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Iced Caramel Latte with Espresso and Caramel Syrup
Brew this iced caramel latte recipe with espresso, milk and caramel syrup for a quick homemade coffee drink that’s creamy, sweet and cafe quality.
An iced caramel latte is a chilled coffee beverage that blends freshly brewed espresso with cold milk, caramel sauce or syrup, and ice to create a smooth, lightly sweetened drink. Balancing the robust flavor of espresso with the creamy richness of milk and the buttery notes of caramel, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional hot lattes. Commonly garnished with an extra drizzle of caramel and occasionally topped with whipped cream, this drink is popular as a morning energizer or an afternoon pick-me-up, especially during warmer months when a cold, caffeinated refreshment is preferred.
Iced Caramel Latte with Espresso and Caramel Syrup
Skip the café line and save a few dollars by crafting this iced caramel latte at home—no special equipment needed beyond a blender or a jar with a tight lid. The recipe is flexible, letting you dial up the caramel, switch to oat or almond milk, or even swap in decaf espresso for a late-night treat.
Prep Time
4 minutes
4 minutes
Cook Time
1 minutes
1 minutes
Total Time
5 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
Freshly brewed espresso, 2 shots (about 60 ml)
- Cold milk (whole, 2%, or preferred), 1 cup / 240 ml
- Caramel syrup or caramel sauce, 2 Tbsp (plus more to drizzle)
- Ice cubes, 1 heaped cup (≈8–10 cubes)
- Whipped cream (optional topping), 2–3 Tbsp
- Extra caramel drizzle (optional), 1 tsp
- Sea salt, pinch (optional, for a “salted caramel” note)
- Ground cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract, 1⁄8 tsp (optional flavor boost)
Method
Pull a double shot of espresso using fresh coffee grounds
- Stir the hot espresso with caramel syrup until the syrup is fully dissolved
- Let the sweetened espresso cool for about one minute to minimize ice melt
- Fill a tall glass completely with fresh ice cubes
- Pour the cooled caramel-flavored espresso over the ice
- Slowly top up the glass with cold milk, leaving a small gap at the rim
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the surface for garnish
- Insert a straw or long spoon and gently stir the drink once
- Serve the iced caramel latte immediately while it is still cold
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
291 kcal Protein
8 g Fat
9 g Carbs
43 g Fiber
0 g Sugar
43 g
291 kcal Protein
8 g Fat
9 g Carbs
43 g Fiber
0 g Sugar
43 g
Notes
Flash-chill your freshly pulled espresso in the freezer for 5 minutes before mixing—starting cold prevents the ice from watering down the drink. For deeper flavor, stir a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt into the caramel first; it sharpens the sweetness and gives the latte a subtle, crave-worthy complexity.
why this recipe
Crafted with a perfect balance of robust espresso, velvety milk, and a luxuriously smooth caramel drizzle, this iced caramel latte recipe elevates everyday coffee into a café-quality treat you can whip up in minutes at home. Its simplicity hides a thoughtful harmony of flavors—the subtle bitterness of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel, while a rapid chill locks in freshness and creates a blissfully cold, silky texture. By controlling the sweetness and milk choice yourself, you tailor each sip to your taste and dietary needs, all while saving time and money compared to specialty-shop versions. One glass delivers that quintessential pick-me-up you crave, underscoring why this indulgent yet effortless drink deserves a permanent spot in your beverage repertoire.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still make this iced caramel latte if I don’t have an espresso machine?
Yes—simply replace the espresso with an equal volume (about 60 ml) of very strong brewed coffee, Moka-pot coffee, cold-brew concentrate, or even instant espresso prepared at double strength. Chill it quickly in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling so the ice won’t dilute the latte.
Can I make this iced caramel latte dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute the cow’s milk with any plant-based milk you like (oat, almond, soy, or coconut) and use a dairy-free/vegan caramel syrup or sauce, which most grocery brands now offer. Omit the whipped cream or top with a coconut or soy-based whip, and the latte is entirely dairy-free and vegan.
How can I make this iced caramel latte less sweet?
Use only 1 tablespoon of caramel instead of two, or swap half the caramel for 1–2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to keep flavor without the extra sugar. You can also choose an unsweetened milk (or dilute whole milk with a splash of cold water) and skip the final caramel drizzle and whipped cream.