Chocolate Caramel Iced Coffee

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I’ve been obsessed with this Chocolate Caramel Iced Coffee recipe I whipped up. It’s like a dessert and a jolt of energy all rolled into one glorious, icy glass. Seriously, forget those overpriced coffee shop drinks. This is better. And you can make it right at home, in your pajamas, if you want.

Looking for more specialty drinks, try my mocha latte recipe and my refreshing, matcha tea latte

A glass of caramel iced coffee with milk and chocolate drizzle, filled with ice cubes, and topped off with a red-and-white striped straw.

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Why this Homemade Iced Coffee Recipe is a Keeper

This iced chocolate caramel coffee recipe is a definite keeper for a delightful blend of reasons that hit all the right notes:

  • Ultimate Indulgence: It’s a decadent treat that satisfies both your caffeine cravings and your sweet tooth in one fell swoop. It’s like a dessert disguised as a coffee. So if you like your coffee, then you have to make this.
  • Easy Customization: The recipe’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to your exact preferences. Whether you want it sweeter, less sweet, dairy-free, or extra caffeinated, it’s easily adaptable. You decide the amount of caramel.
  • Cost-Effective Luxury: It replicates the experience of a high-end coffee shop drink for a fraction of the price, using readily available ingredients.
  • Refreshing Versatility: Perfect for hot days, it provides a cooling and energizing boost. It’s equally enjoyable as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. Iced coffee is easy to drink any time.
  • Prep-Ahead Convenience: Many of the components can be prepared in advance, making it a quick and easy indulgence whenever you desire.
  • Impressive Presentation: The layered ingredients create a visually appealing drink that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
  • Flavor Harmony: The combination of rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and bold coffee creates a harmonious and irresistible flavor profile.
  • Home-Made Comfort: There’s something special about creating a delicious treat in your own kitchen. It’s a satisfying and comforting experience. Make your own caramel sauce recipe or use your own cold brew recipe.

What Kind of Coffee is Best for this Starbucks Copycat Recipe?

A tall glass  with a red and white striped straw, filled with ice cubes, rests on a marble surface.

Espresso’s concentrated flavor stands up well to milk and ice. It’s the traditional choice for iced lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a moka pot or a strong brew from an aeropress. You can also brew coffee and then chill it quickly. I use a higher coffee-to-water ratio than usual to compensate for the dilution from ice. Cold brew is a great option too.

Pro Tip for Chocolate Iced Caramel Coffee

Freeze coffee in ice cube trays so your drink won’t be diluted.

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Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions to Make Caramel Iced Coffee

I love to make this iced caramel coffee at home. I use this recipe and it is better than the local coffee shop or starbucks. Here are some of the ingredients you need to make this recipe, scroll down to the recipe card.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

French press with coffee, a small white pitcher, and a bowl of caramel sauce are arranged left to right, inviting thoughts of a delightful drink.
  • Strong Brewed Coffee: I brew my favorite brand of coffee.
    • VARIATION: I have also tried this recipe with cold brew. You make or buy cold brew from the store no need for a coffee maker.
  • Half and Half: It is the right combination of creamy and rich.
    • VARIATION: You can use heavy cream or whole milk.
  • VARIATION: Caramel Macchiato Iced Coffee: Add vanilla syrup and a drizzle of caramel on top.
  • Protein Iced Coffee: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the cold coffee when making this drink for a meal replacement.

How to Make Chocolate Salted Caramel Coffee 

Honestly, this drink is my new go-to. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a hot day, and it satisfies my sweet cravings without being too heavy. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge. You won’t regret it. It is so easy to make it at home.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

  1. Prep: Make the coffee and add the caramel.
  2. Cool: Next, allow the coffee to cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then add coffee ice cubes to the glasses.
  3. Half and Half: Then add the half and half and pour the coffee over the ice.
  4. Drizzle: Top with chocolate and caramel sauce.

Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make this Recipe

You can get a head start for your iced coffee at home by doing the following:

  • Brew coffee or espresso: Brew a large batch of cold brew and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Make your syrups: You can make your own caramel and chocolate syrups or use store-bought ones. You can make homemade caramel sauce or buy caramel sauce too.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Coffee Drink

If you love coffee then you can use it to make a few creative things for this easy homemade caramel iced coffee.

  • Storing: The best way to store this delicious coffee is in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container or a sealed jar.
  • Freezing-Make Coffee Ice Cubes: The best way to freeze leftover coffee is to pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can use these coffee ice cubes in future iced coffee drinks to prevent dilution of this easy recipe.
  • Using Leftovers: Use leftovers for coffee smoothies or coffee milkshakes.

Common Questions About This Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe

Can I use sugar-free syrups to make an easy latte?

You bet! Sugar-free caramel and chocolate syrups work great. Sugar free caramel sauce is a great alternative too.

Can I make a caramel iced coffee dairy-free?

Use your favorite non-dairy milk such as coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk or oat milk and whipped topping.

What is the difference between sauce and syrup?

Syrup is generally a thinner liquid and sauce is a thicker, richer product that provides a thicker caramel flavor to the iced caramel latte.

Can I use decaf coffee for this McDonald’s Caramel iced coffee?

Of course, you can use decaf or half-caf cold brew for your iced drink.

A tall glass of caramel iced coffee with a striped straw sits on a marble surface, accompanied by a folded napkin and spoon.

Expert Tips for Making this Easy Caramel Iced Coffee

You control the amount of coffee, the amount of caramel sauce to make the best iced coffee recipe. That is why you will love this recipe.

  • Use good quality coffee or cold brew or espresso: It makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. Making your coffee with a coffee you use and enjoy.
  • Chill your coffee: Don’t use hot coffee, it will melt the ice and make a watery drink.
  • Use ice, lots of ice: This keeps the homemade iced caramel coffee drink cold and refreshing.
  • Layer your ingredients when you make this iced coffee: For a pretty presentation, layer the syrups, coffee, milk, and whipped topping.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel syrup for a extra salted caramel twist or buy a store-bought caramel sauce.
  • Serve this caramel iced coffee at home with: Try a treat such as my, Snickers Cake, Smores Cookies or Easy Homemade Brownies.

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A glass of caramel iced coffee with milk and chocolate drizzle, filled with ice cubes, and topped off with a red-and-white striped straw.

Chocolate Caramel Iced Coffee

5 from 2 votes
I’ve been obsessed with this Chocolate Caramel Iced Coffee recipe I whipped up. It’s like a dessert and a jolt of energy all rolled into one glorious, icy glass. Seriously, forget those overpriced coffee shop drinks. This is better. And you can make it right at home, in your pajamas, if you want.
Prep Time : 5 minutes
Cook Time : 30 minutes
Total Time : 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Beverages and Cocktails
Calories: 283kcal

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Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 cups strong hot brewed coffee
  • 2 tablespoons Salted Caramel flavoring, I use Torani
  • 6-8 coffee ice cubes
  • 1.5 cups half and half
  • Drizzle of chocolate salted caramel sauce, I use Torani

Instructions
 

  • While the coffee is still hot, add the salted caramel flavoring.
  • Allow the coffee to cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Add coffee ice cubes to the glasses.
  • Divide the half and half between the glasses.
  • Pour cold coffee mixture into each glass.
  • Drizzle the chocolate salted caramel sauce into each glass.
  • Serve immediately.

Christina’s Notes

  • Use good quality coffee or cold brew or espresso: It makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. Making your coffee with a coffee you use and enjoy.
  • Chill your coffee: Don’t use hot coffee, it will melt the ice and make a watery drink.
  • Use ice, lots of ice: This keeps the homemade iced caramel coffee drink cold and refreshing.
  • Layer your ingredients when you make this iced coffee: For a pretty presentation, layer the syrups, coffee, milk, and whipped topping.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel syrup for a extra salted caramel twist or buy a store-bought caramel sauce.
  • Serve this caramel iced coffee at home with: Try a treat such as my, Snickers Cake, Smores Cookies or Easy Homemade Brownies.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 340mg | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 661IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 208mg | Iron: 0.1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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