Learn how to recreate the popular Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato at home in under five minutes using a Nespresso or espresso machine. The flavor and texture come from the way the drink is assembled: vanilla syrup and milk at the bottom, espresso on top, finished with a caramel drizzle.
Starbucks’ Iced Caramel Macchiato is a vanilla-flavored espresso beverage made with cold milk, ice, espresso shots, and a caramel drizzle. The caramel appears only as the topping, so the layers and the order you build the drink are essential to its signature experience.
This recipe is my go-to Starbucks copycat. After getting the method and measurements from a Starbucks barista, I made it almost daily for a month and loved it. It’s addictive in the best way.
Key to the drink: Pour vanilla syrup and milk into the cup first, add ice, then gently add espresso so it sits on top of the milk. Finish with a caramel drizzle. When sipped without stirring, the first tastes are sweet espresso, then the drink gradually becomes a vanilla latte as the espresso mixes down.
Equipment: Espresso is needed — the simplest shortcut is a Nespresso machine and espresso capsules, though a traditional espresso machine also works perfectly.
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso: Starbucks typically uses a dark roast espresso. Use a dark roast or Starbucks espresso roast capsules for a similar flavor.
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient and gives the rich drizzle you want. Caramel syrup is an alternative if you need a dairy-free option, though it has a different texture and flavor.
- Vanilla syrup: Easy to make at home and tastes great in this drink. You can also purchase vanilla syrup if preferred.
- Milk: Starbucks uses 2% milk, but you may substitute whole milk, skim, or a plant-based milk to suit your taste.
- Ice: Use filtered water for clear, clean-tasting ice; Starbucks uses triple-filtered water for their ice.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a cup, add vanilla syrup, then milk, then ice. Top with espresso shots.
Use two Nespresso espresso capsules (or two espresso shots from an espresso machine) for a grande (16-ounce) drink.
Step 2: Drizzle caramel on top.
For the classic Starbucks look, drizzle caramel in a crosshatch pattern: about seven vertical lines, seven horizontal lines, then two circles around the cup edge.
Jee’s Note
Sip without stirring. The initial sips are espresso brightened with caramel; as the espresso sinks, the drink becomes creamier and more like a vanilla latte.
Using a Nespresso
Nespresso machines make it easy to reproduce Starbucks-style espresso at home.
1 shot of espresso = 1 Nespresso espresso capsule
For a 16-ounce grande-sized Iced Caramel Macchiato, use two Nespresso espresso capsules or one double-espresso capsule. Choose espresso capsules (not Vertuo coffee capsules) to keep the drink concentrated and coffee-forward.
Starbucks also offers a Blonde espresso option if you prefer a smoother, slightly lighter taste.
Expert Tips
- Assemble the drink in order: vanilla syrup, milk, ice, then espresso. This layering defines the macchiato style and flavor progression.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine or Nespresso, substitute instant coffee by dissolving 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in 1/4 cup hot water to approximate the two shots of espresso.
- You can buy vanilla syrup at Starbucks locations when available, or make a quick homemade syrup for fresher flavor.
Related
- Caramel Macchiato
- Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Iced Shaken Espresso
- 15 Frappuccino Recipes
- Iced Coffee
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Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 cup ice
- 2 capsules Nespresso espresso (or 2 espresso shots)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
Instructions
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1. Put vanilla syrup, milk, then ice into a cup. Top with espresso shots.
Add ingredients into the cup in that order. Use 2 Nespresso espresso pods or 2 espresso shots from an espresso machine.
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2. Add caramel drizzle to the top of the drink.
To mimic Starbucks’ drizzle, create a crosshatch pattern: about seven vertical lines, seven horizontal lines, then two circles around the cup edge.
Notes
- The order of ingredients is essential: vanilla syrup and milk must go in first so they remain at the bottom, then espresso is poured on top. Finish with caramel on the surface; do not stir.
- For a 16-ounce (grande) drink, use two espresso capsules or one double espresso capsule. If using a Vertuo machine, choose an espresso capsule rather than the 7.77-ounce coffee capsules.
- Use the milk you prefer—Starbucks often uses 2% milk, but alternatives work fine.
- If you don’t have espresso equipment, substitute 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water for the two shots of espresso.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.