Name: Caramel Iced Coffee
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Ingredients: 1 cup ice cubes; 1 cup cold brew coffee (mild-medium strength, unsweetened and unflavored); 2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup (Torani brand for flavoring drinks); ⅓ cup whole milk; 1 squirt whipped topping; 1 serving caramel dessert sauce (Ghirardelli brand in the squeeze bottle)

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The moment I took my first sip of the Caramel Iced Coffee, I knew I was hooked. It was a hot summer afternoon, and all I could think about was a refreshing drink to cool me down. As I prepared this delightful beverage, the rich aroma of cold brew coffee filled the air, and my anticipation grew. The combination of the chilled coffee and the sweet, salted caramel syrup created a perfect harmony that danced on my taste buds. Each slurp was a reminder of why I love crafting this drink at home. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, a moment of joy in an otherwise hectic day.

Picture this: you’re sitting on the porch as the sun sets, and you have a frosty glass of Caramel Iced Coffee in hand. The sweet, creamy taste paired with a little whipped topping is pure bliss. This drink is perfect for gatherings, lazy afternoons, or even as a pick-me-up when you need a little boost. Making it at home not only saves you money but also allows you to customize it to your liking. You can make it sweeter, creamier, or even add a sprinkle of chocolate for that extra touch. Whatever you choose, your homemade Caramel Iced Coffee will be a hit!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
3 mins

Prep Time:
3 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
2g g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10g g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon

Why This Caramel Iced Coffee Stands Out

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Let me share why I absolutely adore this Caramel Iced Coffee recipe:

1. Refreshing Summer Treat

When the heat is on, this beverage is the perfect way to cool down. The ice cubes and cold brew coffee create a refreshing sensation that’s hard to beat. Every sip feels like a mini vacation!

2. Easy to Customize

Whether you prefer it sweeter or with a splash more milk, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your personal taste, making it unique every time you prepare it.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

This Caramel Iced Coffee is not just for summer afternoons; it’s a great drink for any occasion! Serve it at brunch, during a casual get-together, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up.

4. Simple Ingredients

All you need are a few ingredients you likely already have at home: ice, cold brew coffee, caramel syrup, and milk. This simplicity guarantees that you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes!

5. An Instant Hit

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love this drink. Its sweet, creamy taste appeals to both coffee enthusiasts and those who prefer sweeter beverages.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Caramel Iced Coffee

The ingredients for this Caramel Iced Coffee come together in a harmonious blend that enhances the coffee experience. Each component plays a vital role, from the ice cubes that chill the drink to the salted caramel syrup adding that sweet twist. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

1 cup ice cubes
1 cup cold brew coffee (mild-medium strength, unsweetened and unflavored)
2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup (Torani brand for flavoring drinks)
⅓ cup whole milk
Squirt whipped topping
Caramel dessert sauce (Ghirardelli brand in the squeeze bottle)

The Method for Caramel Iced Coffee

Making this Caramel Iced Coffee is a breeze and can be done in just a few simple steps. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making this drink in no time!

Add the ice cubes to a 16-ounce glass, filling it to the top with the ice.
Pour in the cold brew coffee, ensuring it covers the ice and fills the glass about three-quarters full.
Next, add the salted caramel syrup to the glass, allowing it to blend beautifully with the coffee.
Pour in whole milk to your desired creaminess, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish the top with a generous squirt of whipped topping, creating a cloud of cream.
For the finishing touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped topping, letting it cascade down.
Enjoy your Caramel Iced Coffee immediately, before the ice begins to melt!
If you want to take it a step further, consider making coffee ice cubes. Pour cold brew coffee into an ice cube tray, freeze it, and use these cubes instead of regular ice to prevent dilution.
For those on the go, opt for a 20-ounce cup that accommodates the whipped cream and caramel drizzle under a flat lid.

Things Worth Knowing

Experiment with flavors: You can use flavored coffee syrups or even flavored milk to give your Caramel Iced Coffee a unique twist.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the coffee and syrup you use, the more delicious your drink will be.
Keep it cold: To maintain the flavor, ensure your coffee and milk are nice and cold before mixing.
Adjust sweetness: If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more syrup to suit your palate.

Tips for Success

To help you perfect your Caramel Iced Coffee, here are some tips that will guide you through the process:

Storage: Store any leftover caramel iced coffee in the refrigerator, but be aware that it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze coffee in ice cube trays to use for future drinks, ensuring that your iced coffee stays cold without watering it down.
Pairing: This drink pairs wonderfully with baked goods like muffins or cookies for a delightful treat.
For an extra twist: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salted caramel experience.
Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker drink, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk.

Side Dish Ideas for Caramel Iced Coffee

Serving Caramel Iced Coffee is all about creating the right atmosphere. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy it:

Breakfast Treat: Pair your Caramel Iced Coffee with pancakes or waffles for a satisfying breakfast or brunch spread.
Midday Snack: It’s a fantastic accompaniment to a light lunch, such as a salad or sandwich, serving as a refreshing beverage.
Summer Gatherings: Serve this drink at parties or barbecues, offering guests a cooling refreshment during warm weather.
Seasonal Festivities: Whether it’s an outdoor picnic or a holiday gathering, Caramel Iced Coffee can elevate the moment.
Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge, but it’s always best enjoyed fresh!

FAQ

Absolutely! While cold brew is a great base for this drink, you can use regular brewed coffee. Just make sure to chill it beforehand for the best results. Brew the coffee as you normally would, allow it to cool, and then follow the same recipe steps.

If you’re looking to lighten up your Caramel Iced Coffee, consider using low-fat milk or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk. You can also reduce the amount of caramel syrup to lower the sugar content while still enjoying that sweet flavor.

To enhance your Caramel Iced Coffee, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. A splash of vanilla syrup can also elevate the flavor profile. If you enjoy chocolate, a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top can make it even more decadent!

Yes, you can easily make a vegan version of Caramel Iced Coffee. Simply replace the whole milk with a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk, and ensure that the caramel syrup you use is also vegan-friendly. Enjoy a delightful and cruelty-free beverage!

Conclusion

The Caramel Iced Coffee is more than just a refreshing drink; it’s a delightful treat that can brighten up your day. With its sweet and creamy flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or enjoying a weekend brunch. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you won’t regret it!