These Salted Iced Coconut Milk Caramel Macchiatos are a delicious dairy-free version of your new fave Starbucks iced coffee recipe!
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How to make iced coconut milk caramel macchiatos
- Mix together the caramel syrup, divide mixture in two parts: for the bottom of the cup and for the drizzle overtop.
- To your cups add caramel syrup, ice, coconut milk.
- Pour espresso shot into each glass overtop of ice and coconut milk.
- Drizzle with caramel syrup and sprinkle coconut flakes overtop (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Ice cubes
- Coconut milk – use coconut milk from a carton. This allows the drink to be an exact replica of the Starbucks version but feel free to use any dairy or non dairy milk of choice.
- Espresso
- Unsweetened coconut flakes (optional garnish)
Caramel syrup
- Caramel sundae syrup – any thick caramel syrup will work for this recipe, store bought is easier.
- Sugar – white sugar, brown sugar, honey or agave syrup will work. for this recipe.
- Boiling water
What is in a Starbucks caramel macchiato?
Caramel macchiatos are a popular drink at Starbucks. They're listed as one of the top most purchased iced drinks and are also available as a hot beverage. Starbucks caramel macchiatos are an espresso-based coffee drink that combine espresso with milk, vanilla syrup, a creamy caramel sauce and ice (if you're getting it iced)!
What's the difference between a macchiato and a latte?
Though macchiatos and lattes are both espresso based drinks, they do have their own key distinctions that help differentiate the both of them.
Caramel macchiatos are made with a vanilla syrup, milk, espresso and a caramel drizzle. Lattes are made with espresso, milk and a caramel syrup, which is much thinner consistency than a creamy caramel drizzle.
Another key distinction between the two drinks is within how they're both prepared. A latte is made by pouring an espresso shot first which is then topped with milk. A macchiato is made by pouring milk first then topping it off with espresso.
Is this drink healthy?
With the Starbucks combination of caramel drizzle, caramel syrup and whole milk the caramel macchiato is definitely a sweeter beverage option.
My version of this drink uses a lighter caramel syrup and coconut milk to reduce both the calorie count and the sugar count. When comparing to Starbucks, a grande Caramel Macchiato with coconut milk is around 200 calories where mine is 160 calories. The grande version also has 29g of sugar where mine only has 9g of sugar. Overall, making your own is definitely a healthier option!
More Starbucks copycat recipes
- Iced coffee – 3 ways (caramel, vanilla and mocha)
- Vanilla sweet cream cold brew
- Pumpkin cream cold brew
Meal prep tools
- If you're feeling lazy or want a quick caramel solution, these iced coffee syrups are an AWESOME option.
- Here's another caramel syrup option: Starbucks caramel syrup
- Want to upgrade your espresso machine? Try the Philips 3100
- I love to use 16oz mason jars as cups, especially on the go!
Iced Coconut Milk Caramel Macchiatos
Ingredients
- Ice cubes about 1 cup
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk divided, from a carton
- 2 shots espresso divided
- Unsweetened coconut flakes for garnishing optional
Caramel syrup
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae syrup
- 2 tsp sugar
- 4 tbsp boiling water
Instructions
- Mix together caramel syrup, then divide mixture in half, adding each half to the bottom of two tall glasses.
- Add ice, then pour about 3/4 cup coconut milk (more or less depending on your preference) to each glass.
- Pour one shot espresso slowly into each glass overtop of ice and coconut milk. Drizzle with caramel syrup, then sprinkle coconut flakes overtop (if desired).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
These are just gorgeous! I am such a sucker for coffee and coconut together. Have a great trip!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks so much Denise it was SO much fun!! And why did you not let me know about this coconut/coffee combo sooner?! Haha
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
I love the caramel drinks at Starbucks too – I was so excited to have a work meeting at Starbucks on Friday so that I could get a caramel frappuccino!
This drink looks divine. Anything with coconut milk has me sold!
Taylor Stinson says
Hahahah work meetings are the perfect excuse for decadent drinks!!! Thanks so much Chelsea 🙂
Melanie @ Gather for Bread says
That looks scrumptious! Looking forward to giving it a try here soon!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks Melanie! 🙂 Let me know if you do give ’em a try!
Shareba says
I kept meaning to pop into Starbucks to try that drink, and then never did and was so bummed out about it. You just made my day! I think I’d like your version so much better! I am also completely coconut obsessed!!! Pinning this so I remember to try the recipe soon!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks Shareba!! I seriously cannot get over how much better these taste with coconut, and they are so easily recreated at home (with less calories to boot 😉 )
April says
Would it work to use canned coconut milk instead?
Taylor Stinson says
Hi April! The flavour would honestly be very different and it would be much higher in calories, probably creamier too. It’s up to you to decide if you want to try it this way – I recommend the carton version but that’s not to say you wouldn’t like the canned version. It’s just usually used more in cooking than in drinks!