Learn how to recreate the Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato at home in under five minutes using a Nespresso machine. The key to this drink is the order of assembly — vanilla syrup and milk sit at the bottom while espresso is poured on top, finished with a caramel drizzle.
One of Starbucks’ most popular offerings, the Iced Caramel Macchiato is a vanilla-sweetened espresso drink served with cold milk, ice, and a caramel drizzle. The caramel in this drink is a finishing touch rather than a mixed-in ingredient.
This is my go-to Starbucks order, and when I first learned the barista method I made it every day for a month. It’s simple to assemble and very satisfying.
I learned this recipe from a Starbucks barista, including exact steps and measurements, and I’m sharing that method here.
What makes the drink distinct is the layering: vanilla syrup and milk are added first so they’re at the bottom, then espresso is poured over ice so it rests on top. The caramel drizzle crowns the drink. To be an Iced Caramel Macchiato, the espresso must sit above the milk layer.
To prepare this at home, you’ll need espresso; a Nespresso machine is the easiest way to get consistent espresso shots quickly.
Ingredient Notes
- Espresso: Starbucks typically uses a dark roast espresso. Use an espresso roast or a dark-roast coffee to match the flavor profile.
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is easiest and most reliable at home. Caramel syrup is a dairy-free alternative but provides a lighter flavor compared to sauce.
- Vanilla syrup: Homemade vanilla syrup is simple to make and tastes great, though bottled vanilla syrup from Starbucks or other brands also works.
- Milk: Starbucks commonly uses 2% milk, but you can substitute whole milk, skim, or plant-based milks to suit your preference.
- Ice: Use clean, filtered water to make ice for the best taste.
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add vanilla syrup, then milk, then ice to a cup in that order. Pull 2 shots of espresso and pour them on top of the ice and milk.
Use 2 Nespresso espresso capsules or two espresso shots from an espresso machine for a 16-ounce (grande) drink.
Step 2: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
For a Starbucks-style finish, drizzle the caramel in a crosshatch pattern: seven vertical lines, seven horizontal lines, then two circles around the cup rim.
Jee’s Note
Sip this drink without stirring. The first sips deliver espresso brightened by caramel, and as the layers mix while you drink, it transitions into a vanilla latte flavor.
Using a Nespresso
Nespresso machines make it easy to reproduce Starbucks-style espresso drinks at home. One Nespresso espresso capsule equals one espresso shot.
1 shot of espresso = 1 Nespresso espresso capsule
For a grande (16-ounce) Iced Caramel Macchiato, use two Nespresso espresso capsules or a single double-espresso capsule. To approximate Starbucks’ taste, choose a darker espresso capsule.
Avoid Vertuo coffee capsules that brew larger 7.77-ounce coffees; those are not espresso and will change the drink’s balance.
If you prefer a milder flavor, try a blonde espresso capsule, which is smoother than dark roast but still works well in this drink.
Expert Tips
- Order of assembly matters: vanilla syrup and milk go in first so they remain at the bottom, espresso goes on top, and caramel is added last and left unmixed.
- If you don’t have an espresso maker or Nespresso, substitute with instant coffee: combine 1 tablespoon instant coffee with 1/4 cup hot water to replace two espresso shots.
- You can purchase bottled vanilla syrup from Starbucks locations if desired; availability may vary.
Related
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- 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
-
Put vanilla syrup, milk, then ice into a cup. Top with espresso shots.
Add the ingredients in that order so the milk and syrup stay at the bottom. Use 2 Nespresso pods or 2 espresso shots.
-
Add caramel drizzle to the top of the drink.
Drizzle in a crosshatch pattern: seven vertical lines, seven horizontal lines, then two circles around the rim.
Notes
- Assemble in the correct order: vanilla syrup and milk first, espresso on top, and caramel drizzle last. The drink is served without stirring.
- For a 16-ounce grande, use two Nespresso espresso or ristretto capsules, or one double espresso Vertuo capsule labeled for espresso.
- Starbucks commonly uses 2% milk, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- If you lack espresso equipment, replace two espresso shots with 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 69 g
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Sugar: 56 g
Calcium: 310 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
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