I am a big fan of this Copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. As a Starbucks client, this is my number one go-to for a sweet coffee treat. You can now make this for yourself at home and how you like it too!
We have in the past made some other copycat recipes from Starbucks like this Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino (which is our daughter’s favorite), Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf, and a Lemon Loaf that is reminiscent of what they serve at Starbucks too.
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Starbucks Vanilla Syrup – Sugar-Free
What’s in a Caramel Macchiato?
This Caramel Macchiato recipe is an easy mix of shots of espresso with steamed milk and caramel flavors. To make an iced caramel macchiato, you simply put these same ingredients on ice. Continuing along the line of iced coffee or espresso drinks, you may also become enamored with our amazing St. Patrick’s Day (or any day) Pistachio Iced Coffee.
Ingredients
- Milk
- Espresso (you can use regular coffee too, depending on how strong you like your coffee)
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Whipped cream (optional)
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato
To make this Starbucks drink is simple; just follow these easy directions.
Start by brewing espresso. While the espresso brews, warm milk, and vanilla syrup together on the stovetop or in the microwave.
When the milk and vanilla mixture is hot, carefully froth milk with a milk frother or in a glass jar.
Place the vanilla milk mixture in your cup.
Pour the espresso over the milk mixture. Top with a drizzle of caramel and whipped cream if desired.
Changing up the Recipe
This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit each individual’s preferences. For a sweeter drink, add more vanilla syrup. For a stronger drink, you can add more espresso, and it’ll still taste great. If you love the taste of caramel, you can add a spoon full of caramel into the warm milk before you froth it.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, this can also be made with 4 oz. of very strong coffee. Keurig users can also buy espresso pods for a quick cup of espresso.
What is the Difference Between a Caramel Macchiato and a Caramel Latte?
Lattes and macchiatos are very similar. Typically lattes have more milk, and espresso is added first, then milk. Macchiatos tend to be more espresso-heavy and are poured over the frothed milk.
Also, note that vanilla syrup and vanilla extract are NOT the same things. If you like making frequent yummy coffee drinks, we have a recipe for you below, or you can purchase the syrup on Amazon (link above) or from Starbucks. The syrup is totally worth buying for a quick and easy drink whenever you like. Also available is a sugar-free version at Starbucks, which is what I order and ask for it is half sweet too.
It’s best to drink this drink right away. It does not keep well, and the milk foam quickly dissolves.
Frothing the Milk
If you have a milk frother, this is the easiest way to froth milk. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can easily make frothy milk by pouring the warm milk mixture into a glass jar with a tight lid and shaking vigorously until frothy.
You can also use a handheld blender or regular blender to froth the milk.
Vanilla Syrup Recipe
1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
This is just like a simple syrup but vanilla-flavored.
Place the water and sugar in a pot to boil. Then turn it down to a simmer and cook until the mixture is thickened, stirring frequently.
Pour mixture into a glass jar and add vanilla extract. Let cool and store in the fridge for future macchiatos. Will keep up to a month refrigerated in a sealed container.
Pin it HERE!!
Pin it HERE!!
Copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
Ingredients
- 6 oz cup of milk I use skim milk, but you can also use 2% for a creamier coffee
- 2 oz of espresso depending on how strong you like your coffee
- 1 Tablespoon of vanilla syrup
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Start by brewing espresso. While the espresso brews, warm milk and vanilla syrup together on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- When milk and vanilla mixture is hot, carefully froth milk with a milk frother or in a glass jar.
- Place the vanilla milk mixture in your cup.
- Pour the espresso over the milk mixture. Top with a drizzle of caramel and whipped cream if desired.
Let us know what you think!
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