Sweet & Refreshing Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe

Summers sizzle with refreshing drinks, and this caramel iced coffee recipe promises pure liquid gold in every chilled sip.

Cool mornings or lazy afternoons demand something extraordinary and deliciously caffeinated.

Barista-quality beverages aren’t reserved for expensive coffee shops anymore.

Rich caramel swirls through smooth cold brew, creating a beverage that’s both indulgent and energizing.

Brewing this drink at home means controlling every delectable ingredient and saving serious cash on coffee shop prices.

The best part?

You can customize sweetness and strength to match your exact coffee preferences.

This recipe turns an ordinary drink into a luxurious treat that’ll make you feel like a professional coffee artisan.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 2

Caramel Iced Coffee Ingredients Unpacked

• Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, golden sweetness that transforms an ordinary coffee into a decadent treat, choose a high-quality brand for the best depth of flavor.
• Espresso or Cold Brew: The robust coffee base that provides a bold caffeine kick, freshly brewed coffee ensures maximum flavor and aroma.

• Cold Milk or Alternative Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture and balances the intense coffee, select a milk that complements the caramel's sweetness like whole milk, almond, or oat milk.

• Whipped Cream: Adds a luxurious, fluffy layer that elevates the drink's indulgence, homemade or store-bought cream works perfectly.
• Ice Cubes: Chills the drink instantly and prevents dilution, use filtered water for crystal-clear ice that doesn't compromise the coffee's flavor.

Tools for the Best Caramel Iced Coffee

• Glass (250-300ml): Clear, tall tumbler for serving your chilled coffee.
• Espresso Machine or Cold Brew Maker: Essential for brewing rich coffee base.
• Whipped Cream Dispenser: Creates light, fluffy topping for your drink.
• Caramel Sauce Bottle: Helps drizzle smooth caramel evenly.
• Ice Cube Tray: Provides cold cubes to chill the coffee.
• Measuring Cup: Ensures precise milk quantity.
• Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients.

How to Build a Tasty Caramel Iced Coffee

• Caramel Canvas

Set up your favorite tall glass, letting silky caramel cascade down the interior walls, creating a sweet golden spiral that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Chilled Foundation

Drop ice cubes into the glass, then pour a rich shot of espresso or smooth cold brew over them, watching the dark liquid swirl and dance.

• Milky Embrace

Gently fill the glass with creamy cold milk, leaving just a tiny space at the top for the crowning glory of your coffee creation.

• Dreamy Finale

Crown your masterpiece with a cloud of whipped cream, then drizzle another stream of caramel, letting it snake across the white peaks and create a tempting visual feast.

Sweet Swaps & Tips for Your Iced Coffee

• Layer caramel sauce inside the glass, on top of the whipped cream, and even mix a bit into the coffee for an extra decadent caramel punch.
• Blend in a scoop of vanilla ice cream or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to transform the basic iced coffee into a gourmet treat.
• Control the sweetness by using sugar-free caramel sauce, reducing the amount of drizzle, or opting for a less sweet milk alternative.

Serve Caramel Iced Coffee Cool & Crisp

• Elegant Glass Presentation: Choose a clear, tall glass to showcase the beautiful layers of caramel, espresso, milk, and whipped cream, creating a visually stunning beverage.
• Sweet Flavor Companions: Pair your caramel iced coffee with a buttery croissant, chocolate chip cookie, or caramel shortbread to enhance the rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Personalized Topping Bar: Set up a small station with extra caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, cinnamon powder, or crushed nuts, allowing friends and family to customize their drink with unique toppings.
• Summer Gathering Delight: Serve this refreshing drink during brunch, afternoon gatherings, or as a cool treat after outdoor activities, transforming an ordinary moment into a special experience.

Storage Tips for Caramel Iced Coffee Syrup

• Chilled Coffee Companion: Store your caramel iced coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
• Milk Magic: Choose full-fat milk or dairy alternatives like oat or almond milk for a richer, creamier texture that enhances the overall drink experience.
• Caramel Care: Keep your caramel sauce in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing easy access for future coffee creations.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare cold brew coffee in larger batches and store in the refrigerator for convenient, quick iced coffee preparations throughout the week.

Silky Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Smooth caramel iced coffee delivers rich flavor and creamy sweetness for summer refreshment. Cool caffeine and silky caramel sauce blend perfectly for coffee enthusiasts who want an indulgent chilled beverage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 180 milliliters (6 oz) milk
• 150 milliliters (5 oz) strong cold brew or cold filter coffee
• 60 milliliters (2 oz) double espresso
• 25 milliliters (0.85 oz) caramel syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• Large handful of ice
• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Caramel Preparation: Artfully paint the interior of a medium glass with a spiraling caramel swirl, ensuring complete and uniform coverage along the glass walls.
2. Chilling Foundation: Load the glass with abundant ice cubes, creating a frosty base for the beverage.
3. Coffee Infusion: Pour freshly brewed espresso or smooth cold brew over the ice, allowing the coffee to intertwine with the frozen landscape.
4. Milk Integration: Delicately stream cold milk or preferred dairy alternative into the glass, preserving a subtle margin near the rim to prevent spillage.
5. Cream and Garnish: Top the beverage with a billowing cloud of whipped cream, then cascade additional caramel sauce in an intricate design across the creamy summit, elevating both visual allure and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Swirl Technique: Use the back of a spoon to create an even, artistic caramel coating inside the glass for maximum flavor distribution.
• Ice Selection: Choose large, clear ice cubes that melt slowly to prevent dilution and maintain the coffee’s rich taste.
• Milk Pouring Tip: Add milk carefully at a slight angle to create a beautiful layered effect and prevent immediate mixing.
• Cream Finishing: Whip cream to soft peaks for the most luxurious and visually appealing topping that complements the caramel notes.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Breakfast
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg