Description

A homemade copycat recipe for Starbucks Caramel Macchiato featuring rich homemade vanilla syrup, perfectly steamed milk, and espresso, allowing you to control sweetness and quality while saving money.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
1 whole vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 shots espresso (about 2 ounces / 60ml)
1 cup milk (whole, oat, almond, or soy)
2–3 tablespoons homemade vanilla syrup
2 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and salt. If using a vanilla bean, split it and add seeds and pod.
Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat. If using extract, stir it in now. If using a bean, remove the pod. Let cool completely and store in the fridge.
Brew 2 shots of espresso (or strong coffee) and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scald the milk.
Froth cold milk using a handheld frother or French press until it reaches a velvety microfoam texture and is warm (around 140-150°F).
Pour vanilla syrup into the bottom of a clear glass mug.
Pour the hot espresso over the syrup and stir gently to combine.
Slowly pour the steamed milk into the center of the mug to create distinct layers.
Spoon remaining foam on top.
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the foam in a crosshatch pattern.
Serve immediately.

Notes

The homemade vanilla syrup keeps in the fridge for up to a month. For the iced version, fill a glass with ice, add syrup and cold milk, then pour espresso over the top. Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but oat milk is a great dairy-free alternative that froths well. Do not scald the milk, as it will taste burnt.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 large drink
Calories: 280
Sugar: 38
Sodium: 110
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 42
Protein: 8

Keywords: Starbucks copycat, caramel macchiato, homemade vanilla syrup, espresso drink, coffee shop recipe, vanilla latte, iced caramel macchiato