Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe

Picture this: the rich, inviting aroma of freshly brewed espresso mingling with the sweet, buttery notes of caramel, all brought together in one frosty, refreshing glass. The first sip greets your taste buds with creamy milk and a gentle kiss of sea salt, creating that perfect balance of sweet and savory. This Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe isn’t just a drink—it’s a mini escape to your favorite cozy café, right in your own kitchen. Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or a decadent treat, this recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, this latte is perfect when you want an indulgent coffee fix without waiting around.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like espresso, milk, and caramel sauce—no complicated shopping required.
• Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s a morning boost or an afternoon delight, this latte fits effortlessly into your daily routine.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a pinch of sea salt, it looks as luxurious as any café creation.
• Customizable: Swap dairy milk for your favorite plant-based alternative or adjust the caramel and salt to nail your perfect flavor balance.

Why This Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it blends simplicity with a few brilliant tricks. First, brewing strong espresso ensures a rich coffee base that cuts through the sweetness. Mixing caramel sauce directly into the warm espresso helps it dissolve completely, infusing every sip with luscious flavor. Adding a pinch of sea salt is a game changer—it enhances the caramel’s buttery depth and balances the sweetness beautifully. Finally, serving it over ice and fresh milk keeps the latte refreshingly cool and creamy, creating the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting this sensational drink.

• Espresso (2 shots, about 2 oz): The bold backbone of the latte, delivering deep coffee flavor.
• Milk (1 cup): Choose whole milk or a milk alternative to add creamy richness.
• Caramel Sauce (3 tablespoons): Sweet and buttery, this adds the signature caramel flavor.
• Sea Salt (a pinch): Adds a surprising savory contrast to enhance sweetness.
• Ice Cubes (1 cup): Chill and refresh your latte to perfection.
• Whipped Cream (optional): For that extra splash of indulgence on top.
• Extra Caramel Sauce: For drizzling and glamorizing the final touch.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Espresso: If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works well—just use about 2 oz.
• Milk: Feel free to use oat, almond, or soy milk as a dairy-free option; each lends a unique flavor and texture.
• Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel sauce or store-bought work interchangeably; just ensure it has that rich, buttery profile.
• Sea Salt: If you don’t have sea salt, a very small pinch of kosher salt can be a fine substitute.

How to Make Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Start by brewing 2 shots of espresso, about 2 ounces. The rich, concentrated coffee flavor is the heart of your salted caramel iced latte. Once brewed, set it aside to cool slightly, or pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to ensure it doesn’t melt your ice instantly.

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong brewed coffee concentrate works just as well for this step.

Step 2: Blend Espresso and Caramel Sauce

Pour the slightly cooled espresso into a tall glass, then add 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce. Stir the two together until the caramel is fully dissolved into the coffee. This mixture creates the luscious, sweet foundation of your latte.

💡 Pro Tip: Warm espresso helps caramel dissolve easier—if your espresso is too cold, you can gently warm it for a few seconds.

Step 3: Add Ice Cubes

Fill your glass with 1 cup of fresh ice cubes. The ice cools the mixture quickly, making your latte delightfully refreshing and perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a cool coffee treat.

💡 Pro Tip: Use large ice cubes to slow melting and keep the drink flavorful longer.

Step 4: Pour Milk Over Ice and Espresso Mixture

Slowly pour 1 cup of milk or your preferred milk alternative over the ice and caramel espresso mix. Stir gently just enough to combine everything into a creamy, smooth blend that looks as good as it tastes.

💡 Pro Tip: Pouring milk slowly over ice helps create beautiful iced latte layers before stirring up the magic.

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream and Caramel Drizzle

For that extra special touch, crown your latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle more caramel sauce across the top to create tempting swirls, inviting you to savor every sip.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a piping bag or a spoon to drizzle caramel in thin streams for an attractive finish.

Step 6: Sprinkle a Pinch of Sea Salt and Serve

Finally, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the whipped cream or directly onto your latte. This finishing flourish amplifies the caramel notes and leaves a subtle savory surprise with every sip. Serve immediately and enjoy!

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overdo the salt; just a tiny pinch is enough to create that signature contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Using hot espresso: Pouring very hot espresso over ice melts it too fast, diluting the drink.
• Skipping sea salt: Without the pinch of salt, the caramel flavor lacks that delightful depth and balance.
• Over-stirring: Stirring too vigorously can flatten the texture and mute the vibrant layers.
• Using low-quality caramel sauce: It’s worth investing in a good caramel sauce or making your own for the richest flavor.
• Ignoring milk alternatives: Not trying plant-based milks can limit flavor nuance—each adds a unique twist!
• Letting the latte sit too long: The ice will melt, watering down the drink and weakening flavors.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe, why not mix things up with these tempting twists?

Vanilla Bean Salted Caramel Latte

Add a splash of vanilla extract or use vanilla-flavored caramel sauce. The vanilla adds a fragrant, sweet warmth that pairs beautifully with the salt and espresso.

Coconut Milk Salted Caramel Latte

Swap the milk for creamy coconut milk to introduce a tropical richness that’s both dairy-free and luxuriously smooth.

Almond-Caramel Iced Latte

Use almond milk and add a handful of crushed toasted almonds on top for a nutty crunch that complements the caramel sweetness perfectly.

Mocha Salted Caramel Latte

Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup with the caramel sauce for a decadent chocolate-caramel coffee mashup.

Spiced Salted Caramel Latte

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving for a cozy, aromatic spin that warms your soul.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe

Garnishes

Delight your senses by topping your latte with whipped cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt. For an elegant touch, dust lightly with cocoa or cinnamon powder.

Side Dishes

This iced latte pairs heavenly with buttery croissants, almond biscotti, or even a slice of moist vanilla pound cake. The sweet and savory coffee complements baked goods beautifully, turning your coffee break into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your latte in clear, tall glasses to showcase the layers of caramel and creamy milk. Add a reusable straw for eco-friendly sipping or present it in a charming mason jar for a rustic vibe. You can also create artistic caramel swirls on the whipped cream for Instagram-worthy shots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover espresso-carame mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the milk and ice separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This latte tastes best fresh; however, you can freeze leftover espresso in ice cube trays to add to future iced drinks without watering them down.

Reheating

Since this is an iced drink, reheating is generally not recommended. If you want a hot version, prepare fresh espresso and warm milk separately, then combine with caramel; omit the ice.

FAQs

Can I use instant espresso for this recipe?

Yes! Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder in a small amount of hot water to substitute for fresh espresso.

Is this drink suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Just use a plant-based milk like oat or almond and ensure the caramel sauce is vegan-friendly.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Definitely. Start with 3 tablespoons of caramel, then add more or less based on your preference. Remember, the sea salt balances the sweetness, so adjust cautiously.

What kind of caramel sauce should I use?

Either store-bought or homemade caramel works. Look for one with a rich, buttery flavor and minimal additives for the best taste.

Can I prepare this drink without an espresso machine?

Yes, strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder works well as a substitute.

How important is the sea salt?

The pinch of sea salt makes all the difference, enhancing the caramel’s complexity and preventing the drink from tasting overly sweet.

Can I make this drink bigger or for more servings?

Of course! Simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need.

What if I don’t have whipped cream?

No worries! The latte is delicious without whipped cream, but adding it gives an extra creamy, indulgent finish.

Final Thoughts

Making this Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe at home feels like giving yourself a warm hug wrapped in cool, caramel goodness. It’s quick enough for a weekday treat and fancy enough to impress guests or turn an ordinary day into something special. Every sip is a delightful dance of bold espresso, creamy milk, luscious caramel, and that surprising pinch of salt that keeps you coming back for more.

Have you tried this Salted Caramel Iced Latte Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! ☕🍯

Print