Looking for a sweet, cool, and refreshing pick-me-up that rivals—or even surpasses—your favorite local coffee shop's creation? This Caramel Iced Coffee recipe is the best iced coffee for any coffee lover. With its smooth blend of iced coffee, rich caramel syrup, and creamy half-and-half, it delivers a deliciously indulgent experience right at home. Best of all, you can enjoy this café-quality drink for a fraction of the cost, making it an easy and affordable way to satisfy your coffee cravings.
I have to admit, I have a serious weakness for coffee concoctions. The visits to my favorite coffee shop are always enjoyed, and while it's hard to resist the allure of a perfectly crafted coffee drink, those trips add up fast. Each visit is a small indulgence in convenience and flavor, but the ever-increasing prices have me thinking twice. I can make homemade iced coffee for a fraction of the price.
Luckily, making barista-style coffee drinks at home is surprisingly easy and far more budget-friendly. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up the most delicious iced coffee creations right in your own kitchen. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of a café-quality drink, but you'll also save enough to treat yourself to other pleasures, like a relaxing afternoon massage or a fresh manicure. It's a win-win—more delicious coffee and more money for the things you love!
If you like this coffee recipe, try this homemade vanilla latte.
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Ingredients
- Cold Brewed Coffee – Brew and chill your favorite coffee blend. You can also make or purchase cold brew coffee concentrate.
- Caramel Syrup – Choose a high-quality caramel syrup for a rich, authentic flavor. If you prefer a lower sugar option, look for sugar-free alternatives that still offer a good caramel taste.
- Half-and-Half – For a creamy texture, use half-and-half. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low fat milk or a plant-based milk. Note that plant-based milk may alter the creaminess slightly.
- Ice Cubes
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Caramel Iced Coffee at Home
- Step 1: Start by drizzling caramel on the inside of a clear tall glass. Be generous for a higher level of sweetness.
- Step 2: Fill glass with ice cubes. Pour the cold coffee over the ice and add a tablespoon or two of caramel syrup. Add the half-and-half and stir well. Serve with a straw if desired.
Hint: Vary the amount of caramel syrup to adjust the sweetness of the drink. Vary the amount of half and half to adjust the creaminess.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Coffee – For a different flavor profile, try using cold brew coffee or espresso. Cold brew will offer a smoother taste, while espresso will make a strong iced coffee. You can also experiment with flavored coffees.
- Caramel Syrup – Use salted caramel syrup or add a touch of vanilla extract for a hint of vanilla caramel. For a lower sugar option, use a sugar-free caramel syrup.
- Cream – Swap half-and-half for whole milk or 2% milk for a lighter option or use heavy cream for extra richness. For a dairy-free alternative, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk or coconut milk work well, though the plant milk of your choice may slightly alter the drink's creaminess.
- Sweetener – You can vary the flavor syrup and use hazelnut or a vanilla flavor. You can also use a bit of honey or maple syrup instead of caramel syrup for a different sweet note.
- Toppings – Garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
Storage
I prefer to make this one serving at a time so that I do not have leftovers. Once the coffee is poured over ice, it will begin to dilute and lose flavor.
You can brew strong coffee several days in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. I keep mine in a mason jar.
Top Tips
- Brew a strong batch of coffee to avoid a diluted taste. I like to make extra coffee then use the leftover coffee for this recipe.
- For a less watery result, you can freeze coffee into ice cubes and use those to chill the drink.
- Chill your coffee before mixing to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and diluting the drink.
- Start with a tablespoon of caramel syrup adding more if you desire a sweeter drink.
- Drizzling caramel syrup inside the glass before adding ice makes your homemade drink look fancy.
- Mix everything well. The caramel syrup can sometimes settle to the bottom.
FAQ
It is best to brew your coffee the night before and refrigerate it, so it's ready when you want to make your caramel iced coffee.
If you don't have time to chill the coffee overnight, brew hot coffee and chill over ice. The ice will dilute the coffee slightly so brew an extra strong batch.
Enjoy This Iced Coffee With:
Caramel Iced Coffee pairs beautifully with a variety of sweet treats or light snacks. Serve it alongside a buttery croissant, a warm cinnamon roll, or a slice of coffee cake for a delightful afternoon indulgence. For something lighter, pair it with fresh fruit, such as berries or apple slices, to balance out the rich, creamy flavors of the coffee. If you're in the mood for a savory snack, consider a bagel with cream cheese or a light sandwich to enjoy alongside this refreshing drink. It's the perfect complement to both breakfast and dessert!
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If you like this Caramel Iced Coffee recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Caramel Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold coffee store-bought or homemade
- 2-3 tablespoons caramel syrup
- ¼ cup half-and-half adjust to preference
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Start by drizzling caramel on the inside of a clear tall glass. Be generous for more sweetness.
- Fill glass with ice cubes. Pour coffee over the ice and add a tablespoon or two of caramel syrup. Use more or less depending on desired sweetness. Pour ¼ cup of half-and-half into the glass. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for creaminess. Stir the mixture well and serve with a straw if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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