Easy Caramel Iced Coffee at Home (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
There’s nothing better than a chilled, sweet caramel iced coffee, especially when it tastes just like your Starbucks favorite—without the price tag. This easy homemade version is creamy, perfectly sweet, and ready in minutes. No need for fancy equipment or expensive coffee runs!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tastes Just Like Starbucks – Rich coffee, smooth caramel, and the right balance of sweetness.
- Quick & Easy – No complicated steps, just simple ingredients.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and coffee strength.
- Budget-friendly – One homemade cup costs way less than a daily Starbucks trip.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
The Best Coffee To Use
For the best caramel iced coffee, you want a bold, smooth coffee base that won’t get watered down by ice. Here are the best brewing methods:
- French Press: A great option for a rich, full-bodied coffee. Use a strong ratio (about 2 tbsp coffee per ½ cup hot water) for that Starbucks-like intensity.
- Drip Coffee Maker: If using a standard coffee maker, simply brew a stronger batch by adding more coffee grounds and slightly less water than usual.
- Cold Brew: For a smoother, less acidic taste, make cold brew coffee by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours in the fridge. This method gives the best results if you love a mellow yet strong iced coffee.
- Want an instant version? Dissolve 1 tsp of instant coffee in ½ cup hot water, let it cool, and you’re good to go!
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: In a coffee maker, French press, or pour-over, brew 2 tbsp ground coffee with ½ cup hot water to make a strong coffee concentrate. Let the coffee cool slightly. Stir in caramel sauce and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Top with milk. Generously add the whipped cream on top of your iced coffee. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
Expert Tips
- Use Cold Brew – Want it extra smooth? Make cold brew coffee beforehand for a less acidic, mellow taste.
- Make It Sweeter – Add a little extra caramel sauce or stir in a teaspoon of vanilla syrup.
- Froth the Milk – Frothing the milk slightly before adding gives it an extra creamy texture.
- Salted Caramel – A tiny pinch of sea salt on top balances the sweetness perfectly!
Start your day with caffeine and protein. These easy protein coffee recipes—aka proffee—are perfect for mornings when you want something creamy and energizing.
More Starbucks Recipes
- Warm, soothing, and full of flavor—this Copycat Starbucks London Fog Latte is the perfect drink for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Make it at home with just a few simple ingredients!
- Warm up with this creamy, Starbucks-inspired Mocha Hot Chocolate! A rich and chocolatey homemade drink that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon break.
- Your favorite coffee order, made better at home! This Starbucks Copycat Iced White Chocolate Mocha has all the creamy, chocolatey goodness you love—without the extra cost. Plus, the homemade syrup? Absolute perfection.
- Cool, creamy, and full of cinnamon flavor—this homemade Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte is an easy Starbucks copycat recipe you can whip up in minutes, complete with a simple brown sugar cinnamon syrup.
If you tried this Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee
- ½ cup water hot (for brewing the coffee)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a coffee maker, French press, or pour-over, brew 2 tbsp ground coffee with ½ cup hot water to make a strong coffee concentrate. Let the coffee cool slightly. For faster cooling, refrigerate for a few minutes.
- In a glass, add ice cubes. Pour the brewed coffee over the ice. Top with milk. Stir in caramel sauce and vanilla extract.
- Generously add the whipped cream on top of your iced coffee. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
Notes
- Use Cold Brew – Want it extra smooth? Make cold brew coffee beforehand for a less acidic, mellow taste.
- Make It Sweeter – Add a little extra caramel sauce or stir in a teaspoon of vanilla syrup.
- Froth the Milk – Frothing the milk slightly before adding gives it an extra creamy texture.
- Salted Caramel – A tiny pinch of sea salt on top balances the sweetness perfectly!
