Caramel Macchiato

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This caramel macchiato recipe is so easy to make from scratch! All you need are a handful of ingredients and you can enjoy this latte in no time.

To preface this recipe, this caramel macchiato is more of a latte macchiato, similar to what you’d find at Starbucks, and not a traditional Italian caffè macchiato where you combine an espresso with a small amount of milk. This recipe is a delightful vanilla latte topped with a drizzle of caramel!

Close up of a glass of caramel macchiato with a striped straw.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy. If you can make some coffee, you’re good to go! This recipe uses vanilla syrup and pre-made caramel so that you can keep them around for a while.
I love a good latte over ice, and this caramel macchiato is no different. You 100% don’t want to skip the ice as it helps make the distinctive layer before mixing it.
It’s much more budget-friendly than getting it at Starbies!

A caramel macchiato in a glass, showing the distinctive layers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make caramel macchiato.

espresso — I use vanilla Nespresso pods, but you can brew a strong coffee or use instant espresso. Starbucks uses their signature dark roast espresso for their caramel macchiato.
vanilla syrup — I use Torani vanilla syrup, but you can also use vanilla bean syrup! I’ve made it with both.
milk — I use whole milk but feel free to use what you want.
ice — you’ll need a cup of ice.
caramel sauce — I always have a bottle of Torani caramel sauce on hand.

How to Make a Caramel Macchiato

Set of two photos showing vanilla syrup and milk added to a cup.

Prepare your coffee. I use a coffee maker. Froth your milk if you’d like.
To a glass or mug, add the vanilla syrup.
Add the milk.

Set of two photos showing ice added to the cup and topped off with coffee.

Add ice to the milk.
Pour the espresso over the top of the milk.
Drizzle caramel on top of the drink.

A glass of caramel macchiato with caramel sauce on the glass with a straw. A bottle of caramel sauce in the background.

Recipe Tips and Notes

You can add a tinnnnnny pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the caramel and make it taste more like salted caramel.
You can add some foam on top if you prefer.
Technically, you drink this without stirring, but I prefer to stir mine. The caramel usually smudges onto the sides of the cup as I stir it instead of sinking to the bottom.
Instead of ice, freeze extra coffee in an ice tray and use it in the latte to avoid it getting watered down! I do this with my matcha often to keep my matcha latte from being watery!

An angled view of a glass of caramel macchiato with a striped straw.

Can I make this decaf?

You sure can! Simply use decaf coffee.