All you need are four simple ingredients to make this caramel iced coffee. This easy recipe shows you how to prepare a sweet, creamy iced coffee at home for a fraction of the cost of a café drink. Treat it as your new morning ritual.
I prefer making this at home. While I enjoy visiting a local coffee shop occasionally, there’s something satisfying about waking up and crafting a café-quality drink in your own kitchen. This recipe is forgiving, so you can get it right on the first try.
If you want a cold, flavorful alternative to hot coffee, this homemade caramel iced coffee is perfect. It recreates that popular coffeehouse flavor without leaving your home.
Ingredients
- Cold coffee – Use leftover brewed coffee, cold brew, or cooled instant coffee.
- Half and half – Adds richness and creaminess to the drink.
- Caramel syrup – Any store-bought caramel sauce or syrup works.
- Ice cubes – For chill and dilution control.
- Simple syrup (optional) – Add if you prefer a sweeter drink.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Caramel Iced Coffee
Step One: Add the caramel syrup and half and half to a tall glass and stir until combined.
Step Two: Pour in the cold coffee.
Step Three: Add ice cubes and stir to chill the drink.
Step Four: Top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel, if desired.
Top Tip
For a stronger coffee taste without dilution, freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray and use coffee ice cubes. Make them ahead so they’re fully frozen when you assemble the drink.
Substitutions
- Milk: Substitute skim, whole, or low-fat milk for half and half.
- Dairy-free: Use almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk. Texture and creaminess will vary by choice.
- Sugar-free: Swap in sugar-free caramel syrup and a sugar-free simple syrup if desired.
Variations
- Seasonal twist: Use a seasonal-flavored coffee—pumpkin spice or a flavored roast—to turn this into a fall-inspired iced latte. The caramel pairs well with many spice profiles.
Common Questions
Yes. Prepare a large batch and refrigerate it without ice. Add ice when ready to serve to avoid dilution.
Absolutely. Use decaffeinated coffee to keep the same flavor without the caffeine.
Related
Try other cold coffee recipes for variety, such as vanilla or mocha iced coffee.
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Virgin Strawberry Mojito
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Honey Lavender Syrup
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Coffee Drinks
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Caramel Iced Coffee
Recipe
Caramel Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 8 oz cold coffee
- 2 oz half and half
- 1 oz caramel syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
Instructions
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Mix the half and half and caramel syrup until smooth.
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Add ice cubes to a glass and pour in the cold coffee.
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Pour the half-and-half and caramel mixture over the coffee, stir, and top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 20.9 g
Protein: 2.6 g
Fat: 6.9 g
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