• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

What Molly Made

Eat to Feel Good

  • About
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Summer Barbecue
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Drinks
    • Special Diet
    • Holiday
    • Cooking Method
  • Dinner
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • PCOS
      • PCOS Recipes
      • PCOS Tips + Resources
      • Clean Living
      • FREE PCOS Email Course
    • Home and Decor
    • Mom Life
  • Cookbook
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Summer Barbecue
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Special Diet
  • PCOS
  • Appetizers
  • Snacks
  • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Subscribe
×

Home » Recipes » Drinks

Iced Caramel Latte

Updated: May 26, 2023 | Published on: May 25, 2023 - Maureen KnudtsonLeave a Comment

Dairy Free RecipesDF
Gluten Free RecipesGF
Jump to Recipe

This homemade iced caramel latte is one of my favorite coffee drinks — especially on a hot summer day. It's cold and refreshing and has a touch of sweetness, a bold espresso flavor, and a smooth, buttery texture.

It looks as decadent as it tastes but takes less than 10 minutes to make — including a homemade caramel sauce.

iced caramel latte in a glass with caramel sauce on top

If you're into iced drinks but matcha is more your thing, this iced matcha latte is a great coffee alternative. For another espresso-free milk and coffee drink, try a smooth and creamy dalgano coffee that uses instant coffee.

When faced with the choice between an iced latte vs iced coffee, it all comes down to personal preference, and I promise you'll want to choose this latte every time.

The combination of nutty caramel flavor, creamy milk, and bold espresso is the ideal morning coffee trio.

Why You'll Love this Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

  • Economical - Instead of heading to Dunkin Donuts or your local coffee shop each day, have your own iced caramel lattes at home. The homemade version tastes just as good and is a fraction of the price!
  • Customizable: This delicious latte can be made any way you like it. You can control the amount of sugar, use any milk alternatives, and make it with your favorite type of coffee.
  • Quick & easy: It's an easy recipe that uses basic ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to whip together.
  • Perfect on hot days: It's fun swapping out hot coffees with iced drinks once summer arrives. 
  • Feels indulgent: Although it's easy to make, this is not just your usual pot of coffee or cold coffee drink. It's more like a sweet treat with the added bonus of a caffeine boost.
stirring espresso into milk and caramel sauce

Grab These Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients for this iced caramel latte recipe. Most are pantry staples and easy (and affordable) to find in the grocery store. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

espresso, sugar, vanilla and milk on a countertop
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar or coconut sugar will both work. Or find another coconut sugar substitute. The first time I tested this, the caramel crystallized, so we tested it again. It was likely because we stirred it too much, so we tried it again and it worked well. We also tested it with coconut sugar which caramelized well.
  • Water: Helps to tame that strong coffee flavor of the espresso shots.
  • Vanilla: Adds a creamy taste to the caramel syrup.
  • Ice: Add as much or as little as you like.
  • Espresso: this recipe calls for espresso, like all lattes. However, you can use a strong cold brew or iced coffee. 
  • Milk: You can go with the traditional whole milk or 2%, or non-dairy milk like soy milk, coconut milk, or unsweetened almond milk. You could even make your own homemade oat milk!
  • Toppings: Go for whipped cream, dairy-free whipped cream, a sprinkle of brown sugar, chocolate syrup, or extra caramel drizzle to take this drink to the next level.

How to Make This Iced Caramel Latte

The full recipe is below, but let’s walk through the easy steps with some photos and a video so you have a clear idea of what to expect. This iced caramel latte recipe is really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure it turns out every time.

VIDEO: Watch How to Make It

Make the Caramel Simple Syrup

Combine ¼ cup of the water with ½ cup of the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir for 2 minutes or until dissolved.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the lid and stir consistently until the mixture is a light amber color.

Remove it from the heat immediately, then carefully stir in the remaining ¼ cup of water and the vanilla. If desired, add a pinch of salt to make it a salted caramel syrup.

caramel simple syrup in a saucepan

Make the Latte

Pour 1-3 tablespoons of caramel syrup into a liquid measuring cup with any cold milk of your choice. Use a hand frother to blend it together until frothy. (A spoon works too it just won’t be frothy.)

Add ice cubes to a tall glass then pour the milk and caramel mixture on top, making sure to leave enough room for the espresso.

cup of ice with milk and caramel simple syrup

Finish by pouring the shot of espresso (or coffee) on top and stir well to combine.

Top with whipped cream, if desired, then add a little more cinnamon, a sprinkle of brown sugar, chocolate syrup, or extra caramel drizzle.

pouring espresso into an iced caramel latte

Recipe FAQS

What’s the difference between iced caramel coffee and iced caramel latte?

The largest difference is one uses espresso and one uses brewed coffee. Our blog post on the difference between an iced latte and iced coffee goes into more detail on the difference between the two types of beverages. The caramel version of both just adds caramel syrup.

What is an iced caramel latte from Starbucks?

The Starbucks iced caramel latte mixes espresso, milk, ice, and caramel brulée sauce and is topped with whipped cream. So this recipe really is a homemade version!

Does caramel latte have coffee?

A caramel latte can be made with either espresso or coffee. You can make it with decaf coffee or decaf espresso if you prefer non-caffeinated. 

Our Favorite Latte Products

Make yourself a little at-home barista setup with some of our favorite tools and products. Here's a fun list to get you started so you can make more coffee shop favorites in your kitchen. (This section contains affiliate links).

  1. A moka pot is an espresso maker on the cheap. Or a full-blown espresso machine and milk frother combo for a fancier setup.
  2. A large mason jar with a lid and some cheesecloth (if you're making a cold brew coffee).
  3. A French press if you're looking for just a regular cup of coffee that has a rich, full-bodied flavor.
  4. The cutest little nugget ice molds for next-level iced coffee. Or you guessed it, a full-blown nugget ice maker for a fancy setup (again).
  5. A coffee bean grinder. Grinding your coffee beans just before brewing your coffee ensures the freshest flavor. 
  6. Iced coffee tumblers with glass straws.
  7. Handheld milk frother or a larger milk frother for hot or cold milk foam.
ice caramel latte on a silver platter

What to Serve with Your Iced Caramel Latte

If you want to go full coffee shop style with your breakfast, enjoy your latte with a pastry. This almond flour banana bread would taste so delicious with a caramel iced latte. These gluten-free morning glory muffins are another favorite breakfast treat of ours. 

Especially in those hot summer months, like your drink, you might be looking to stick to something cold for breakfast. Our tropical kale smoothie and mango spinach smoothie are both packed with plenty of good vitamins, fiber, and protein.

Protein bowls like this mocha or green smoothie bowl are another perfect way to sneak in your daily values of nutrients.

Storage Instructions

Make-ahead: make a batch (or a double batch) of the caramel syrup and store it in the fridge for up to a week. All you have to do is blend the milk and make your espresso when you're ready to whip up a latte.

Storage: store any leftover latte in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend removing any ice from the latte before placing it in the fridge so it doesn't melt and water it down. You could also blend the caramel syrup and milk together and store that separately before mixing in with the coffee.

ice caramel latte with whipped cream and caramel

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

Other Coffee Recipes You'll Love

Love iced lattes? If you're a chocolate fan, give the mocha coconut iced coffee a try. This iced cinnamon dolce latte is a year-round favorite that tastes like cinnamon toast crunch cereal. 

If you're not into lattes but still want something cold to help wake you up, our pumpkin cream cold brew is a viral recipe everyone loves. Or add this vanilla sweet cream cold foam to your favorite cold brew.

iced caramel latte on a plate

Iced Caramel Latte

This homemade iced caramel latte is cold and refreshing and has a touch of sweetness, a bold espresso flavor, and a smooth, buttery texture. It looks as decadent as it tastes but takes less than 10 minutes to make — including a homemade caramel sauce. See the recipe post above for step-by-step images.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Maureen Knudtson
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Caramel Simple Syrup (makes 6-8 servings)

  • ½ cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar (Note 1)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Iced Caramel Latte

  • 1 cup ice
  • 1-2 shots of espresso (Note 2 Coffee Options)
  • 1-3 tablespoons caramel syrup above
  • 1 cup milk of choice whole milk, 2%, coconut, almond milk, oat milk etc.
  • Optional: whipped cream dairy-free whipped cream and caramel

Recommended Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Milk frother, hand frother, or spoon

Instructions

  • Combine ¼ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until dissolved, about 2 minutes
  • Cover and boil for 2- 3 minutes. Remove the lid and stir consistently until the mixture is a light amber color.
  • Remove from heat immediately, then carefully stir in remaining ¼ cup water and vanilla.
  • If desired, add a pinch of salt for salted caramel syrup.
  • - Pour 1-3 tablespoons of caramel syrup into a liquid measuring cup with your choice of milk. Use a hand frother to blend it together until frothy (a spoon works as well, it just won’t be frothy).
  • - Add ice cubes to a tall glass then pour the caramel syrup and milk mixture on top. Finish by pouring the espresso (or coffee) on top and stir to combine. Top with whipped cream, if desired, then sprinkle with a little more cinnamon.

Notes

Note 1. Sugar. We tested this with both granulated sugar and coconut sugar. The coconut sugar is darker and will yield a darker caramel sauce. View more coconut sugar substitutes for low-carb options, that may not caramelize as well.
Note 2. Coffee. All of these are great options for a latte. Try any of these with decaf coffee if you prefer.
  1. Espresso: use a fancy espresso machine or grab a cheap one on Amazon you can use on the stovetop.
  2. Cold brew coffee: store-bought or your own cold brew coffee are both great options.
  3. Very strong coffee: brew the strongest coffee you can for a latte
*Nutrition information is for 2 Tablespoons of caramel syrup and whole milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 1latte | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.7g | Protein: 7.8g | Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 24.4mg | Sodium: 106mg | Sugar: 26.3g | Vitamin A: 112.2IU
Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_MollyMade or tag #whatmollymade!

More Drinks

  • two glasses of mango margaritas (one with a spicy twist of jalapeno) in glass with salt rims and fresh oranges and limes around them
    Mango Margaritas
  • a skinny spicy margarita in a cup with salt and jalapenos
    Skinny Spicy Margarita Recipe
  • a blood orange margarita in a glass with crushed ice
    Blood Orange Margarita
  • hibiscus margarita in a cocktail glass with fresh lime
    Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

molly thompson from what molly made

I'm Molly! I'm so grateful you're here. My hope is that my recipes bless your home and your bodies. I want my website to be a tool to help you feel your best and nourish you with recipes you (and your family) look forward to making!

More about me →

Recipe Key:

Dairy FreeDF
Gluten-FreeGF
Low CarbLC
PaleoP
Refined Sugar FreeSF
VeganVg
VegetarianV
Whole30W

Summer Barbecue

  • grilled zucchini salad in a serving bowl
    Grilled Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
  • peach burrata salad on a platter with crusty bread
    Tomato Peach Burrata Salad
  • cucumber tomato avocado salad in a serving bowl
    Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
  • grilled peach salad in a large serving bowl
    Grilled Peach Salad

Trending Recipes

  • collage of reicpes for the post titled 50 pcos recipes that help to reverse symptoms
    50 PCOS Recipes: Healthy Dinners You'll Love!
  • baked chicken wings on a wire rack and baking sheet
    How Long to Bake Chicken Wings
  • Edible Cookie Dough
  • instant pot greek chicken and rice in a bowl with fresh lemon and parsley
    Instant Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Order My Cookbook!

the cover of the anti inflammatory diet made simple cookbook

Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Learn more about the book here →

Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy