Looking for a delicious icy coffee drink that will make you feel wide awake? This Caramel Iced Coffee is super easy to make and trust me, it’s soooo good! It's got strong coffee, sweet caramel sauce, cold milk, and ice that will give you all the energy you need to face this day!
What’s awesome about this drink is that you can add as much caramel, coffee, or milk as you want to make it extra sweet, extra caffeinated, and tasty. So grab your apron and let's make this fun iced coffee treat!
Looking for more easy and delicious non-alcoholic recipes. Try our refreshing Watermelon Kombucha mocktail!
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Reasons Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and straightforward. It's also perfect for satisfying all your coffee cravings at home.
Delicious Sweetness: The caramel sauce adds sweetness to the coffee, making it taste like a deliciously decadent dessert.
Rich and Creamy: The mixture of milk and whipped cream creates a creamy texture that's really satisfying.
Icy Refreshment: Iced coffee is the perfect drink for warm days. It’s also a refreshing pick-me-up for virtually any day of the year.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, strength, and creaminess of this drink to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients
Freshly Brewed Espresso: Espresso provides a strong, rich flavor to the coffee flavor. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee, or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water. Make sure you adjust the amount to match your preferred strength.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream makes this drink creamy and also gives it a subtle sweetness. You can use any milk or milk alternative you prefer. You can use whole milk, skim milk, caramel creamer instead of milk almond milk, soy milk, pea milk, oat milk or your favorite lactose-free milk instead.
Caramel Sauce: Caramel sauce brings sweetness, and caramelly flavor to the drink. It’s beautiful drizzle, makes it pretty to look at. You can make your own caramel sauce or use light caramel sauce, sugar-free, or lower-sugar caramel sauce.
Caramel Iced Coffee Step-By-Step Instructions
Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the ice, and let it coat the sides of your glass.
Then, fill the tall glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes.
Brew 2 ounces (60 ml) of espresso (about 2 shots) and let it cool for 1-2 minutes to keep it from melting the ice.
Pour your freshly brewed espresso over the ice, filling the glass about halfway.
Add ¼ cup of milk. Adjust the milk to your preferred level of creaminess. Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
Top the espresso with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle a little more caramel sauce over the whipped cream for extra sweetness.
If you want, you can use a long spoon or straw to mix the caramel sauce into the espresso as you sip it.
Enjoy your homemade caramel iced espresso!
Caramel Iced Coffee Tips and Tricks
If you can, use freshly brewed espresso because it tends to have the best flavor. Also, after brewing your espresso, be sure to let it cool for about 1-2 minutes before pouring it over the ice. This will keep the ice from melting too quickly and diluting your coffee.
The sweetness in Caramel sauce differs between brands and personal preferences. I recommend starting with about 2-3 tablespoons and then adjusting the sweetness according to your taste.
If you are feeling fancy, or in the mood to impress, I certainly recommend garnishing your drink with toppings like shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Serving your drink in a clear glass will make it visually appealing but allow you to see the pretty layers of caramel, coffee, and cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Coffee Beans: To store freshly ground coffee beans or ground coffee beans effectively, place them in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Also, avoid freezing or refrigerating them. The best coffee in the world just happens to be from my home country, Kenya. You can purchase award-winning Kenyan coffee beans here!
Caramel Sauce: Place your opened or homemade caramel sauce in a sealed container and store it in the fridge. You can store unopened store-bought caramel sauce at room temperature until its expiration date.
Whipping cream or Milk Alternatives: Store whipping cream, milk, or milk substitutes in the fridge. Also, be sure to check their expiration dates and use them within that timeframe.
Whipped Cream: Whipped cream should be stored in the fridge. You should use freshly whipped cream immediately, but if you need to store it, place it in a container and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate. though its texture might change over time, you can usually keep it for up to 24 hours.
Caramel Iced Coffee FAQs
What is caramel iced coffee?
Caramel iced coffee is a cold coffee drink made with espresso, milk, and caramel syrup. It is often then served over ice and can be topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
How many pumps of caramel syrup do I need for iced coffee?
The number of pumps of caramel syrup you need for iced coffee will depend on your personal preference. A good starting point is 2-3 pumps, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
What is the difference between caramel iced coffee and caramel macchiato?
Caramel iced coffee is made with espresso, milk, and caramel syrup, while a caramel macchiato is made with espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and caramel drizzle. The caramel macchiato is layered, with the espresso at the bottom, the vanilla syrup in the middle, and the milk and caramel drizzle on top.
What are some other flavors that go well with caramel iced coffee?
Some other flavors that go well with caramel iced coffee include vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate. You can also add flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or peppermint during the holidays.
Can I make caramel iced coffee with cold brew?
Yes, you can certainly make caramel iced coffee with a cold brew. Cold brew is a type of coffee that is brewed for a longer period of time at a lower temperature. This results in a coffee that is less acidic and smoother than regular coffee. To make caramel iced coffee with cold brew, simply substitute cold brew for the espresso in the recipe.
What is the best way to store caramel iced coffee?
You can store caramel iced coffee in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it, simply pour it into an airtight container. When you are ready to drink it, add ice and stir to combine.
How can I make caramel iced coffee more interesting?
There are so many ways to make your caramel iced coffee more interesting. You can add a shot or three of flavored vanilla, hazelnut, or chocolate syrup. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate chips or make it affogato style by pouring it over a scoop of ice cream.
What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?
To make iced coffee, you brew hot coffee and pour it over ice. To make cold brew however, you steep coffee grounds slowly in cold water for 12-24 hours. Cold brew is less acidic and has a smoother flavor than iced coffee.
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Recipe
Caramel Iced Coffee
Equipment
- 1 Tall glass
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
- Straw
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ½ cup freshly brewed espresso or regular coffee (this depends on how strong you like your coffee)
- ¾ cup milk (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons caramel sauce (adjust to taste)
- A dollop of whipped cream (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the ice, allowing it to coat the sides of the glass. Fill the glass with 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Brew 2 ounces (60 ml) of espresso (about 2 shots) and let it cool for 1-2 minutes to avoid melting the ice.
- Pour the freshly brewed espresso over the ice, filling the glass halfway.
- Add ¾ cup of milk or adjust to your preferred level of creaminess. Stir gently to combine.
- Top the espresso with a dollop of whipped cream and then drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream for extra sweetness.
- Optionally, use a long spoon or straw to mix the caramel sauce into the espresso as you enjoy it.
- Enjoy your homemade caramel iced coffee!
Notes
Freshly Brewed Espresso: Espresso provides a strong, rich flavor to the coffee flavor. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee, or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water. Make sure you adjust the amount to match your preferred strength. Heavy cream: Heavy cream makes this drink creamy and also gives it a subtle sweetness. You can use any milk or milk alternative you prefer. Whole milk, skim milk, caramel creamer instead of milk almond milk, soy milk, pea milk, oat milk, or your favorite lactose-free milk can be used instead. Caramel Sauce: Caramel sauce brings sweetness, and caramelly flavor to the drink. It’s beautiful drizzle, makes it pretty to look at. You can make your own caramel sauce or use light caramel sauce, sugar-free, or lower-sugar caramel sauce. Whipped Cream: Whipped cream adds a creamy touch to the drink. You can use whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative or not use cream altogether.
Kimberly Garrido says
This recipe looks so yummy. Thanks for sharing!!
Comfort Food and Drinks says
Thank you Kimberly! Be sure to let us know how you liked it whenever you try it!