A caramel macchiato is a simple espresso drink with a sweet side. Espresso, creamy milk, vanilla syrup and caramel come together to make a coffee that is rich without being too heavy.
Ingredients
- 1 shot (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso
- 180 ml milk
- 1–2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- Ice, if making it iced
Hot Caramel Macchiato
- Brew one shot of espresso.
- Warm and lightly froth the milk.
- Add vanilla syrup to a serving glass or cup.
- Pour in the steamed milk, leaving a little foam on top.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the milk.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the foam.
- Serve immediately.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
- Add vanilla syrup to a tall glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in cold milk.
- Add one shot of espresso over the milk.
- Finish with a generous caramel drizzle.
Best ratio: 1 shot espresso + 180 ml milk + 1–2 tbsp vanilla syrup + caramel drizzle.
For a stronger coffee flavor, use a double espresso.
Caramel Macchiato Calories and Nutrition
| Nutrition | Approximate amount |
| Calories | 240 to 270 kcal |
| Protein | 6 to 7 gr |
| Carbohydrates | 35 to 40 gr |
| Fat | 7 to 8 gr |
| Caffeine | About 120 to 150 mg |
The calorie count depends on the ingredients you choose. Milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce can all vary considerably between brands.
With 180 ml of whole milk, one tablespoon of vanilla syrup, one tablespoon of caramel sauce, and two shots of espresso, a 12 ounce serving will usually be around 240 to 270 calories.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Caramel Macchiato?
The espresso provides most of the caffeine .
Two shots generally contain around 120 to 150 mg of caffeine, although the actual amount can vary depending on the coffee beans and brewing method.
If you prefer a milder drink, one shot is enough. If you want the espresso to remain prominent alongside the milk and caramel, two shots are a better choice.
Caramel Macchiato vs Latte
Both drinks contain espresso and milk, but they have a different balance of flavors.
| Caramel Macchiato | Latte | |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Yes | Yes |
| Milk | Yes | Yes |
| Vanilla syrup | Yes | Optional |
| Caramel | Yes | Optional |
| Flavor | Sweet, vanilla and caramel | Creamy and coffee focused |
| Texture | Creamy with light foam | Smooth and milkier |
A latte puts more emphasis on espresso and milk. A caramel macchiato adds vanilla and caramel, so it tastes noticeably sweeter and closer to a dessert style coffee.
Tips for Making a Better Caramel Macchiato
Fresh espresso makes a difference. Since this drink contains quite a bit of milk, the coffee needs enough flavor to remain noticeable.
Keep the milk below the boiling point. Overheated milk loses some of its natural sweetness and does not foam as well.
Do not worry about creating a huge layer of foam. Fine, silky foam is enough and blends much better with the espresso.
Start with the recommended amount of vanilla syrup and caramel. It is easy to add more, but once the drink becomes overly sweet there is not much you can do to balance it.
A thicker caramel sauce also works better for the final drizzle. Very thin caramel tends to disappear into the milk instead of staying on top.
For an iced version, avoid using more ice than you need. As it melts, it will dilute the espresso and make the drink taste weaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a caramel macchiato ?
A caramel macchiato is an espresso drink made with milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. It can be served hot or iced.
Is a caramel macchiato hot or cold ?
Both versions are common. A hot caramel macchiato uses steamed milk, while an iced caramel macchiato uses cold milk and ice.
Does a caramel macchiato have espresso ?
Yes . Espresso is the coffee base of a caramel macchiato .
How many shots of espresso are in a caramel macchiato ?
A homemade 12 ounce caramel macchiato made with whole milk, vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, and two shots of espresso contains roughly 240 to 270 calories. The actual amount depends on the products and quantities used .
How much caffeine is in a caramel macchiato ?
A two shot caramel macchiato generally contains around 120 to 150 mg of caffeine. The exact amount varies with the espresso .
Can I use oat milk ?
Yes . Oat milk gives the drink a creamy texture and works particularly well in both hot and iced versions .
Can I make a caramel macchiato less sweet ?
Yes. Reduce the vanilla syrup first, then adjust the caramel sauce to taste. You can also use unsweetened milk .
Caramel Macchiato Recipe Card
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 8 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Serving size: 12 ounces
- Calories: Approximately 240 to 270 kcal
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