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How to make a Caramel Macchiato at home better than Starbucks. Easy coffee recipe of rich coffee, steamed milk, and homemade vanilla syrup.
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Making a Caramel Macchiato at home is better than a trip to Starbucks. Making a Caramel Macchiato at home is also a lot easier than one would think. It is all about figuring out what ratio of espresso, milk, and sweetness that you prefer.
Those that know me well, know that I’m obsessed with that perfect cup of coffee. My mornings don’t start until I have my favorite latte in hand.
So when my favorite coffee shop closed it’s doors near me several years ago, I knew I had to figure out a way to continue enjoying my favorite coffee house drink, a caramel macchiato, at home.
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato at Home like Starbucks?
Espresso and milk is the base for most coffee house drinks, the hard part is figuring out what ratio you like best. But I was determined to figure it out. The hint of vanilla paired with the sweet delicousness of caramel continues to call my name.
Some days I like a bold, intense espresso flavor to get me going while others I prefer a sweeter sip.
An espresso machine is a must in my opinion and so is the use of espresso roast coffee. This intense blend of coffee adds that “coffee house” flavor to the beverage that really makes it stand out against all other coffee.
Whether you pick up the espresso blend of your favorite coffee shop brand or a more budget-friendly alternative from the grocery store, espresso is called espresso because it gives your at home latte’, cappuccino, or in our case caramel macchiato that unique coffee shop taste.
Why an espresso machine?
There is something unique about how an espresso machine is able to extract that pure, intense coffee flavor from the finely ground beans that just can’t be achieved from a coffee maker.
Some espresso machines can be very expensive and overly elaborate. But a simple espresso machine is really all you need.
You can find a budget-friendly espresso machine in stores or online. You might even luck up and find one at a garage sale or thrift shop. Once you learn how to make espresso, the machine really doesn’t matter as long as it produces espresso.
I’ve had several machines throughout the years. My current favorite is one I found at a thrift shop for only $5.
Making your own coffee house inspired drinks at home is all about figuring out your personal taste.
Use this recipe as a start and adjust it to your own personal preferences.
Before you know it, you’ll be sipping on your own custom, delicious, coffee shop inspired beverage that’s a bit more budget-friendly and a lot more convenient than a trip down the street.
What can I substitute for Espresso?
If you don’t have an espresso machine don’t worry about it. Now a days there are plenty of instant espresso options on the market that taste great!
Don’t like espresso?
Use your favorite coffee and brew it with double the strength.
Want to reduce the amount of caffeine but still enjoy a caramel macchiato?
You can use a decaf instant espresso powder or decaf coffee.
Can’t tolerate caffeine but miss all your coffee house favorites?
No problem! I recently found a 100% caffeine-free coffee alternative that literally tastes just like coffee. I’m obsessed, it is SO good!
Caramel Macchiato Recipe
The Domestic Diva
How to make a Caramel Macchiato at home better than Starbucks. Easy coffee recipe of rich coffee, steamed milk, and homemade vanilla syrup.
5 from 7 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups steamed whole milk
- 1/8 cup espresso
- 2 1/2 tbsp vanilla simple syrup *
- Drizzel: Caramel Ice cream Topping
- Extra Creamy Whipped Cream
Vanilla Simple Syrup *
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato:
Using an electric milk frother or milk frothing attachment on your espresso machine, steam the whole milk until hot.
Pour the hot, steamed milk into a large coffee cup.
Brew espresso roasted coffee according to the direction of your espresso machine.
Once brewed, add 1/8 cup of hot espresso to the steamed milk. (add more or less espresso to taste depending on how strong of a coffee flavor you prefer, but start out with less and slowly add a little bit at a time as espresso is very strong).
Then, add the vanilla simple syrup to taste (again more or less depending on your desired level of sweetness).
Stir until combined.
Top with extra creamy whipped cream if you desire. Drizzle the caramel ice cream topping in a zig zag pattern on top of the whipped cream.
Serve hot and enjoy carefully.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Syrup:
In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water until boiling. Stirring constantly.
Once the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat.
Add Vanilla Extract. Stir well.
Set aside until cooled completely.
Store in a squeeze bottle or mason jar with pump lid attachment in the fridge.
Notes
In this recipe, I used caramel ice cream topping because it is a thick caramel sauce that can easily be found at the grocery store. All you need is a tiny bit drizzled over top of your finished drink. Caramel ice cream topping is different from caramel syrup in it’s consistency. To top our coffee house drink, we definitely want the thicker sauce. For the ever popular salted caramel macchiato, choose a salted caramel ice cream topping instead of regular caramel.
Check out my favorite kitchen gadgets for stay-at-home chefs on Amazon.
Keyword Coffee
What is your favorite coffee house drink?
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