With bold espresso, warm vanilla syrup, frothed milk, and a sweet drizzle of buttery caramel, this homemade Caramel Macchiato Latte is a Starbucks copycat recipe that tastes just like your favorite coffee shop drink.
Skip the line at your local coffee shop and make a Starbucks Copycat Caramel Macchiato at home that tastes even better than the ones you get at coffee shops.
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Copycat Starbucks drink
Starbucks Copycat Caramel Macchiato Latte is an easy recipe to make that’s filled with the flavors of vanilla, milk and espresso and topped with whipped cream and caramel.
Creamy, sweet, and filled with espresso flavor, vanilla and caramel, this homemade espresso drink is quick and easy to make.
Sipping on this coffee drink recipe is for all those coffee lovers and it will make your flavor buds happy.
The best part of making your own DIY espresso drink is that you’ll not only save money but you won’t have to wait on line at the coffee shop.
Taking just minutes to make, a vanilla caramel macchiato is perfect on those busy mornings, cozy afternoons, or as a treat whenever you need one.
Be sure to visit the Swirls of Flavor Amazon Storefront for GG's personal kitchen recommendations!
How to make a caramel macchiato recipe
This is a quick overview of how to make an espresso drink recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Pour vanilla syrup into your mug. Add the frothed milk and then the espresso.
- Step 2: Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Hint: You can add more vanilla syrup if you prefer a sweeter coffee drink.
Expert recipe tips
- Use fresh espresso – Fresh brewed espresso will give you the richest coffee flavor but instant espresso work if you don't have an espresso machine.
- Layer the drink – If you want to copy the look of the Starbucks drink be sure to layer the ingredients in this order: vanilla syrup, milk, espresso then caramel sauce.
- Froth the milk – Frothing the milk will give you that café-style velvety mouth feel. A handheld milk frother is an easy way to froth the milk.
- For an iced macchiato - If you are making an iced caramel macchiato be sure to chill the espresso and milk before pouring over ice cubes.
- For a pretty presentation - For a pretty presentation and extra sweetness, in addition to the caramel drizzle on top, add an additional drizzle of caramel sauce inside the glass before adding any ingredients.
- Sweeter – If you have a sweet tooth you can add an additional tablespoon or more of vanilla syrup.
- Coffee bean garnish - After adding the caramel sauce, top with coffee beans for a gourmet touch.
Substitutions
- Espresso – If you can’t brew espresso in an espresso maker you can substitute strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate for the shots of espresso.
- Vanilla Syrup – You can use store bought vanilla syrup or homemade simple syrup, vanilla extract mixed into sugar or homemade brown sugar syrup.
- Milk – Feel free to substitute your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk as whole milk alternatives. Low-fat milk can also be use although it may not froth up as much
- Caramel Sauce - Dulce de leche or caramel syrup can replace the caramel sauce.
- Whipped Cream – You can replace whipped cream with a cold foam topping or a dairy-free whipped topping.
Equipment
Variations
- Iced Caramel Macchiato – For an iced coffee drink, pour cold milk and vanilla syrup over ice cubes, then add the espresso and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Skinny Version – Make your drink with lowfat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Extra Caramel – In addition to the caramel sauce drizzle, add caramel syrup along with the vanilla syrup.
- Caramel Mocha Macchiato – For that chocolate coffee flavor, add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup before adding the milk.
- Holiday Macchiato – Add peppermint syrup, crushed peppermint candy on top and a candy cane stirrer.
- Brown Sugar Macchiato – Make your macchiato with brown sugar syrup instead of vanilla syrup
- Brown Sugar Macchiato – Make your macchiato with brown sugar simple syrup instead of vanilla syrup
Ingredients
Ingredients for a Caramel Latte Macchiato
- Espresso - Strong, concentrated coffee that forms the bold base of the macchiato. Freshly brewed espresso gives the drink its signature depth and richness.
- Vanilla Syrup - Adds warmth and sweetness while balancing the espresso. Vanilla syrup creates that classic layered Starbucks flavor.
- Milk - Steamed or frothed milk provides creaminess and a velvety texture. Whole milk is richest, but any milk or non-dairy alternative works beautifully.
- Milk - Frothed whole milk adds a velvety texture and a creaminess to the drink.
- Caramel Sauce - Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a buttery flavor.
- Whipped Cream - Whipped cream adds a creamy fluffy topping that makes each sip indulgent.
Coffee drinks
After you make your latte macchiato recipe, you can make these coffeehouse drinks at home too!
Simple Syrups
Add more flavor to your copycat Starbucks drink with one of these homemade simple syrups:
Caramel Macchiato Latte Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 shots espresso
- ½ cup whipped cream
- 1 Tablespoon caramel sauce
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Instructions
- Pour the vanilla syrup into the bottom of a mug or coffee cup.
- In a small saucepan heat the milk over medium heat until hot.
- Froth the hot milk with a milk frother.
- Pour the hot frothed milk into the mug and add the hot espresso.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
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