Caramel Macchiato Recipe

This Caramel Macchiato is my favorite winter drink!

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I’ll be the first to admit that I have a serious coffee addiction. I never start a morning without a cup of joe, I’ve been a Starbucks rewards member for as long as I can remember, and unfortunately, I spend waaay too much money ordering coffee on the go. But this caramel macchiato recipe has finally saved me from my Starbucks addiction! I can finally make my favorite overly sweet order at home for just a fraction of the cost, and with much better control over the ingredients.

If you’ve ever had the famous Starbucks caramel macchiato, you know just how sweet it is. A standard grande has 250 calories and 33 grams of sugar, and that’s before all of the customizations we all love to make! On top of those stats, the drink runs over $6 a cup at my local Starbs these days. Now remember how I said I start every morning with a cup of coffee? You do the math. Spoiler alert: It adds up quickly.

So, in an effort to save money, eat (and drink) healthier, and cut out guilty pleasures like my daily Starbies, I’ve been trying to make my own caramel macchiato order right here at home. And boy, am I glad I did! I have so much more control over my morning drink now, and I’ve saved enough to actually be able to treat myself to a guilt-free Starbucks once in a while. Plus, there’s something therapeutic about taking the time to make yourself a coffee and breakfast in the morning. It’s like the calm before the storm.

Is This Caramel Macchiato Healthy?

Look, I’ve mentioned how unhealthy my old Starbucks order was. I’m not exactly describing this version as a “healthy alternative,” since it still contains sugar and dairy. But at just 184 calories and 13 grams of sugar, it’s definitely an improvement.
There are also a lot of healthy benefits in making your own coffee—you can opt for sugar-free syrups or natural sweeteners, non-dairy milks (I love a good oat milk macchiato), and a moderate amount of toppings. You know how places like Starbucks love to load the cup up with caramel drizzle!

What Can I Use To Froth Milk?

You may have noticed this recipe calls for frothed milk. If you’ve never made it before, the act of frothing is to whisk air into it, creating little bubbles that turn the liquid into a light but thick, foamy texture. If you don’t have a milk frother (a tool specially designed for frothing), you can use the steaming spout of an espresso machine. You can also DIY it by whisking the milk vigorously, or by shaking the milk around in a mason jar.

Pro tip: Once you’ve mastered the art of frothing, you can make your own cold foam to take your caramel macchiato to a whole new level!

INGREDIENTS

2 shots espresso
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
Caramel sauce for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS

Brew

Prepare espresso.

Froth

Heat and froth milk.

Assemble

Layer syrup, milk, espresso, and drizzle with caramel.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

This caramel macchiato is best enjoyed fresh, but you can brew your espresso ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your drink. You can also make your own Vegan Caramel Sauce at home to have on hand for your cozy morning coffee.

How to Make an Iced Caramel Macchiato

If even in the cold months, you prefer iced coffee, you can easily adapt this recipe! Just skip warming your milk and add your ingredients to a glass over ice, adding your espresso first to cool it.

Flavorful Ways to Customize Your Coffee

If caramel isn’t your jam, feel free to experiment with other flavors. You can swap the caramel drizzle for chocolate, add different syrups like hazelnut or brown sugar, and even try an alternative milk option. Just like your favorite coffee shop, you can totally customize your macchiato to fit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

As delicious and satisfying as this caramel macchiato is, it’s no substitute for a real breakfast! Sip it alongside the most important meal of the day for the full experience. Over-Medium Eggs, Avocado Toast, and a fresh Fruit Salad make for the perfect light and simple breakfast to accompany this decadent drink. Alternatively, if you’re craving something sweet to eat, try your caramel macchiato with Pumpkin Pancakes!