A caramel macchiato is one of the most popular sweet espresso drinks in the world, loved for its creamy texture, rich coffee flavor, and signature caramel drizzle. Whether you order it at a café or make it at home, this drink offers a perfect balance of espresso, milk, vanilla, and caramel sweetness. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a caramel macchiato is, how it tastes, how to make it, how to enjoy the iced version, and which creamer works best.
What Is a Caramel Macchiato?
A caramel macchiato is an espresso-based coffee drink made with steamed milk, vanilla syrup, espresso shots poured on top, and finished with a caramel drizzle. Unlike a latte—where espresso is added first—a caramel macchiato is layered, giving it a unique look and flavor experience.
The word “macchiato” means “marked” in Italian, referring to the espresso being poured over the milk rather than mixed completely. This creates a drink that starts creamy and sweet, then becomes stronger as you sip.
Caramel Macchiato Taste Profile
The taste of a caramel macchiato is smooth, sweet, and slightly bold. You’ll notice:
Creamy milk flavor upfront
Light vanilla sweetness
Rich espresso bitterness underneath
Sweet, buttery caramel finish
It’s less intense than a straight espresso and sweeter than a classic latte, making it a favorite for people who enjoy dessert-style coffee drinks.
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato at Home?
Making a caramel macchiato at home is easier than it looks and doesn’t require expensive equipment.
Ingredients
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1–2 shots espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
Caramel sauce (for topping)
Instructions
Heat and froth the milk (hot but not boiling).
Pour vanilla syrup into a mug.
Add steamed milk over the syrup.
Slowly pour espresso on top of the milk.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the foam.
This method keeps the layered effect that defines a true caramel macchiato
Caramel Macchiato vs traditional macchiato
A Caramel Macchiato is a sweet, milk-forward espresso drink made with vanilla-flavored milk, espresso poured on top, and a caramel drizzle. It’s creamy, dessert-like, and designed for people who enjoy a smoother, sweeter coffee experience rather than a strong espresso taste.
A traditional macchiato (espresso macchiato) is a bold, simple drink made with a shot of espresso and just a small dollop of milk or foam. It’s much stronger, less sweet, and focused on highlighting the pure flavor of espresso rather than milk or syrups.
How many calories are in a Caramel Macchiato?
A Caramel Macchiato usually contains around 200–250 calories in a medium-sized serving when made with whole milk, vanilla syrup, espresso, and caramel drizzle. Most of the calories come from the milk and sweeteners rather than the espresso itself. Because this drink is milk-based and flavored, it has more calories than plain coffee or a traditional macchiato, making it closer to a dessert-style beverage.
The total calorie count can vary depending on how the drink is customized. Using low-fat or skim milk can reduce the calories to about 150–180, while plant-based milks like almond or oat milk may lower or slightly change the count depending on added sugars. Extra caramel drizzle, flavored syrup, or whipped cream can quickly increase calories, while sugar-free syrups and lighter milk options can help keep the drink lower in calories without losing much flavor.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
An Iced Caramel Macchiato is a cold, layered coffee drink made with milk, vanilla flavor, ice, espresso, and caramel drizzle. It’s known for its sweet, creamy taste with a bold espresso finish—perfect for warm days or anyone who prefers iced coffee with a dessert-like twist ☕❄️
Layered style: Cold milk and vanilla go in first, then ice, freshly brewed espresso is poured on top, and caramel sauce is drizzled over everything.
Flavor profile: Smooth and sweet at first, followed by a rich coffee taste as the layers mix.
Coffee base: Made with espresso, which gives it a stronger coffee flavor than regular iced coffee.
Customizable: You can adjust sweetness, milk type, or caramel amount to your taste.
How to Make an Iced Caramel Macchiato?
Ingredients:
1 cup cold milk (dairy or any plant milk)
1–2 teaspoons vanilla syrup (or vanilla extract + a little sugar)
Ice cubes
1–2 shots espresso (or very strong brewed coffee)
Caramel sauce (for drizzle)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Add vanilla & milk
Pour vanilla syrup into a tall glass, then add cold milk.Fill with ice
Add plenty of ice cubes to keep the drink cold and layered.Pour the espresso
Slowly pour freshly brewed espresso over the ice. This creates the classic macchiato layers.Drizzle caramel on top
Finish with caramel sauce drizzled over the top for sweetness and presentation.
How to Drink It:
Drink it layered for changing flavors.
Or stir it for a smooth, evenly sweet coffee