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:
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Brew the espresso: Prepare a shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
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Fill a glass with ice: Add ice to a tall glass.
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Add vanilla syrup: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup over the ice.
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Pour cold milk: Add about ¾ cup of cold milk to the glass, leaving some room for the espresso.
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Add the espresso: Pour the cooled espresso shot over the milk and ice, creating the layered look of an iced macchiato.
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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!