let's make a café-style treat at home: an Iced Caramel Latte topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
We'll walk through exactly what this drink is, the ingredients (with precise amounts), the tools we need, and a clear step-by-step method so we get a reliably delicious result every time.
This is a cool, sweet, and creamy coffee drink—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or for serving friends.
What we're making
We're making one 350 ml serving: a cold milk base with a shot of espresso, finished with a soft whipped cream cap, a caramel drizzle, and optional crunchy crumbs. The final drink balances coffee bitterness, milky softness, and caramel sweetness, with a creamy top that makes every sip feel special.
Ingredients (for 1 — 350 ml serving)
- Fresh coffee beans: 18 g (to yield ~30 ml espresso)
- Cold milk: 200 ml (whole milk recommended; use oat or almond for dairy-free)
- Ice cubes: enough to fill the glass (about 150–180 g of ice)
- Caramel sauce: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) for lining + 10 ml (2 teaspoons) for drizzle
- Heavy whipping cream: 60 g
- Granulated sugar: 5 g (about 1 teaspoon) — for the whipped cream
- Optional garnish: crushed caramel cookies or biscuit crumbs 5–8 g
Equipment
- Espresso machine (preferred) or an alternative brewer (Moka device, Aeropress, or strong brewed coffee)
- Tall glass (approx. 350 ml capacity)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer (for whipping cream)
- Piping bag or spoon (for topping cream)
- Measuring spoons / kitchen scale
Step-by-step method
Step 1 — Brew the espresso:
Grind 18 g coffee beans to fine espresso grind. Pull a single shot of espresso (~30 ml). If using an alternative method, brew about 60 ml of very strong coffee and set aside. Let the espresso cool for 30–60 seconds so it doesn't melt the ice too quickly.
Step 2 — Chill the glass (optional):
Place the empty glass in the freezer for 3–5 minutes—this helps keep the drink cold longer.
Step 3 — Make the whipped cream:
Pour 60 g heavy cream into a bowl. Add 5 g sugar. Whisk with an electric mixer for about 40–90 seconds until soft peaks form (the cream should hold shape but still be pillowy). Transfer to a piping bag or cover and keep chilled until ready.
Step 4 — Line the glass with caramel:
Drizzle 15 ml caramel sauce around the inside wall of the chilled glass—turn the glass as you drizzle so the caramel creates streaks. This adds flavor and the classic café look.
Step 5 — Add ice:
Fill the glass with ice cubes to about ¾ full (roughly 150–180 g of ice).
Step 6 — Pour the milk:
Slowly pour 200 ml cold milk into the glass so it settles around the ice. Leave about 20–30 ml of headspace for the espresso and cream.
Step 7 — Add the espresso:
Gently pour the 30 ml espresso over the milk. Pour slowly down the side or use the back of a spoon to keep distinct layers if you like a layered look.
Step 8 — Top with whipped cream:
Spoon or pipe the chilled whipped cream (~60 g) on top of the drink to form a smooth, generous cap.
Step 9 — Finish and garnish: Drizzle the remaining 10 ml caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle 5–8 g crushed caramel cookie crumbs if using. Serve immediately with a straw or a small spoon.
Quick timing guide
- Espresso extraction: 30–40 seconds
- Whipping cream: 40–90 seconds
- Assembly: 2–3 minutes
Total active time: ~8–10 minutes (faster if whipped cream is prepared in advance).
Variations & swaps
- For a richer drink, use whole milk; for lighter, use low-fat or plant milk.
- Hazelnut or vanilla syrup: add 5–10 ml to the milk before pouring for a flavored twist.
- Mocha style: swap half the caramel for chocolate sauce for a chocolate-caramel latte.
- Make it sugar-free by choosing a sugar-free caramel syrup and skipping sugar in the whipped cream.
Make-ahead tips
- Whipped cream holds in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Keep caramel sauce refrigerated per package instructions and warm slightly before use if it's too thick.
Enjoy Your Latte
Lykkers, this recipe gives us a consistent, café-style iced caramel latte every time—rich espresso, cold milk, a fluffy cream cap, and the perfect caramel finish. Now that the steps and amounts are clear, shall we try making one together and tweak the sweetness to our taste? Let's brew, top, and enjoy!
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Video by My Ginger Garlic Kitchen Recip
