How to Make a Starbucks Style Carmel Macchiato at Home

Here’s a simple recipe to make a Starbucks-style Caramel Macchiato at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup of milk (whole milk, 2%, or your preferred milk alternative)
• 1-2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• Caramel sauce for drizzling
• Optional: Ice if making an iced version

Equipment:

• Espresso machine or coffee maker (for strong coffee)
• Milk frother or saucepan (to heat and froth the milk)

Instructions:

For a Hot Caramel Macchiato:

1. Brew the espresso: Prepare a shot of espresso using your espresso machine. If you don’t have one, make a very strong cup of coffee (about ½ cup).

2. Warm the milk: Heat your milk in a saucepan or use a milk frother to steam it until it's hot and frothy. If using a saucepan, whisk the milk vigorously to froth it.

3. Add vanilla syrup: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into the bottom of your cup. Adjust the amount of syrup to your taste preference.

4. Pour the steamed milk: Pour the steamed milk into the cup with the vanilla syrup, holding back the froth with a spoon. Then, add the froth on top.

5. Add the espresso: Pour the shot of espresso on top of the milk. This creates the “macchiato” effect, where the espresso sits on top of the milk.

6. Drizzle with caramel sauce: Finish by drizzling caramel sauce on top in a crosshatch pattern for the signature Starbucks look.

For an Iced Caramel Macchiato:

1. Brew the espresso: Prepare a shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.

2. Fill a glass with ice: Add ice to a tall glass.

3. Add vanilla syrup: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup over the ice.

4. Pour cold milk: Add about ¾ cup of cold milk to the glass, leaving some room for the espresso.

5. Add the espresso: Pour the cooled espresso shot over the milk and ice, creating the layered look of an iced macchiato.

6. Drizzle with caramel sauce: Finish by drizzling caramel sauce on top.

Tips:

• For the vanilla syrup, you can either use store-bought or make your own by combining equal parts water and sugar and adding a dash of vanilla extract.
• For an extra indulgent version, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.
• Adjust the caramel sauce and vanilla syrup to your desired sweetness.

This recipe should give you a delicious Caramel Macchiato, just like at Starbucks!