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Caramel Iced Coffee

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glasses of Caramel Iced Coffee
You'll enjoy every sip of your homemade Caramel Iced Coffee, blending smooth cold brew coffee with luscious salted caramel syrup and a touch of milk. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it's the perfect refreshment for any time of day.
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Table of Contents
  1. Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe Ingredients
  2. Iced Caramel Coffee Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make Caramel Iced Coffee At Home
  4. How To Serve Iced Coffee With Caramel Syrup
  5. How To Store Leftover Caramel Swirl Iced Coffee
  6. Why This Recipe For Caramel Iced Coffee Is The Best
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Our recipe for Caramel Iced Coffee is every bit as good as your local coffee shop classic. Creamy cold brew coffee infused with the irresistible sweetness of salted caramel syrup, all topped off with a whipped cream swirl, and so much more affordable than the drive-thru!

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Whether you’re starting your day with a refreshing pick-me-up or winding down in the afternoon with a cool treat, this recipe is just what you need. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s fast to make, so you’ll be sipping on a totally yummy homemade Caramel Iced Coffee at home in minutes!

a glass of Caramel Iced Coffee topped with whipped topping and drizzled with caramel sauce

Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe Ingredients

raw ingredients that are labeled

This iced caramel coffee recipe combines the boldness of cold brew coffee with the sweetness of salted caramel syrup and creamy milk. You only need a handful of ingredients, all of which you should be able to easily find at grocery stores.

You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 cup cold brew coffee (mild-medium strength) unsweetened and unflavored (We used Starbucks brand)
  • 2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup (We used Torani brand for flavoring drinks)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

Optional Garnish:

  • Squirt whipped topping
  • caramel dessert sauce (We used Ghirardelli brand in the squeeze bottle)

Iced Caramel Coffee Substitutions and Additions

This homemade version of the classic drink is easy to adjust if needed. Here are some ideas:

Cold Brew Coffee: We used a medium roast, unsweetened, and unflavored blend, but you can use any type of cold brew you’d like, including cold brewed decaf coffee. Hot coffee tastes a bit different, but if you don’t have a bottle of cold brew (and don’t want to make your own), you can refrigerate brewed coffee until it’s cold. Just keep in mind the flavor may be more bitter 

Ice Cubes: Swap regular ice cubes for coffee ice cubes for an extra coffee kick without diluting the flavor.

Whole Milk: While whole milk provides a rich flavor to your drink, you can use any milk of your choice for this recipe. For a dairy-free alternative, substitute with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. 

Salted Caramel Syrup: Use a sugar-free caramel syrup for a lower calorie option or use homemade salted caramel sauce to give your caramel drizzle a more artisanal touch. You can also garnish with butterscotch syrup or even chocolate syrup if you’d like.

Garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top. For an indulgent touch, top with chocolate shavings or a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel vibe.

Whipped Cream: ​Instead of whipped cream, you can top your drink with cold foam if you have a milk frother.

Sugar: Add simple syrup or a bit of sugar if you feel your homemade iced caramel coffee needs more sweetness. 

Vanilla Flavoring: ​You can add a drop of vanilla flavoring or stir in some vanilla sugar to turn your drink into a creamy iced vanilla caramel coffee.

Cream: For an extra creamy taste, add a splash of cream (half-and-half or heavy cream) along with the regular milk. It’s a great way to add a bit of sweetness and extra indulgence to your coffee. 

Remember, any substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the recipe, so experiment cautiously and adjust to your liking.

How To Make Caramel Iced Coffee At Home

To make a caramel iced coffee at home, all you need is a glass, a spoon, and a few simple ingredients! When you see how easy it is to make caramel ice coffee in your own kitchen, you might never visit the Starbucks drive-thru again!

STEP ONE: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for our Caramel Iced Coffee. You’ll need your ice cubes, cold brew coffee, salted caramel syrup, and whole milk on hand.

PRO TIP: Make sure your coffee and milk are nice and cold for this recipe to taste really yummy.

STEP TWO:​ Add the ice cubes to a 16-ounce glass. Then, pour the cold brew coffee over the ice cubes, followed by the salted caramel syrup. Stir well to combine, so the flavors meld together.

ice cubes, cold brew coffee, and salted caramel syrup added to the glass

STEP THREE: Next, pour in the whole milk. Stir gently to incorporate the milk into the coffee and syrup. 

milk poured into the iced coffee

STEP FOUR: The last thing is to garnish your Caramel Iced Coffee. Top your drink with a generous squirt of whipped topping and drizzle caramel overtop of the whipped cream.

a cup of Caramel Iced Coffee topped with whipped topping and drizzled with caramel sauce

How To Serve Iced Coffee With Caramel Syrup

This fancy drink recipe is so delicious, you won’t want to keep it for yourself. We know you’ll be offering it to friends and family when they pop by for a visit, so here are some ideas for how and when you can serve it.

The most obvious way to serve your Caramel Iced Coffee is in a tall glass with a straw, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance. This drink is perfect to replace your morning cup of coffee or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

This drink is especially welcomed at brunch with other favorites like pancakes, waffles, or French toast. The sweetness of the iced coffee with caramel complements the rich flavors of brunch classics perfectly.

Serve this drink after dinner alongside complementary desserts like chocolate cake, caramel apple pie, or cheesecake. It’s an indulgent treat everyone will be excited about.

The combination of pecan cinnamon rolls and salted caramel iced coffee makes the perfect afternoon snack. 

This is the perfect drink for an on-the-go treat. Make it in a disposable cup or travel cup with a straw. Head out to pick up groceries or get your nails done with an iced caramel coffee in hand.

No matter the occasion, our Caramel Iced Coffee recipe is sure to delight and impress.

How To Store Leftover Caramel Swirl Iced Coffee

Now that you know how to make your own iced coffee at home, you’re probably wondering if you can make a whole batch! Wouldn’t it be dreamy to have a pitcher in your fridge for anytime you want a quick iced coffee? We think so, too! However, there are some considerations when making this recipe ahead and storing your leftovers.

MAKE AHEAD: While it’s best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare the components of your Caramel Iced Coffee in advance for convenience. 

Brew your cold brew coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Similarly, you can pre-measure the salted caramel syrup and milk, keeping them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble your drink. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix the ingredients together with ice and enjoy!

LEFTOVERS: Your leftover iced caramel coffee will, unfortunately, not store very well. The ice cubes will melt, and the the drink will taste watered down. We recommend drinking your iced coffee while the ice cubes are still frozen.

IN THE FREEZER: While we don’t recommend freezing your leftover iced caramel coffee once it’s been made, you can certainly freeze your cold brew coffee. Pour the coffee into a  silicone ice cube tray or other small containers. Once frozen, you can you can pop them out of the trays and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them. 

Why This Recipe For Caramel Iced Coffee Is The Best

We think there’s magic in a glass of Caramel Iced Coffee! All the comfort of your morning coffee blended with creamy milk is perfection in our eyes.

Reasons We Love This Recipe:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of basic ingredients, including cold brew coffee, salted caramel syrup, and milk, our recipe delivers big on flavor without the need for special ingredients or expensive machines.

Refreshing Indulgence: There’s something undeniably indulgent about sipping on a glass of creamy, caramel-infused iced coffee. Now, you can enjoy caramel iced coffee more often, because you can make this easy recipe at home!

Homemade Happiness: Your Caramel Iced Coffee will taste even better because you made it at home, just the way you like! Plus, it was a lot more budget friendly than stopping by your local cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add alcohol to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a shot of your favorite liqueur such as Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, or bourbon to your Caramel Iced Coffee for a delicious adult twist.

Can I use flavored syrups instead of salted caramel syrup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavored syrups such as vanilla, hazelnut, or mocha to customize the flavor of your Caramel Iced Coffee.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

While it’s best enjoyed immediately after making, you can prepare the components of this recipe in advance and assemble them just before serving. Brew the coffee, measure out the ingredients, and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve. See above for more details.

Can I adjust the sweetness level of this drink?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of caramel syrup used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can also add more sugar if you want your drink to be sweeter.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply use a dairy-free milk alternative and ensure that your caramel syrup is vegan-friendly, free from any dairy or animal products.

Can I make this recipe without milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with your preferred dairy-free alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Can I use this recipe to make an iced caramel latte?

Yes, you can use this recipe as the base for an iced caramel latte. Instead of using coffee, pour a shot of espresso over the ice cubes. Add cold milk, then your caramel syrup and stir. Garnish as you’d like! It’s another great way to make homemade iced coffee. 

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cold brew coffee is preferred for its smooth and less acidic flavor, you can use regular brewed coffee as well. Just make sure it’s chilled before adding it to your Caramel Iced Coffee.

Now that you know how to make Caramel Iced Coffee at home, you’ll want to make this delicious recipe every day! It’s the perfect fusion of creamy sweetness and bold coffee flavor, perfect for any time of day.

a glass of Caramel Iced Coffee

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glasses of Caramel Iced Coffee

Caramel Iced Coffee

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You’ll enjoy every sip of your homemade Caramel Iced Coffee, blending smooth cold brew coffee with luscious salted caramel syrup and a touch of milk. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect refreshment for any time of day.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 cup cold brew coffee, mild-medium strength unsweetened and unflavored
  • 2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup, Torani brand for flavoring drinks
  • cup whole milk

Garnish

  • Squirt whipped topping
  • caramel dessert sauce, Ghirardelli brand in the squeeze bottle

Instructions
 

  • Add the ice cubes to a 16-ounce glass, followed by the cold brew coffee and salted caramel syrup.
  • Pour in the whole milk and stir to combine well.
  • Garnish with a generous squirt of whipped topping and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • This caramel iced coffee should be enjoyed immediately after making it as it will get watered down the longer it sits, and the ice cubes melt.
  • You can make coffee ice cubes to use for this drink by carefully pouring about 1 cup of cold brew coffee into a standard ice cube tray. Allow the cold brew coffee to freeze in the ice trays, then use these in place of standard ice cubes to make your caramel iced coffee.
  • If you are making this caramel iced coffee “to-go,” you may want to use a 20-ounce cup to fit the whipped cream and caramel sauce drizzle under the flat lid.

Notes

  • Make sure your coffee and milk are nice and cold for this recipe to taste really yummy.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 148mg | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 127mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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