An iced caramel latte is the perfect refreshing treat for any coffee lover.
It combines bold coffee flavor with the smooth sweetness of caramel and creamy milk.
The best part?
You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
No fancy equipment is needed, and it’s a budget-friendly alternative to your favorite café drink.
In just five minutes, you’ll have a delicious, homemade iced caramel latte ready to enjoy!
How To Make An Iced Caramel Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee or Espresso
- Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Syrup
- Step 3: Combine Milk, Caramel, and Coffee with Ice
- Step 4: Add Optional Toppings
- Step 5: Enjoy!
What Is an Iced Caramel Latte?
An iced caramel latte is a cold coffee drink made with espresso, milk, caramel syrup, and ice.
It differs from iced coffee in one key way: iced coffee uses regular brewed coffee, while an iced latte is espresso-based.
Espresso gives the latte a stronger, richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel.
In contrast, iced coffee tends to be lighter and less intense.
This recipe brings the popular Starbucks iced caramel latte to your home kitchen, making it easy to recreate the same indulgent drink at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients
- ½ cup strong coffee or 2 shots espresso (Cold brew can be used as an alternative for a smoother taste)
- ½ cup milk (Whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup or sauce (Homemade for richer flavor or store-bought for convenience)
- 1-2 cups ice (To fill your serving glass and chill the drink)
Optional Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons whipped cream (For the topping, to add extra creaminess)
- Extra caramel drizzle (For a sweeter, more indulgent drink)
- Sea salt (For a salted caramel variation, sprinkle a pinch on top)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee or Espresso
Start by brewing your coffee base.
You can use two shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee.
If you prefer a smoother taste, cold brew concentrate is a great alternative.
The strength of your coffee will determine the boldness of the latte, so adjust based on your taste preferences.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Syrup
While your coffee is hot, stir in the caramel syrup or sauce.
This is the best time to add the caramel because it dissolves much better in warm coffee than in cold.
Make sure to mix thoroughly until the caramel is fully dissolved and you have a smooth, sweet coffee base.
Step 3: Combine Milk, Caramel, and Coffee with Ice
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
Fill a glass with ice, then pour in your coffee-caramel mixture.
Next, add your milk of choice, whether it’s whole milk or a dairy-free option like oat or almond milk.
Stir the drink well to combine all the flavors.
The ice will chill the coffee and milk, creating a refreshing drink.
Step 4: Optional Toppings
For an extra treat, top your iced caramel latte with whipped cream and drizzle more caramel on top.
You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt for a salted caramel version.
These toppings are completely optional but add a deliciously indulgent touch to your drink.
Variations of Iced Caramel Latte
Salted Caramel Latte
To turn your iced caramel latte into a salted caramel version, simply add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel syrup before mixing it into the coffee.
The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a savory twist to the drink.
Once mixed, you can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top as a garnish for an extra burst of flavor.
This is a great variation if you love a balanced blend of sweet and salty in your beverages.
Skinny Version
For a lighter, healthier option, make a skinny iced caramel latte by using low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk.
You can also reduce the amount of caramel syrup to cut down on sugar, or use a sugar-free caramel syrup if you’re watching your calories.
This version keeps all the delicious flavors of the original, but with fewer calories and less sugar.
Iced Caramel Frappuccino
If you prefer a thicker, more indulgent drink, you can turn your iced caramel latte into an iced caramel frappuccino.
To do this, blend the coffee, milk, caramel syrup, and ice together in a blender until smooth and frothy.
You may want to double the amount of ice for a thicker texture and add a bit more sugar to enhance the sweetness.
Top with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle to make it a truly decadent treat.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Iced Caramel Latte
Using Coffee Ice Cubes to Avoid Dilution
One of the simplest ways to keep your iced caramel latte from becoming watered down is by using coffee ice cubes.
To do this, freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray.
When you add these cubes to your drink, they’ll melt without diluting the flavor, keeping your latte strong and full of that bold coffee taste.
It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in the overall quality of your drink.
Cold Brew as a Stronger Alternative to Iced Coffee
If you’re looking for a bolder, richer flavor, consider using cold brew instead of regular iced coffee.
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually overnight.
This method creates a smoother, less acidic coffee that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of caramel.
Cold brew also tends to be stronger, so it holds up well when combined with milk and ice.
If you like your lattes with a punch, cold brew is the way to go.
Frothing Milk for a Creamier Texture
For a coffee-shop quality latte at home, try frothing your milk before adding it to the coffee.
You can use a milk frother, blender, or even shake the milk in a jar until it becomes frothy.
Frothing the milk adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall richness of the drink.
This is especially useful if you’re using non-dairy milk, as frothing can help replicate the creaminess of whole milk.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to make your iced caramel latte ahead of time, there are a few easy storage tips to follow.
First, any leftover caramel syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This makes it convenient for future use—you can simply grab the syrup when you’re ready for your next latte.
If you prefer to prepare your coffee in advance, brew a batch of strong coffee or espresso and chill it in the fridge.
This way, when you’re ready to make your drink, the coffee is already cold and won’t dilute the flavor when poured over ice.
Additional Recipe Pairings
Pairing your iced caramel latte with a tasty breakfast or pastry can make your coffee experience even better.
Classic options like muffins or banana bread complement the sweet and creamy flavors of the latte perfectly.
Muffins, especially ones with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla, provide a comforting balance to the rich caramel.
For something heartier, a slice of warm banana bread pairs wonderfully with the bold coffee flavors, offering a soft, slightly sweet bite.
These baked goods not only satisfy hunger but also add a delightful texture contrast to your refreshing drink, making your breakfast or snack break feel complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make an iced caramel latte dairy-free.
Simply swap the regular milk for plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Each of these non-dairy alternatives brings its own subtle flavor, with oat milk being creamy and neutral, while almond milk adds a slightly nutty taste.
Make sure to choose a caramel syrup that’s also vegan if you’re looking to keep the entire drink dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
What’s the difference between an iced coffee and an iced latte?
The main difference between an iced coffee and an iced latte is the coffee base.
An iced latte uses espresso, which gives it a bold and intense flavor, while iced coffee is made with regular brewed coffee, resulting in a lighter taste.
Lattes also contain more milk than iced coffee, giving them a creamier texture, whereas iced coffee is more coffee-forward.
