Caramel Coffee Recipe – Easy Iced Indian-Style Coffee Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Caramel Coffee Recipe – Easy Iced Indian-Style Coffee Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a good cup of coffee is essential to getting through the day. But sometimes, you want something a little extra, right? This Caramel Coffee recipe is my go-to when I’m craving a sweet, cool treat – and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! It’s inspired by the delicious iced coffees you find all over India, but with a little extra caramel love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? It takes just a minute to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day, a delightful afternoon indulgence, or even a special treat to share with friends. Plus, it’s totally customizable – I’ll show you how to make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy caramel coffee:

• 1/3 cup brewed coffee (about 80ml)
• 1.5 tablespoons caramel sauce (approx. 22ml)
• 1/2 cup full cream milk (120ml)
• 2-3 ice cubes
• Optional: Whipped cream for topping
• Optional: Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Brewed Coffee/Espresso Options & Strength

I usually use strong brewed coffee for this, but espresso works beautifully too! If you’re using espresso, about a single shot (30ml) is perfect. Feel free to adjust the strength to your liking – if you prefer a milder coffee, use a weaker brew.

Caramel Sauce – Homemade vs. Store-Bought

You can absolutely use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. I won’t judge! But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade caramel sauce is divine. It adds such a rich, buttery flavor.

Milk – Full Cream vs. Alternatives

Full cream milk gives the coffee a lovely creamy texture, which is how I grew up enjoying it. However, you can easily substitute with your favorite milk alternative – almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well. Just keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.

Regional Variations in Sweetness & Coffee Type

In South India, coffee is often much stronger and traditionally enjoyed with a generous amount of sugar. In North India, you’ll find more variations with flavored syrups. Feel free to adjust the caramel to match your preferred sweetness level!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, in a glass, combine your cooled brewed coffee (or espresso) and caramel sauce. Now, this is important – make sure the coffee is cooled! Otherwise, the caramel might melt too quickly.
2. Give it a good froth with a milk frother, or just stir really well until the caramel is completely dissolved. You want that beautiful, even caramel swirl.
3. Next, add 2-3 ice cubes to the glass. I like to use larger cubes so they don’t melt as quickly and dilute the coffee.
4. Slowly pour chilled milk over the coffee mixture. This helps to create a nice layered effect.
5. Finally, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, if desired. Stir gently and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make your caramel coffee even better:

Achieving the Perfect Froth

A milk frother is your best friend here, but if you don’t have one, a whisk works too! Just whisk vigorously until the coffee and caramel are well combined and slightly frothy.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Taste as you go! Add more caramel sauce if you like it sweeter, or less if you prefer a more subtle flavor.

Preventing Watery Coffee

Using enough ice is key! And don’t let the coffee sit for too long after adding the ice, or it will become diluted.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Caramel Coffee

Swap the full cream milk for your favorite plant-based milk and use a vegan caramel sauce. It’s just as delicious!

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Cinnamon

My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom to her coffee. It’s a lovely warming spice that complements the caramel beautifully. A dash of cinnamon is also fantastic.

Festival Adaptations – A Special Treat for Diwali or Eid

During festivals, I like to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pistachios or almonds) on top of the whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

Sugar-Free Option

Use a sugar-free caramel sauce and your preferred sugar substitute to enjoy a guilt-free treat!

Serving Suggestions

This caramel coffee is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a light pastry or a small biscuit. It’s a lovely addition to brunch or a cozy afternoon tea.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this coffee is best enjoyed immediately. The ice will melt and the flavors will blend over time. But if you absolutely have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours, but the texture won’t be the same.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make this coffee ahead of time?

You can brew the coffee and prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the drink just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the best type of coffee to use for this recipe?

Strong brewed coffee or espresso works best. Experiment to find your favorite!

Can I use hot coffee instead of cooled coffee?

While you can, the caramel sauce will melt and blend in completely, rather than creating a nice swirl. Cooling the coffee first is recommended.

How can I adjust the caramel flavor intensity?

Simply add more or less caramel sauce to suit your taste.

Is it possible to make this a blended iced coffee drink?

Absolutely! Just add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. You might need to add a little extra milk to get the desired consistency.