If you love the smooth, sweet taste of Starbucks caramel iced coffee, why not make it at home? This easy recipe blends bold coffee, creamy milk, and rich caramel for a refreshing pick-me-up—no coffee shop needed. With dairy-free and lower-sugar options, it’s a treat you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Coffee: A bold, flavorful base for your iced coffee (brewed strong).
- Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk: A creamy, dairy-free alternative that keeps it light.
- Low-Sugar Caramel Sauce: Adds rich, sweet caramel flavor without the extra sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances warmth and depth, balancing the coffee’s boldness.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps your drink cold and refreshing.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): A fluffy, indulgent topping for a true coffeehouse feel.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle (Optional): For a finishing touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
The Perfect Pour: Creamy Swirls in Your Caramel Iced Coffee
For the perfect pour, use chilled milk to keep it extra refreshing, pour slowly over ice for a dreamy swirl, and stir gently to blend the flavors while maintaining a creamy gradient.
Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Iced Coffee
- Use Cold Brew for a Smoother Taste: Cold brew is less acidic and naturally smooth. Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, strain, and store in the fridge.
- Chill the Coffee Quickly: In a hurry? Pour hot coffee over ice cubes, then chill in the fridge or freezer to cool fast without watering it down.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust caramel sauce to taste.
- Prevent Dilution: Freeze leftover coffee into ice cubes to keep your drink strong as it melts.
- Froth Like a Pro: For a silky texture, use a handheld frother or shake milk in a jar before pouring for a creamy, barista-style finish.
Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Iced Coffee: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce before mixing.
- Mocha Caramel Iced Coffee: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Coconut Caramel Iced Coffee: Swap almond or oat milk for coconut milk to add a creamy, tropical flavor.
- Spiced Caramel Iced Coffee: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy touch.
Love coffeehouse drinks at home? Try my Mocha Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat or my Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino, Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino, Strawberry Acai Refresher, and Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte for a refreshing sip.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prep ahead, brew the coffee in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, pour it over ice, add milk and caramel, and stir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this caramel iced coffee without a coffee maker?
You can use instant coffee—just dissolve 2 teaspoons in ½ cup of hot water, then let it cool before using. Try cold brew concentrate for an even smoother taste.
How do I make this drink sweeter?
Add extra caramel sauce, a pump of vanilla syrup, or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Is there a caffeine-free option?
Use decaf coffee or a coffee alternative like chicory root or dandelion coffee.
Caramel Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp ground coffee
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- 2 tbsp low-sugar caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ice cubes
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Start by brewing two servings of strong coffee (about 1 cup total). Let it cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge for a few minutes if you’re in a hurry.
- Grab two glasses and fill them with ice cubes. The more ice, the colder and more refreshing your drink will be.
- Evenly divide the chilled coffee between the two glasses, pouring it over the ice.
- Pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond or oat milk into each glass. You can adjust the amount depending on how creamy you like your coffee.
- Stir 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract into each glass. Give it a good mix so the caramel blends beautifully with the coffee.
- Shake your can of whipped cream and add a fluffy, cloud-like layer on top.
- For an extra treat, drizzle a little more caramel sauce over the whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy.
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