Is there a drink that Starbucks has popularized more than its signature caramel macchiato? The rich, dark espresso pairs so well with the drink’s creamy steamed milk, and the salty-sweet caramel drizzle pulls the whole drink together into a heavenly concoction. I’m drooling just thinking about it!
Rather than spend your paycheck on an overpriced drink just for a paper cup with a siren on it, why not try making it at home? The results will be as delicious and even more Instagram-worthy than paying full price.
In this article, we will walk you through how you can make a delicious Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. Let’s get started!
What is a Macchiato?
Defining a macchiato is a tricky business due to its popularization in America. Macchiatos have been adapted so drastically that you almost never know what to expect when you order one! In Italy, where they originated, the macchiato is a small cup filled with espresso and a bit of steamed milk. The milk cuts the bitter taste to make the drink more palatable.
This is probably far different from the macchiatos you may have ordered in the past! To many Americans, and especially at the green mermaid, a macchiato is almost a latte. Starbucks brews its macchiatos in a nearly identical method to the way they brew lattes, but the macchiato is layered differently than a latte.
A Starbucks latte consists of espresso at the bottom, then flavored syrups with steamed milk, and is topped with frothy milk foam. A Starbucks Macchiato has syrup at the bottom, steamed milk next, and espresso at the top of the cup. It has more distinct layers than a latte and is typically served without stirring.
Traditional Italian macchiatos are almost never served with syrups or sugar. The dash of steamed milk that is added to the espresso is enough to curb the bitter and acidic taste on its own. For those of us with a huge sweet tooth, however, milk is not enough.
Caramel Macchiatos, delicious as they are, are not real macchiatos. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them all the same. The syrup’s sweetness and saltiness perfectly pair with espresso’s rich flavor to create a truly heavenly drink. I think the Italians can forgive us for altering this drink. How is a Caramel Macchiato Different from a Caramel Latte?
The answer to this question depends on where you are in the world. In Italy, a latte is literally just steamed milk. There are no espresso or flavorings added.
The Italians define a macchiato as espresso with a dash of steamed milk to cut the bitterness and enhance the espresso’s flavor. To them, there is no such thing as a caramel macchiato or a caramel latte.
Here in America, however, we love our sugar. If you order a caramel macchiato, you will probably get a cup of steamed milk and espresso topped with caramel drizzle. Delicious. But how is this different from a latte?
Every coffee shop brews its drinks a little differently, so it is best just to ask the barista you are ordering from. However, if you are on a Starbucks run, the difference between a macchiato and a latte is the placement of the espresso.
Starbucks caramel macchiatos are made with caramel syrup at the bottom and then filled with steamed milk. Espresso shots are pulled on top of the milk and tend to form a distinctive layer in the drink. It is then topped with caramel drizzle.
A Starbucks latte tends to be well mixed, so there aren’t distinctive layers. Additionally, the espresso is pulled first, so it forms the bottommost layer of the drink.
What is an Upside Down Caramel Macchiato?
An upside-down caramel macchiato is just a latte! The only real distinction between a Starbucks macchiato and a Starbucks latte is the order of ingredients, so ordering an upside-down macchiato just makes a latte with caramel drizzle.
That being said, macchiatos are more expensive than lattes, so if you are looking to save a few bucks but still get your favorite drink, order a caramel latte with extra caramel drizzle. Starbucks provides caramel drizzle for free. If you are ever looking to take your Starbucks drink to the next level, try adding it to the order!
What does Starbucks use for Caramel Drizzle on the Caramel Macchiato?
Starbucks owns its own brand of sauces, mixes, and syrups to create signature drinks. While other brands can get close in flavor, if you are looking for an exact replica of a Starbucks caramel macchiato, you’ll have to purchase their caramel sauce.
Starbucks uses Fontana Caramel Sauce to get that thick, buttery taste. I’ve never encountered a caramel sauce that is as sweet and salty in flavor as Starbucks’ own.
The good news is that it is easy to find. Amazon has several 63 fl oz bottles for a good price. Not to mention, you can buy directly through the Starbucks website. A little-known secret is that if your local Starbucks has enough in stock, they can sell their caramel sauce by the bottle! Just ask your barista!
Best Copycat Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Recipe
Nothing beats a Starbucks caramel macchiato. Well, nothing except the perfect replica you can create in your own home for a fraction of the price! Who needs to leave their house for a Starbucks run when you can have endless caramel macchiatos in your own kitchen?
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong coffee (or two shots of espresso)
- ½ cup steamed milk
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
- Caramel drizzle to taste
Instructions
- Fill your mug with steamed milk and stir in the caramel syrup
- Add the coffee or espresso gently on top of the steamed milk
- Using a spoon, drizzle the caramel sauce in a crosshatch pattern on top of the steamed milk.
- Take a picture of your delicious creation and enjoy!
Conclusion
Caramel macchiatos aren’t singular to Starbucks. Most coffee shops nowadays are able to brew salty-sweet drinks easily, but who would want to spend money on an overpriced coffee when you could be making it yourself for a fraction of the price?
Stay in your pajamas, put down your wallet, and use this recipe to create your favorite Starbucks order at home.