Caramel Macchiato

Preparation Time5-7 mins Difficulty LevelMedium
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Ingredients How to Make FAQs

Debuted by Starbucks in 1996, the Caramel Macchiato has been a café favorite for over two decades. Learn how to craft this coffee classic at home with this simple recipe. Make it frothy with a mix of smooth vanilla and velvety caramel for the perfect amount of sweetness. Top it off with a drizzle of caramel for a coffee that tastes as delicious as it looks.

INGREDIENTS

On updating the serving quantity, the serving in ingredients will get updated

SERVING

- 1 serving servings +

KEY INGREDIENTS

Brewed Coffee

OTHER INGREDIENTS

TOOLS

  • Frother

Vanilla Syrup

  • 1|cup
    sugar
  • 1|cup
    water
  • 1|
    vanilla bean (or 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract)
HOW TO MAKE
  • 01

    Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. 
    • If using vanilla extract, wait to add until the end of Step 03.
  • 02

    Add the sugar, water and vanilla bean (if using) to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. 
  • 03

    Once cooled, strain out the vanilla bean from the syrup.
    • If using vanilla extract, stir in with the sugar and water mixture once it's simmered and cooled.
  • 04

    Enjoy in your favorite Starbucks® coffee or recipe.
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Caramel Sauce

  • 0.5|cup
    brown sugar
  • 2|Tbsp
    butter
  • 0.25|cup
    half-and-half
  • |
    Pinch of salt
HOW TO MAKE
  • 01

    Mix and stir all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low for 1 minute.
  • 02

    Reduce heat to a low and simmer for 10 minutes. 
  • 03

    Remove from heat. Once cooled, enjoy in your favorite Starbucks® coffee or recipe.
    • Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
View the Recipe

HOW TO MAKE

Caramel Macchiato

Caramel Sauce

  • 0.5|cup
    brown sugar
  • 2|Tbsp
    butter
  • 0.25|cup
    half-and-half
  • |
    Pinch of salt
HOW TO MAKE
  • 01

    Mix and stir all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low for 1 minute.
  • 02

    Reduce heat to a low and simmer for 10 minutes. 
  • 03

    Remove from heat. Once cooled, enjoy in your favorite Starbucks® coffee or recipe.
    • Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
View the Recipe

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Starbucks® Recipes

WHAT IS A MACCHIATO?

A macchiato is a type of coffee drink that originated in Italy. It is traditionally made by adding a small amount of foamed or steamed milk to a shot of espresso. The word "macchiato" means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, referring to the way the milk is added to the espresso.​
WHAT IS A CARAMEL MACCHIATO?

A caramel macchiato is a variation of a macchiato that includes vanilla syrup, steamed milk and caramel sauce. It is made by adding vanilla syrup to a shot of espresso, followed by foamed or steamed milk and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The caramel adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the coffee.​
WHAT IS A MACCHIATO COFFEE?

A traditional macchiato typically consists of a shot of espresso with a small amount of foamed or steamed milk added on top. The ratio of espresso to milk is usually higher in a macchiato compared to other espresso-based drinks you might find at a café.​

Tried this Recipe

RECOMMENDED COFFEE

Espresso Roast

A classic and time-honored dark roast with notes of molasses and caramelized sugar that’s perfect for making classic espresso drinks.

RECOMMENDED COFFEE

Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast

Soft and balanced, Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast is extra smooth without a roasty edge, perfect for making classic espresso drinks.

RECOMMENDED COFFEE

Starbucks® Veranda Blend®

Our lightest roasted coffee with notes of toasted malt and baking chocolate.

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Starbucks® by Nespresso®

Signature Perfection, Always

Delicious, aromatic Starbucks® coffee or espresso with a delicate crema layer—cup after cup.

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Nestlé uses Starbucks trademarks under license. Keurig and K-Cup are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., used with permission. Pike Place is a trademark of The Pike Place Market PDA, used under license. NESPRESSO® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.