup.
• Turkey and cheddar wrap – A light lunch that won’t compete with the macchiato’s bold flavor.

Variations

Upside-Down Macchiato
Add the espresso first, then the milk and syrup, finishing with caramel. Everything blends more evenly, perfect if you prefer a stirred version.

Hot Caramel Macchiato
Swap ice for steamed milk, and use warm espresso. Still layered, just cozier.

Blended Caramel Frappe
Toss everything into a blender with extra ice and a splash of cream. Blend until slushy.

Dairy-Free Version
Use oat or almond milk, dairy-free vanilla syrup, and skip the caramel drizzle or replace with vegan caramel sauce.

Extra Sweet
Add a splash of caramel sauce inside the cup before layering, and mix a bit into the milk for a dessert-like version.

Ingredient substitutes

2% Milk
Original: Cold 2% milk
Substitutes: Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or even heavy cream for richness

Vanilla Syrup
Original: Starbucks-style vanilla syrup
Substitutes: Homemade syrup (1:1 sugar and water + vanilla), sugar-free syrup, or honey with a touch of vanilla extract

Espresso
Original: Two shots of espresso
Substitutes: Cold brew concentrate (2 oz), strong brewed coffee, or instant espresso (1 tbsp mixed with 2 oz hot water)

Caramel Sauce
Original: Starbucks-style caramel drizzle
Substitutes: Homemade caramel, store-bought drizzle, dulce de leche, or maple syrup for a twist

Ice Cubes
Original: Regular ice
Substitutes: Coffee ice cubes (freeze leftover brew), crushed ice for faster chilling, or frozen milk cubes