This easy caramel iced coffee uses only 3 ingredients and will have you feeling like a barista in no time! Coffee, milk, and caramel. That is all you need for this Starbucks Copycat drink!
Love coffee? Honestly, same! Try my Copycat Irish Cream Cold Brew Recipe or a blended version of this recipe with my Copycat Caramel Frappuccino!
I am beyond obsessed with coffee. My day will not start without my morning cup of Joe.
Since I can’t justify spending money on to-go cups from our local chain, I decided to perfect my favorite summer coffee. This caramel iced coffee is so simple to make and incredibly delicious.
PERFECT for when I need a sweet treat with a little caffeine kick. If I pour it in a paper cup, it is almost like I got it from a coffee shop!
Ingredients for iced coffee:
The ingredient list for this recipe is short. Since there are only a few basic ingredients, I suggest making them quality. I will dive into that a little more throughout this post.
- Brewed Coffee- Make sure the coffee is cooled to room temperature and then chilled in the refrigerator.
- Milk of choice
- Caramel Sauce
Best coffee to use in iced coffee:
Here is the deal… Because you are playing the part of barista, YOU are in control over the coffee you use. There is no right or wrong when it comes to brewing the perfect iced coffee beverage.
That being said, I am going to share some of my more favorite options.
- Cold Brew- If you like your coffee on the more mild and smooth side, try cold brew. This can be bought in large bottles, or made from scratch!
- Your favorite coffee, brewed like normal.
- Coffee brewed with an Aeropress- This is almost like a more concentrated coffee. So you get that bold flavor without the need of an espresso machine.
- Espresso shots- If you like to go bold, go bold with a shot of espresso. It’s strong enough that watering it down with milk and ice won’t hinder the flavor much.
Whichever method you decide, make sure to chill the coffee before pouring over your ice.
How to make caramel iced coffee like Starbucks:
Ready for the easiest instructions of all time? The beauty of this recipe is that you really can customize it to your specific tastes. Try it the way I suggest then adjust from there. Use more or less milk, ice, or coffee. It really is up to you.
- Fill two tall glasses with ice.
- Pour in 1 cup of coffee to each cup.
- Add 1/4 cup milk to each cup.
- Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, top with whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!
Best milk for iced coffee:
The short answer is that there is no “one” best milk option for adding to your coffee. Each milk type, whether it be whole or plant based, has its own unique flavors and benefits. Below I have broken down the ones we like to use in our home.
- Whole milk is notably the most common used in coffee. It helps to tone the bold flavor. It has a rich ad creamy taste and is a great addition to the drink.
- Soy milk can come sweetened or unsweetened. They also have varieties with flavor add ins such as vanilla.
- Almond milk is lower in calories and fat (according to the carton in my fridge) which makes it a healthier option and is an extremely popular option at our local coffee stop.
- Coconut milk is my personal favorite addition to iced coffee. However, I keep it to a special treat since it is higher in fat and calories.
- Oat milk is one I have not personally tried, but is popular with my bestie. She swears by its thick and creamy texture and insists it makes the very best coffee mix-in.
Tools for this recipe:
Ready for my suggestions of go-to kitchen items? These all make creating your own iced coffee at home easy and quick. They also happen to be staples in my kitchen arsenal.
- Cold Brew Maker- If you enjoy a mild smooth coffee, get this maker! It will save you so much time and money when you can make your own cold brew at home!
- French Press- I’ll be the first to admit, I own a single cup coffee maker. But when I have time, I always opt for the French press.
- A Quality Tumbler- This tumbler is AMAZING. It is big enough that I get a decent amount of coffee and insulated so my ice keeps from melting as quickly.
- Ice Cube Trays- Pro tip: Don’t like your coffee iced down? Freeze coffee in an ice cube tray and use those cubes instead of ice!
More Coffee Recipes:
- Iced Vanilla Latte
- How to Make Cold Brew
- Snicekrdoodle Latte
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- pumpkin cream cold brew at Starbucks
- Chocolate Frappe Recipe
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