Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Let me tell you, this Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe has quickly become my absolute favorite afternoon pick-me-up. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy that feels indulgent without ever being overpowering. I love how it’s so simple to whip up at home but tastes like something you’d happily pay for at a café.

What I really enjoy about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can make it in just five minutes and customize it to your taste. Whether you’re craving a refreshing iced coffee on a hot day, or just want to treat yourself during a work break, this salted caramel iced coffee hits the spot every time. Plus, it saves me from a midweek Starbucks run!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe plays a vital role in getting that perfect creamy, sweet, and slightly salty harmony. Plus, when you pick quality ingredients, the final result feels like a café treat right in your own kitchen.

• Salted caramel sauce: This is the star of the show and packs all the flavor you want—make sure it’s good quality or homemade for best results.
• Milk of choice: Whether you love creamy whole milk, almond, oat, or any dairy-free option, this recipe works beautifully with it all.
• Sugar (optional): Adjust sweetness here based on your taste and how sweet your caramel sauce is.
• Espresso or strong brewed coffee: I prefer fresh espresso shots for a bold flavor, but strong brewed coffee works if you don’t have an espresso machine.
• Ice: Adds the refreshing chill, so don’t skimp—lots of ice keeps your drink cool without watering it down too fast.

Variations

I love to play around with this Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find it’s easy to make vegan, adjust sweetness, or even use flavored milk to add another twist.

• Dairy-free version: Using oat or almond milk makes this just as creamy and delicious, plus it’s my go-to when I’m avoiding dairy.
• Extra caramel kick: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top with a pinch of sea salt for a dessert-like treat.
• Mocha twist: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the coffee for a salted caramel mocha style drink that’s rich and cozy.
• Spiced variation: For chilly days, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the mix—it’s surprisingly good!

How to Make Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Glass and Caramel

Start by adding 2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce to your glass. If your caramel has thickened after refrigerating, give it a quick warm-up—just a few seconds in the microwave or a warm water bath—to loosen it up for easy pouring. Trust me, this small step makes a big difference in the final texture and sweetness spread.

Step 2: Add Ice and Milk

Fill the glass generously with ice—don’t be shy, you want your iced coffee cold and refreshing. Then pour 2 cups of your milk of choice over the caramel and ice. I like to use whole milk for creaminess, but oat milk gives a lovely natural sweetness as well.

Step 3: Brew and Sweeten the Coffee

Prepare a strong shot of espresso or brew about ¼ cup of strong coffee. While it’s hot, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar (this depends on how sweet you want it). Make sure the sugar dissolves completely so you don’t end up with gritty spots. This sweetened coffee forms the heart of your drink.

Step 4: Combine and Stir

Pour your sweetened coffee over the milk, caramel, and ice. Give everything a good stir to blend the layers evenly. The caramel sinks at first but quickly mixes in to create that irresistible salted caramel swirl effect. And just like that, your homemade salted caramel iced coffee is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my salted caramel iced coffee with a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt—these simple touches make the flavor pop and look gorgeous. Some days, I even add a swirl of whipped cream for a treat that feels like dessert.

Side Dishes

This iced coffee pairs beautifully with buttery pastries like croissants or a simple biscotti for dunking. When I’m in a brunch mood, I’ll serve it alongside a lemon scone or a slice of coffee cake—it’s a luscious combo every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, I’ve served this salted caramel iced coffee layered in a clear glass to show off those caramel swirls. During gatherings, I set up a make-your-own iced coffee bar with toppings like caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, and cinnamon sticks—it’s a hit with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover coffee mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I usually keep the caramel separate and stir it in fresh when serving to avoid any separation or loss of texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing the full salted caramel iced coffee because the milk tends to separate upon thawing, but you can freeze leftover brewed coffee or espresso to use later—just thaw and prepare fresh milk and caramel when ready.

Reheating

This recipe is best served cold, so reheating isn’t something I recommend. However, if you want to enjoy the salted caramel coffee hot, skip the ice and heat the espresso and milk as you normally would, then stir in the caramel sauce warmed for perfect pouring.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Salted Caramel Iced Coffee (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe enough. It’s become my little luxury that’s easy to make any time, without fancy equipment or ingredients. Whether you’re a coffee lover who wants that perfect sweet and salty combo or someone looking to replicate a café experience at home, this recipe will make you feel like a pro barista. Give it a try—I bet you’ll love it as much as my family and I do!

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