Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

If you’re craving a cool, creamy coffee treat that feels like a hug in a glass, then you’re going to adore this Iced Caramel Latte Recipe. It’s sweet, rich, and ridiculously easy to make at home – perfect for those afternoons when you want a little indulgence without the coffee shop line. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and I can’t wait to share all my tips so you nail it on your first try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen to whip this up.
  • Quick to Make: It takes less than 5 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
  • Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the caramel and sugar to match your personal taste – no one-size-fits-all here.
  • Cafe-Quality Flavor: This recipe delivers that smooth, velvety goodness you’d expect from your local coffee shop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love about this Iced Caramel Latte Recipe is that it balances just a few simple ingredients to create something so luscious and satisfying. Plus, you can easily swap out stuff like the milk or caramel sauce depending on what you have around.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark strong coffee, a small white bowl with golden caramel sauce, a few grains of granulated white sugar scattered beside the bowls, a small white bowl of creamy 2% milk, a small white bowl with thick heavy cream, a neat pile of clear ice cubes, and two whole uncracked brown eggs arranged symmetrically around the bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Iced Caramel Latte, caramel latte drink, homemade iced coffee, easy caramel latte, summer coffee drinks
  • Strong coffee: Use freshly brewed and bold coffee—it’s the star here, so don’t skimp on quality.
  • Caramel sauce: I recommend a rich, thick caramel for that perfect sweetness and drizzle; homemade or store-bought works great.
  • Granulated sugar: Just a touch to enhance the caramel, but you can tweak as needed.
  • Milk: Any kind you like—whole, skim, almond, oat—you’ll find it changes the creaminess and flavor, so experiment!
  • Heavy cream (optional): For extra indulgence; it’s like a velvety upgrade if you’re feeling fancy.
  • Ice: The essential chill factor—use plenty to keep your latte refreshingly cold.
  • Whipped cream (optional): Because sometimes you just gotta top it off with that fluffy cloud of joy.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Iced Caramel Latte Recipe is super versatile, so feel free to make it your own! I’ll share a few tweaks and options that have worked wonders for me personally, but don’t be shy about experimenting.

  • Dairy-Free Version: I swapped in oat milk and coconut cream once, and honestly, it was just as creamy and dreamy without any dairy.
  • Extra Sweetness: If you like things really sweet, I double up on the caramel and sugar—especially if you want a frappuccino-type texture when blending with ice.
  • Vanilla Caramel Twist: Adding a splash of vanilla extract takes the flavor up a notch—it became an instant favorite around here.
  • Strong Coffee Boost: Use espresso shots instead of brewed coffee for a bolder kick if you’re an espresso fan like me.

How to Make Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

Step 1: Brew and Sweeten Your Coffee

Start with a hot, strong coffee—that’s the foundation of your latte. Pour about half a cup into a liquid measuring cup, then stir in a heaping tablespoon of caramel sauce and the granulated sugar until everything is fully dissolved. This is where you build that deep caramel flavor, so take your time stirring to get it just right.

Step 2: Add Milk and Cream

Next, pour in your cold milk and, if you’re using it, the heavy cream. I like to add cream when I want a silkier texture that’s more indulgent. Give it a quick stir so everything blends beautifully.

Step 3: Fill Your Glass with Ice and Pour

Grab a 16-ounce cup and pack it with plenty of ice—that’s essential for keeping your latte refreshingly cold. Now pour your caramel coffee mixture right over the ice and watch those layers come alive. Trust me, it looks as delightful as it tastes.

Step 4: Optional Toppings and Serve

If you want to feel like you’re indulging in a cafe-worthy treat, add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top, and maybe even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce to finish it off. Then sit back, sip, and savor every creamy, caramel-kissed moment.

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Pro Tips for Making Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

  • Use Fresh, Hot Coffee: I learned that using coffee directly after brewing helps dissolve the caramel and sugar perfectly, avoiding gritty texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Taste as you stir—caramel sauce sweetness varies, so you can avoid an overly sweet latte by adding sugar bit by bit.
  • Don’t Skimp on Ice: More ice means your latte stays icy longer without watering down the flavor too fast.
  • Whipped Cream Timing: Add whipped cream last and right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy, avoiding melt-down.

How to Serve Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

A clear glass jar filled with light brown iced coffee with visible ice cubes inside sits on a white saucer. On top, there is a thick layer of white whipped cream drizzled with golden caramel sauce that slightly drips down the sides. A clear glass straw sticks out from the jar. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl filled with caramel pieces and a glass bottle with milk on a brown wooden surface, all set against a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Iced Caramel Latte, caramel latte drink, homemade iced coffee, easy caramel latte, summer coffee drinks

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a generous swirl of whipped cream topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a little sea salt on top to enhance the caramel flavor—a little magic for your taste buds!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this iced latte with buttery croissants or a chocolate chip muffin. The combo of cold, sweet coffee and warm, flaky pastry is unbeatable. Plus, it makes any morning or afternoon feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I’ve served this in tall glass tumblers with striped paper straws and a cinnamon stick stirrer—everyone loves the extra touch. You can even layer caramel drizzle inside the glass before pouring it in for a fancy look that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover coffee mixture, you can store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just stir well before using since the caramel might settle at the bottom. I find this super handy when I’m prepping a few drinks ahead.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover coffee before, but the texture changes a bit once thawed. For best results, freeze the coffee separately without milk or caramel, then assemble fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you want a warm latte instead, gently heat the coffee mixture on the stove or in the microwave, then add fresh milk and caramel as desired. Reheating iced coffee is tricky since ice melts, so I prefer making hot if reheating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use espresso instead of regular coffee for this Iced Caramel Latte Recipe?

    Absolutely! Espresso gives your latte a stronger, bolder coffee flavor. Just replace the brewed coffee with one or two shots of espresso, then mix with milk and caramel as usual. It’s a great way to amp up the caffeine and taste.

  2. What type of caramel sauce works best?

    I recommend a thick, rich caramel sauce—either homemade or store-bought. Thin caramel syrups can work but might not give you that satisfying texture and depth. If you like, you can even make your own caramel at home for that fresh buttery flavor.

  3. Can I make this iced caramel latte vegan?

    Yes, just swap out dairy milk and cream for plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk, and use a vegan caramel sauce. There are plenty of delicious vegan caramel options out there that create just as luscious a latte.

  4. How do I avoid the latte tasting watered down?

    The key is to use enough ice but not too much, and to enjoy the latte right away. Also, I like making the coffee extra strong or using espresso so flavor stays robust. Blending the drink with ice dilutes sweetness, so if you want a frappuccino style, start with a little more caramel and sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Iced Caramel Latte Recipe has become my go-to when I want a café-worthy treat without leaving home. It’s just the right balance of smooth coffee, sweet caramel, and creamy milk, all coming together with that refreshing chill. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making this little indulgence again and again. So grab your favorite mug (or tall glass), make a batch, and enjoy that perfect sip—you deserve it!

Print
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Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

Iced Caramel Latte Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This refreshing Iced Caramel Latte combines strong coffee with rich caramel sauce and creamy milk over ice, creating a perfectly balanced cold coffee treat. Optional whipped cream and heavy cream add extra indulgence, making it ideal for a quick and delicious caffeinated pick-me-up.


Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

  • ½ cup strong coffee
  • 1 heaping tablespoon caramel sauce plus optional more for topping
  • ½ cup milk (any percentage)
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Sweeteners

  • 1 teaspoon (4g) granulated sugar or to taste

Cold Ingredients

  • 1½ cup ice
  • Whipped cream (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coffee mixture: Pour hot strong coffee into a liquid measuring cup. Stir in the caramel sauce and granulated sugar thoroughly until completely dissolved, ensuring the drink has an even sweetness and caramel flavor.
  2. Add dairy: Add cold milk to the coffee mixture, followed by the optional heavy cream if desired. Stir gently to combine all liquids smoothly.
  3. Assemble the latte: Fill a 16-ounce glass with ice. Pour the prepared coffee and milk mixture over the ice, allowing it to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Finish and serve: Top the iced latte with whipped cream if you like for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing caramel-flavored iced coffee.

Notes

  • Nutritional information approximates 2% milk without heavy cream or whipped cream toppings.
  • To make a caramel frappuccino-style drink, double the sugar and use a large heaping tablespoon of caramel sauce. Blend with ice in a blender until frosty and well mixed.
  • Choose milk percentage to adjust creaminess and calorie content.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 16 ounces)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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