Did you know that you can easily make your own homemade caramel iced coffee? Believe it or not, you can easily make homemade iced coffee, that tastes very much like Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, or McDonald’s, but does not come at a high cost, and without waiting in long lines. One of the great things about making your own DIY iced caramel coffee is that you can enjoy it anytime you have a craving.
Why make iced coffee at home
There are so many great reasons why you should make caramel iced coffee on your own. Some of these include that you can make your own coffee for a fraction of the price it would cost to purchase iced coffee from retailers such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, or McDonald’s.
You can also make it specifically to your liking when you make iced coffee at home. Meaning that you can make it as strong, sweet, or caramel flavored as you want it to be. There are so many reasons why you should make iced coffee at home, there are just a few of the top reasons.
We are excited to share with you one of our favorite recipes for homemade caramel iced coffee. With this recipe you can make delicious iced caramel coffee anytime you want it, and it tastes amazing!
About This Recipe
Caramel iced coffee is the perfect drink no matter what the time of year, or if you are on the go or enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee. This coffee recipe is very easy to make from scratch and only requires a few basic ingredients. The process of making it only takes a few moments, and you are rewarded with a delicious glass of iced coffee to enjoy.
Let’s turn our attention to how to make caramel iced coffee. We will begin by looking at what you need in order to make this iced caramel coffee recipe, followed by tools we recommend, then step-by-step instructions on how you can easily make caramel iced coffee at home.
What You Need
Brewed coffee
Ice
Caramel syrup
Milk
Whipped cream
Sea salt (optional)
Tools for this recipe:
Glass or mug
Long spoon to stir
Coffee brewer
How to make caramel iced coffee at home (Easy Recipe):
Learning how to make iced caramel coffee is very simple. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for an overview of how you two can easily make this iced coffee recipe.
Gather the ingredients to make salted caramel iced coffee
To begin making the best caramel iced coffee, start by gathering the ingredients you will need in order to make this delicious salted caramel iced coffee recipe. You will need to have on-hand some brewed coffee that has had time to cool off or chill. You will also need caramel syrup, milk, whipped cream, and if desired sea salt to add on top.
Begin with a good, strong cup of coffee
We recommend using a cup of strong coffee to get you started. However, the beauty of making your own homemade iced coffee is that you can make your coffee any way you wish. We have found that strong coffee to start, often works out better because we will be adding ice and milk later on which ultimately dilutes the coffee flavor.
Assemble the coffee, and garnish with whipped cream and extra caramel
To assemble your caramel iced coffee, began by adding ice into your glass, next, pour your brewed and chilled coffee over your ice. Drizzle in caramel sauce, and stir to combine. Pour your milk into the mixture, and do not stir.
Serve, and enjoy
Top your amazing caramel iced coffee off with whipped cream, an additional drizzle of caramel syrup, and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Serve right away and enjoy devouring your delicious iced coffee.
Best Types Of Coffee For This Recipe
Perhaps you are wondering what kind of coffee is the best type to use for this recipe. There are all kinds of different ways you can prepare your coffee for this recipe. We have found that using the cold brew method, or French press method tends to work best, however, you can feel free to experiment with these different ways to prepare coffee for this recipe below.
Cold Brew. Preparing a coffee by using a cold brew is one of our favorite ways to brew coffee for an iced coffee recipe. To do this, we recommend using a mason jar with a cold brew insert, this will allow your coffee to brew but keep your coffee grounds separate and easily removable. There are many different options for cold brew gadgets to look for on Amazon, but using a mason jar insert is our favorite kitchen gadget to use for making cold brew coffee.
Warm Brew. You may also choose to prepare your coffee by brewing it warm like normal. To do this you can use a Keurig, or your basic coffee maker to brew your coffee. Keep in mind that you will be adding milk and ice to the iced coffee, so you may want to brew it stronger than normal using this method.
Expresso. Using espresso is another way you can make your coffee for this iced coffee recipe. Espresso is stronger than your average coffee, therefore a little bit goes a long way. Simply brew your espresso and allow it to cool or chill in your refrigerator, before adding to this recipe.
Instant Coffee. Instant coffee is another way you can choose to make your cold brew coffee for an iced coffee. To do this, you will want to increase the amount of milk included in your coffee, then simply add one to 2 tablespoons of instant coffee powder to your milk and then stir until it is combined.
French Press. Using a French press is another great way to brew your cold brew coffee for the iced coffee recipe. To use a French press you’ll want to add your coffee grounds into the French press along with water, keeping in mind that you might like it stronger than your average cup of coffee. Allow your coffee grounds and water to sit until your coffee has brewed, then use the press to drain the water from your coffee grounds.
Store-Bought Cold Brew. Another way you can make this iced coffee is to use cold brew coffee straight from the store. This is a more expensive way to make your coffee, but it is easy and readily available if you so desire.
What Types Of Coffee Beans To Use
Not only are there many different ways you can prepare your coffee for cold brew coffee, but there are also many different kinds of coffee beans you can choose from.
To make your homemade caramel iced coffee more along the lines of a McDonald’s, Starbucks, or Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee, we recommend using your favorite coffee beans from brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, or McDonald’s.
You might also keep in mind that darker or medium roast beans tend to work better for iced coffee recipes.
What Caramel To Use For This Recipe
There are all kinds of different caramel you can use to make this recipe. A very easy way to have good caramel syrup included in your recipe is to simply buy caramel syrup from your local grocery store, or online.
You may also choose to make your own caramel syrup from scratch, which can taste delicious. Caramel syrup is surprisingly easy to make from scratch and only requires three ingredients typically. Caramel syrup is usually made using granulated sugar, milk, and sea salt.
There is a difference between caramel sauce and caramel syrup caramel syrup is usually made using only a few ingredients, and is thinner and runnier, whereas caramel sauce is thicker, and includes other ingredients such as butter and heavy cream.
When making caramel iced coffee we have found that syrup usually does better as it dissolves easier inside of your coffee, and enhances the overall flavor of your coffee better. To learn how to make your own homemade caramel syrup for coffee, please see our detailed recipe.
Best Milk for Iced Coffee:
The best milk to use for iced caramel coffee really depends upon your particular desires. There are many different kinds of milk you can use for iced coffee, anywhere from heavy cream, half-and-half, whole milk, 2%, the fat-free milk. You may also wish to use silk milk, almond milk, soy milk, or your favorite milk alternative.
Of course, when using heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk you are going to end up with a creamier flavored coffee. When it all comes down to is a matter of your preference. You can choose your favorite kind of milk to use when making iced coffee.
Caramel Iced Coffee Brewing Tips
When you are brewing your own cold brew coffee, or French press coffee, we have found that it is best to let your coffee brew in the refrigerator overnight. For a stronger coffee, the longer you let it set the stronger it will become, but we have found that overnight is a great rule of thumb.
If you like the caramel iced coffee at Starbucks, Mcdonald’s or Dunkin’ Donuts, you might like this home version even more!
Now, you can have amazing iced coffee without the line or the cost! Below we are going to show you how you can easily make your homemade iced caramel coffee recipe that will challenge anything you can find a Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Wendy’s, or your favorite coffee shop. Find the detailed recipe was step by step instructions below!
Iced Caramel Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
1/3 cup coffee grounds (or 2 cups brewed coffee)
2 cups water (leave out if using brewed coffee)
Ice to fill two serving glasses
½ cup milk
2 Tbsp caramel syrup, more to drizzle
Whipped cream, optional topping
2 pinch of sea salt, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Brew Coffee
Begin by brewing your coffee. We recommend using a cold brew coffee maker, or French press to brew 1/3 cup of coffee grounds with 2 cups of water. Allow the coffee to sit overnight in the refrigerator to brew. Then drain the coffee from your grounds. When your coffee is prepared, you can begin making your caramel iced coffee. Please see the recipe note above for other brew method instructions.
Step 2: Fill a Glass With Ice
To start making your delicious, iced caramel coffee, fill the glass with ice. You can use any kind of ice that you desire but fill your glass most of the way with your ice. This will allow for a nice ice-cold drink.
Step 3: Pour in the Cold Coffee
Next, pour your chilled coffee over your ice cubes in the glass. Be sure to leave some room at the top of your glass for milk and whipped cream.
Step 4: Add Milk and Caramel Syrup
Add your caramel syrup into your ice and coffee mixture. Stir to combine your caramel syrup. Once combined, add your milk, and do not stir.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Drink!
Top your drink with whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. If desired, add a pinch of sea salt on top as well. Serve your iced caramel coffee right away and enjoy your delicious drink!
Nutrition Facts
We have estimated the above recipe contains approximately two servings. One serving is estimated to contain approximately 151 calories. It is also estimated to contain 1.3 g total fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 291 mg sodium, 32 g total carbohydrates, and 2.1 g protein. Please note the nutritional facts will change depending on how much whipped topping you add, caramel syrup, and what type of milk is included.
Notes for this Caramel Iced Coffee
My special secret for jazzing this drink up even more:
The recipe above provides a delicious in basic caramel iced coffee recipe. If you want to jazz things up even more, you can add other ingredients such as vanilla extract, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, shredded chocolate on top, melted caramels, and much more. Get creative and add your favorite coffee add ins to jazz up this drink recipe.
A note on the difference between caramel syrup and caramel sauce:
Please know that there is a slight difference between caramel syrup and caramel sauce. We recommend using caramel syrup for this recipe as a typically provides a better caramel flavor to your coffee and dissolves more readily in your cold coffee. Caramel syrup tends to be thicker and does not usually add as much flavor.
Storage Recommendations:
Room Temperature: Once your iced caramel coffee has been prepared, it should be enjoyed right away. Your iced coffee may be left at room temperature for a short amount of time, such as one to two hours, but we recommend that you enjoy it as quickly as possible. Due to the milk content, it doesn’t stay safe at room temperature for long.
Refrigerator: The best storage method for iced coffee is to store it in the refrigerator. For best results, it’s a good idea to start with your ice cubes, as they will melt and make your coffee taste very watery. Your iced coffee is going to be best on the day that it is prepared, but it may be stored between two and three days in your refrigerator if desired.
Freezer: Although plain coffee itself can be frozen, we do not recommend that you try freezing iced coffee once it has been prepared.
Add On Ideas for Iced Coffee
There are many different things you can add to iced coffee that will change your overall flavor and give it a slight variation.
Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee
One variation to your basic caramel iced coffee is to add vanilla extract. Simply adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to each prepared glass of caramel iced coffee well and give it delicious vanilla-like taste.
How To Make An Iced Caramel Macchiato At Home
To make your own homemade iced caramel macchiato, you can simply use the above recipe, then add in a squirt of vanilla syrup. You can find vanilla syrup such as Torani’s vanilla syrup. Adding just a squirt to your iced coffee will give you a tasty macchiato flavor.
Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe
To make a tasty, salted caramel iced coffee, all you have to do is simply substitute your syrup for salted caramel. You can either make your own or buy some store-bought salted caramel for a delicious taste.
Chocolate Caramel Iced Coffee
To make a chocolate caramel iced coffee is also very easy using the above recipe. Simply replace your milk called for above, with Hershey’s chocolate caramel creamer. This will give you a delightful chocolate and caramel flavor to your iced coffee.
Tips and Variations:
Caramel Sauce vs Caramel Syrup
For the caramel iced coffee recipe above, we recommend using caramel syrup rather than caramel sauce. There is a difference between the two as caramel syrup is typically made using milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Syrup tends to be thinner, and contain more flavor, making your iced coffee taste even better.
Espresso vs Coffee
Espresso and coffee are different yet similar. With espresso, a little bit goes a long way. You can make your coffee brewed strong, for iced coffee, you can also use a little bit of brewed espresso which will require much less than coffee.
Making Simple Syrup
If you want to include an extra bit of sweetness to your iced coffee, simple syrup is a great way to go. Simple syrup is a really good alternative to adding granulated sugar to your iced coffee as sugar does not tend to absorb well into your coffee. To learn more about how you can easily make some simple syrup, visit our recipe for simple syrup.
FAQS
Can I make this caramel iced coffee with almond milk or oat milk?
Yes! You can make caramel iced coffee using almond or oat milk if you wish. Simply substitute your favorite milk substitute for the milk called for in our recipe.
What does this iced coffee taste like?
Iced coffee tastes pretty much like coffee only in a cold form. Iced coffee makes for a delicious start to your day or a tasty treat on a warm day.
Does making my own iced coffee save money?
Definitely! Making your own iced coffee will only cost you a fraction of the cost to purchase the same thing from a coffee shop.
Are iced caramel coffees dairy-free?
You can easily make iced caramel coffee dairy-free by substituting your favorite kind of dairy-free milk for the milk in this recipe.
Are iced caramel coffees vegan?
As long as you use your favorite kind of vegan milk, when making both the iced coffee and caramel syrup, iced caramel coffee can easily be vegan friendly.
Iced Caramel Coffee
Iced caramel coffee is so easy to make at home, you can enjoy it any time you wish. There are only a few basic ingredients needed to make this tasty caramel iced coffee recipe, that can compete with McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Give this easy and tasty recipe a try today so that you can taste for yourself how amazing it is!
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Other great drink recipes
PIN Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee
Recipe Card
Caramel Iced Coffee
Print Recipe
Course Breakfast, brunch, Drinks
Servings 2 drinks
Ingredients
1x2x3x
- 1/3 cup coffee grounds or 2 cups brewed coffee
- 2 cups water leave out if using brewed coffee
- Ice to fill two serving glasses
- ½ cup milk
- 2 Tbsp caramel syrup more to drizzle
- Whipped cream optional topping
- 2 pinch of sea salt optional
Instructions
Begin by brewing your coffee. We recommend using a cold brew coffee maker, or French press to brew 1/3 cup of coffee grounds with 2 cups of water. Allow the coffee to sit overnight in the refrigerator to brew. Then drain the coffee from your grounds. When your coffee is prepared, you can begin making your caramel iced coffee. Please see the recipe note above for other brew method instructions.
To start making your delicious, iced caramel coffee, fill the glass with ice. You can use any kind of ice that you desire but fill your glass most of the way with your ice. This will allow for a nice ice-cold drink.
Next, pour your chilled coffee over your ice cubes in the glass. Be sure to leave some room at the top of your glass for milk and whipped cream. Add your caramel syrup into your ice and coffee mixture. Stir to combine your caramel syrup. Once combined, add your milk, and do not stir.
Top your drink with whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. If desired, add a pinch of sea salt on top as well. Serve your iced caramel coffee right away and enjoy your delicious drink!
Video
Notes
Cold Brew. Repairing a coffee by using a cold brew is one of our favorite ways to brew coffee for an iced coffee recipe. To do this, we recommend using a mason jar with a cold brew insert, this will allow your coffee to brew but keep your coffee grounds separate and easily removable. There are many different options for cold brew gadgets to look for on Amazon, but this is our favorite kitchen gadget to use for making cold brew coffee. Warm Brew. You may also choose to prepare your coffee by brewing it warm like normal. To do this you can use a Keurig, or your basic coffee maker to brew your coffee. Keep in mind that you will be adding milk and ice to the iced coffee, so you may want to brew it stronger than normal using this method. Expresso. Using espresso is another way you can make your coffee for this iced coffee recipe. Espresso is stronger than your average coffee, therefore a little bit goes a long way. Simply brew your espresso and allow it to cool or chill in your refrigerator, before adding to this recipe. Instant Coffee. Instant coffee is another way you can choose to make your cold brew coffee for an iced coffee. To do this, you will want to increase the amount of milk included in your coffee, then simply add one to 2 tablespoons of instant coffee powder to your milk and then stir until it is combined. French Press. Using a French press is another great way to brew your cold brew coffee for the caramel iced coffee recipe. Do use a French press you want to add your coffee grounds into the French press along with water, keeping in mind that you might like it stronger than your average cup of coffee. Allow your coffee grounds and water to sit until your coffee has brewed, then use the press to drain the water from your coffee grounds. Store-Bought Cold Brew. Another way you can make this caramel iced coffee is to use cold brew coffee straight from the store. This is a more expensive way to make your coffee, but it is easy and readily available if you so desire.
Tried this recipe?Please leave a message in the comment box below to let us know. Or post a picture on social media and mention @CookThink or tag #CookThink!
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