Tired of running to Starbucks to grab a caramel macchiato? By the name alone, I always assumed the caramel macchiato was a difficult beverage to make (and one that seems too time-consuming to want to bother with). Yet, this favorite Starbucks espresso beverage is one of the easiest to craft at home. In fact, this drink only requires a few ingredients, but the process of “layering” is what makes a caramel macchiato so special. Whether you’re a barista in training or simply want to skip a few weekly Starbucks runs, here’s how to make a caramel macchiato at home in just a few simple steps.
How to make a caramel macchiato
Jack Foster, Co-Owner & Operations Director at Crosby Coffee, recommends making a caramel macchiato at home by:
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed espresso
- Steamed milk
- Caramel syrup
Method
- Prepare your espresso – Use a good-quality espresso (around 30–40ml).
- Steam your milk – Around 200ml of milk, steamed to around 60–65°C, with a touch of microfoam.
- Add syrup – 1–2 pumps of caramel syrup to the bottom of the cup.
- Pour milk into the cup.
- Add espresso over the top to create the ‘macchiato’ layer effect.
- Finish with caramel drizzle (a classic crosshatch pattern adds a visual signature)
Caramel macchiato vs. traditional macchiato
“The caramel macchiato has become a staple on café menus around the world, but it’s important to understand that it’s quite different from the traditional macchiato served in Italy or in many specialty coffee shops,” says Foster.
“In its traditional form, a macchiato is a small, strong drink – usually a single or double shot of espresso ‘marked’ (which is what macchiato means in Italian) with a small amount of textured milk or foam. It’s bold, concise, and designed to let the espresso shine with just a touch of creaminess and sweetness from the milk.”
In contrast, the caramel macchiato is a drink made famous by American coffee chains like Starbucks. The caramel macchiato, as Foster describes, is more of a layered, milk-forward drink.
“It’s typically built with caramel syrup and steamed milk, topped with a shot of espresso poured over the milk (reversing the traditional espresso-first method), and then sometimes finished with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. The result is a sweet, comforting drink that’s more like a dessert coffee. Ideal for those new to espresso-based drinks or with a sweet tooth,” he says.
“From a specialty coffee perspective, it’s a very different drink – but that doesn’t mean it’s not valid. If it gets people interested in coffee and sparks curiosity to explore more nuanced brews, it absolutely has a place. The key is understanding the context: a caramel macchiato is not a purist’s drink, but it is a gateway for many into the world of coffee – and I see real value in that,” says Foster.
Origins of the caramel macchiato
The espresso macchiato itself is thought to have been invented in Italy in the ’80s, yet the caramel macchiato was first made popular by Starbucks in 1996. The drink was crafted by the Starbucks team to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary, which later became a favorite that is still on Starbucks menus today. If you’re looking to re-create the exact Starbucks recipe at home, it’s easier than you might think. Unlike some recipes for a caramel macchiato, Starbucks’ version uses vanilla syrup with caramel sauce. The caramel macchiato can also be prepared standard (hot) or as an iced version.
Although Starbucks first crafted the caramel macchiato over 30 years ago, the caramel macchiato has evolved quite a bit since then. Since 1996, the rise of dairy-free milk and plant-based milk options has formed new variations of the caramel macchiato, such as ones made with almond milk and oat milk.
How to make Starbucks’ hot caramel macchiato
- Pour vanilla syrup on the bottom of a mug.
- On the side, froth milk and then pour it into your mug.
- Pour in one shot of espresso on top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and enjoy.
How to make Starbucks’ iced caramel macchiato
- Place vanilla syrup in a glass.
- Add cold 2% milk.
- Fill the glass with ice until just below the rim.
- Pour one or two shots of espresso on top.
- Top with caramel sauce (as desired) and enjoy.
Can you make a caramel macchiato with regular coffee?
Don’t have an espresso maker? Some say it’s possible to make a caramel macchiato without an espresso machine. Made traditionally, a caramel macchiato uses espresso, as the concentrated nature of the espresso is needed to cut through the taste of the milk.
Personally, I think this drink doesn’t taste the same when subbed for even the strongest coffee. Using an AeroPress or a MokaPot is a great way to brew extra-strong coffee to enjoy on its own, but a macchiato needs the strength of espresso. If you’re not ready to commit to using a standard espresso machine, a single-serving pod-style type, such as a Nespresso machine, is probably your best option.
