If you dream of that perfect coffee shop treat but crave the comfort (and savings!) of home, this Salted Caramel Iced Coffee recipe is about to become your new obsession. Creamy, sweet, and draped in ribbons of silky caramel with a touch of salt, it’s a Starbucks copycat that will make you swoon at first sip—and you’ll love how easily it comes together in five minutes flat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Coffee Shop Quality At Home: Get all the bold, luxurious flavor of your favorite café, without ever having to leave your kitchen (or break the bank).
- Quick and Effortless: You only need five minutes and a handful of ingredients—instant coffee bliss for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up!
- Completely Customizable: Use any milk you love, sweeten it to taste, and make it as rich or light as you like—this recipe is truly yours to play with.
- Decadent Yet Simple: The salted caramel gives you just the right hit of sweet and salty, making each cooling sip pure indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few familiar staples can create something so deliciously decadent! Each ingredient in this Salted Caramel Iced Coffee works hard to balance the sweetness, boost the creaminess, and deliver that signature caramel magic you crave.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own—just make sure it’s rich, salty, and pourable for that signature swirl.
- Milk of Choice: Any milk works beautifully here; whole milk provides extra creaminess, while oat or almond milk makes a dreamy dairy-free version.
- Sugar (optional): If you love your coffee on the sweeter side, add a teaspoon or two—it’s totally up to your tastebuds.
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee: A concentrated shot brings bold coffee flavor; if you don’t have an espresso maker, use double-strength brewed coffee or even cold brew.
- Ice: Essential for frosty, refreshing sips—go heavy on ice for an ultra-chilled experience!
Variations
The best part about Salted Caramel Iced Coffee is how easily you can make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors or swap ingredients to suit your favorite tastes or dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut, oat, or almond milk for a luscious plant-based twist—these non-dairy milks work especially well with the caramel.
- Extra Caffeine Kick: Double up on the espresso for those tough mornings, or swap in a shot of cold brew concentrate for even more coffee flavor.
- Mocha Caramel Version: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder when mixing your coffee for an irresistible chocolate caramel mash-up.
- Caramel Affogato: Top your iced coffee with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy drink that’s perfect for summer nights.
How to Make Salted Caramel Iced Coffee
Step 1: Prep Your Caramel Glass
Add 2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce to the bottom of your glass. If your caramel is too thick from the fridge, give it a quick blast in the microwave or a short bath in hot water—it should be soft and drizzle-ready so it blends beautifully into every sip.
Step 2: Add Ice and Milk
Fill your glass with a generous handful of ice to chill the caramel, then pour in 2 cups of your milk of choice. Watch as the caramel begins to streak through the cold milk—it’s already heavenly!
Step 3: Sweeten and Brew
In a separate cup, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of sugar (if you like things a bit extra sweet) into your hot espresso shot or strong brewed coffee. Stir until the sugar melts completely—no crystals left behind!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the sweetened coffee over the milk and caramel in your glass. Give everything a good stir so the caramel is fully incorporated, and you get that gorgeous, creamy swirl in every sip. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite Salted Caramel Iced Coffee!
Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Iced Coffee
- Smooth Caramel Swirl: Gently warm your caramel sauce for perfect pourability, so it blends seamlessly into your coffee without clumping.
- Ice Matters: Use larger ice cubes for slow melting—they’ll keep your drink cold without watering down that glorious caramel flavor.
- Espresso Versatility: If you don’t own an espresso machine, just use double-strength brewed coffee for a similar punch (or try a bold shot of cold brew concentrate for a new twist).
- Caramel Drizzle Finish: Reserve a little extra caramel to zigzag across the top for that irresistible, coffee-shop look!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Iced Coffee
Garnishes
Take your Salted Caramel Iced Coffee to coffeehouse heights by adding a generous swirl of whipped cream and a final drizzle of salted caramel on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for that beautiful sweet-and-salty finish that makes each sip even more crave-worthy.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs beautifully with breakfast pastries like buttery croissants, scones, or cinnamon buns. For a lighter option, set it alongside a fruit parfait or yogurt bowl—the creamy, caramel flavors are a wonderful match to a little tang and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Salted Caramel Iced Coffee into a mason jar with a pretty striped straw for instant charm, or layer the caramel, ice, milk, and coffee slowly for a gorgeous striped effect. For a party, serve smaller portions in mini glasses as a sweet coffee “shot”—guaranteed to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), simply cover and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before enjoying, since the caramel can settle at the bottom.
Freezing
For a fun twist, freeze any extra coffee into ice cubes! They’ll chill your next glass without diluting the flavor, making each batch even more delicious and frosty.
Reheating
Want to warm things up? Simply pour your leftover iced coffee into a microwave-safe mug and heat gently. The caramel adds a sweet richness that works beautifully hot—or enjoy it over fresh ice for that classic chill.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly, just make sure it’s pourable. You can also use homemade if you have some on hand for an extra-special touch.
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What if I don’t have an espresso machine?
No problem! Just use double-strength brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate, or even instant espresso powder dissolved in a few tablespoons of hot water for that lovely bold flavor.
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Can I make Salted Caramel Iced Coffee ahead of time for a crowd?
Definitely. You can multiply the recipe and mix a big batch in a pitcher, keeping it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve over ice. Just stir well before pouring, as caramel can settle.
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How do I make it less sweet?
Simply reduce or leave out the extra sugar and opt for unsweetened caramel or use less caramel sauce. You’re in total control of the sweetness—make it just the way you love it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet, creamy, coffeehouse-worthy treat, give this Salted Caramel Iced Coffee a try—you won’t believe how easy it is to make magic in your own kitchen! However you customize it, this is one sip you’ll fall in love with over and over again. Cheers to happy sipping!
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Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 coffee
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
Description
Indulge in the rich sweetness of a homemade Salted Caramel Coffee, a cold beverage reminiscent of the popular Starbucks drink. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy a creamy and refreshing treat right at home.
Ingredients
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
Drink:
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- Ice
Instructions
- Add Salted Caramel Sauce: Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce to your glass. If the caramel is thick, gently warm it for easier pouring.
- Fill the Glass: Add a handful of ice to the glass and pour in 2 cups of milk.
- Prepare Sweetened Coffee: In a separate cup, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of sugar in a hot shot of espresso or brewed coffee. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the sweetened coffee over the milk and caramel in the glass, then stir thoroughly.
- Enjoy: Mix well and savor your creamy, indulgent Salted Caramel Iced Coffee!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 coffee
