Iced Caramel Macchiato (refined sugar-free, Paleo dairy-free, or dairy)

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This Iced Caramel Macchiato recipe is the real food version of that famously delicious coffee drink. Refined sugar-free, make yours without dairy (Paleo), or with dairy. Enjoy this super fast, creamy, naturally sweetened recipe that hits the spot.

What is a Caramel Macchiato

Not just from Starbucks, this coffee treat actually traces back to Italy.

We read, “The origins of the caramel Macchiato can be traced back to the Italian coffee traditions that have been passed down through generations. In Italian, ‘macchiato’ means ‘stained’ or ‘marked,’ which refers to the way the Espresso is ‘marked’ with a small amount of milk. This technique creates a layered effect and adds a touch of creaminess to the bold flavor of the espresso.”

Caramel is then added to balance the welcome bitterness of the espresso — with caramel’s deep velvety richness. The caramel does not need to be super sweet. A really good caramel is more about complimenting the flavor of the coffee than shocking the tongue with sugar.

So in this recipe, you’ll see how the espresso and caramel flavors are married together — it’s hard to separate one flavor from the other; coffee bliss!

Why make a homemade version

It’s 100% a great idea to make Caramel Macchiatos homemade, instead of buying them.

Here’s why:

• Coffee shops use tetra pak milks that contain harmful ingredients: vitamins we don’t need or want, vegetable oils that cause inflammation and other ingredients we can’t even pronounce.
• It’s MUCH less expensive to make your own.
• Making coffee drinks at home creates a cooking ritual that’s wonderful for stress levels and good lifestyle choices: slow food, fun — and a love for beautiful ingredients, recipes and real food in general.
• Not as sweet as the Starbucks version, this Caramel Macchiato is for real coffee lovers. Savor the way the caramel and coffee flavors blend.

Ingredients in Iced Caramel Macchiato ~ refined sugar-free

• 2 shots espresso, or 8 ounces cold brew coffee (recipe for Cold Brew in Notes section, or buy it) — (regular or decaf)
• 2 Tablespoons Easy Caramel Sauce (a very easy refined sugar-free recipe; make ahead or right before making your drink)
• ice, crushed or cubes
• 4 ounces milk, of choice, : oat milk, or for Paleo: almond milk or coconut milk; fine to use dairy milk, too.

Starbucks’ version of this recipe also uses vanilla, so feel free to add it if you’d like. I think this drink doesn’t need it, and I prefer simplicity, especially with the current prices on the best quality vanilla. But add it if you love it.

How to make refined sugar-free Iced Caramel Macchiato

1. If you haven’t made the Easy Caramel Sauce yet, make it first. (The recipe takes about 10 minutes.)
2. Add coffee and caramel sauce to 14 to 16 ounce drinking glass. Stir well to fully dissolve caramel into coffee.
3. Add ice, leaving about 2 inches headroom.
4. Pour in milk. Serve!

How to make this recipe in bulk

It’s pretty appealing to have pre-made Caramel Macchiato mix, ready in the fridge when you want it for daily treats: Just pour it over ice, and serve!

I love this idea for when a friend comes over, too: Share, and relax!

Here’s how to mix up a bulk batch:

1. Multiply ingredients by four. (Wait to include the ice.)
2. Add to blender, and blend until smooth (or mix by hand using a jar and whisk), about 25 seconds on medium speed.
3. Pour into mason jar, or other storage container with lid.
4. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, and use as needed. When ready to serve, stir well or shake. Pour into glass over ice.

Print Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Iced Caramel Macchiato (refined sugar-free, real food, dairy or dairy-free Paleo)

This Iced Caramel Macchiato recipe is the real food version of that famously delicious coffee drink. Refined sugar-free, make yours without dairy (Paleo), or with dairy. Enjoy this super fast, creamy, naturally sweetened recipe that hits the spot.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: coffee

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: caramel, coffee, dairy-free, iced, macchiato, paleo, real food, refined sugar-free, summer drinks

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 236kcal

Author: Megan

Cost: 1.50

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso or 8 ounces cold brew coffee (recipe below in Notes, or buy it) -- (regular or decaf)
• 2 Tablespoons Easy Caramel Sauce a very easy refined sugar-free recipe; make ahead or right before making your drink
• ice crushed or cubes
• 4 ounces milk of choice (½ cup): oat milk, or for Paleo: almond milk or coconut milk. Okay to use dairy milk, too.

Instructions

• If you haven't made the Easy Caramel Sauce yet, make it now. (The recipe takes about 10 minutes.)
• Add coffee and caramel sauce to 14 to 16 ounce drinking glass. Stir well to fully dissolve caramel into coffee.
• Add ice, leaving about 2 inches headroom.
• Pour in milk. Serve!

Notes

How to make cold brew coffee

Make the day before or earlier.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coffee beans
• 4 cups water

Instructions

1. Coarsely grind coffee (make sure it's not fine; should look like cornmeal, not powder). Place coffee grounds into mason jar or preferred container.
2. Add water, stir gently, and cover loosely. Allow to sit at room temperature or in the fridge for 12 hours.
3. Line a small strainer with cheesecloth, and place over bowl or large measuring cup.
4. Strain, and chill for up to 1 week.
5. Dilute with water, milk and optional ice, to taste ... or use to make Iced Caramel Macchiato! 😉

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 284mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

You can Pin Iced Caramel Macchiato here:

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