If you crave a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and rich flavors in your daily cup of joe, then this Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe is just what you need. It takes your regular coffee experience to a whole new level with luscious salted caramel sauce, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of sea salt that wakes up your taste buds and gives you that cozy, indulgent feeling. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a special weekend treat, this recipe is simple to make but delivers an irresistible coffeehouse vibe right at home.

Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring balance, creaminess, and that signature salted caramel charm. The magic is in how these few elements come together to create a luxurious, comforting drink without any fuss.

1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled: A robust base that gives the drink its coffee punch and ensures it stays lively even when cold.
½ cup milk of choice (whole milk, oat, almond, etc.): Adds creamy texture and softness; feel free to pick your favorite milk that suits your taste or dietary needs.
2–3 Tbsp salted caramel sauce (store‑bought or homemade): The star ingredient that blends sweet and salty for a decadent flavor.
1–2 tsp granulated sugar (optional): Adjusts sweetness to taste, especially if your caramel sauce isn’t very sweet.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with caramel.
Pinch fine sea salt (optional): Enhances and elevates the salted caramel flavor with a subtle salty kick.
Ice cubes: To keep your coffee refreshingly cold and crisp.

How to Make Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe

Step 1: Brew and Chill

Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee; the intensity here is key since it will be diluted with milk and ice. Once brewed, let it chill completely in the fridge. This step ensures your final drink is refreshingly cold without getting bitter from hot coffee mixing with ice.

Step 2: Mix Milk and Flavors

In a glass or a shaker, combine your milk of choice, vanilla extract, granulated sugar if using, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Whisk or shake until fully blended. This creamy, lightly sweetened mixture will harmonize beautifully with the coffee and caramel.

Step 3: Combine Coffee and Milk Mixture

Pour the chilled coffee into the milk mixture and stir or shake it well until everything is perfectly blended. This step ensures you get that smooth, balanced taste where the coffee and milk flavors dance together.

Step 4: Prepare Your Glass

Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes. The ice not only chills the drink but also helps mellow and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Step 5: Add Coffee Milk and Caramel Drizzle

Pour your coffee and milk mixture over the ice. Then generously drizzle salted caramel sauce both inside the edges of the glass and on top of the drink. For a visually stunning effect, you can swirl the caramel gently or leave it layered proudly on top.

Step 6: Final Taste and Adjustments

Give your drink a gentle stir to mix in the caramel if you like it throughout the coffee, or sip it as is to enjoy that initial burst of caramel sweetness followed by coffee richness. Adjust sweetness or add more caramel to taste.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe by adding a few creative touches like a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a whipped cream topping crowned with a caramel drizzle. These small details make the drink feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This decadent coffee pairs wonderfully with buttery pastries or baked treats. Think warm croissants, cinnamon rolls, or even a slice of chocolate cake for the ultimate indulgence. The combination balances the rich salted caramel notes with something equally comforting on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this drink in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful caramel swirls, or use a mason jar with a straw for a casual, trendy vibe. Ice cubes made from coffee can add an extra layer of flavor as they melt, making each sip perfectly chilled without becoming watered down.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover salted caramel coffee (which is rare because it’s so delicious), keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and consume within 24 hours to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing this drink is not recommended because the dairy and caramel can separate or change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day when stored in the fridge.

Reheating

This recipe shines as a chilled treat, so reheating isn’t ideal. However, if you want to enjoy it warm, omit the ice, heat the coffee and milk mixture gently, and stir in warm salted caramel sauce right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade salted caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel sauce works beautifully and lets you control sweetness and saltiness. It adds a personal touch that can elevate your Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe even further.

What kind of milk works best?

It depends on your preference—whole milk gives richness, while oat or almond milk offer creaminess with a lighter feel. Experiment to find your favorite pairing with salted caramel and coffee.

Is it possible to make this drink vegan?

Yes, by choosing plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy and using a vegan salted caramel sauce, you can enjoy this recipe without dairy.

How strong should the coffee be?

Brew your coffee on the stronger side since it’s diluted by milk and ice. This ensures the coffee flavor remains prominent and balanced against the sweet caramel.

Can I adjust the sweetness of this Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe?

Definitely! The amount of caramel and sugar is flexible, so feel free to tweak it to your liking. Some like it sweeter, others prefer a subtle touch of salted caramel.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and fun about mixing up this Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe at home. It brings a cafe-quality indulgence to your kitchen with minimal effort and so much flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you’ll love sipping it. Go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve that perfect blend of salty, sweet, and coffee bliss.

Salted Caramel Coffee Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A rich and indulgent Salted Caramel Coffee recipe that combines chilled strong brewed coffee with creamy milk, homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce, and a touch of vanilla and sea salt for a perfectly balanced sweet and salty coffee treat. Ideal for a refreshing iced coffee drink or a dessert beverage.

Ingredients

Scale

Coffee Base

1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled

Milk Mixture

½ cup milk of choice (whole milk, oat, almond, etc.)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tsp granulated sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
Pinch fine sea salt (optional, for extra salted kick)

Additional Ingredients

2–3 Tbsp salted caramel sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
Ice cubes

Instructions

Brew Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method and set it aside to cool completely. Chilling the coffee ensures your drink stays cold without diluting the flavor.
Mix Milk and Flavorings: In a glass or shaker, combine the milk of your choice, vanilla extract, sugar if using, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir or shake until the ingredients are well blended and the sugar is dissolved.
Add Coffee: Pour the chilled coffee into the milk mixture and stir or shake gently to mix thoroughly, creating a smooth coffee-milk blend.
Prepare Glass with Ice: Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes to keep your drink refreshingly cool.
Combine Drink and Ice: Pour the coffee and milk mixture over the ice in your prepared glass.
Add Salted Caramel: Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce over the top of the drink and around the inside edges of the glass for a visually appealing look and intense flavor.
Swirl or Layer: Gently stir the drink to swirl the caramel throughout or leave the caramel on top for a layered, decorative effect.
Taste and Adjust: Sample your drink and add more caramel sauce or sugar if desired to reach your preferred level of sweetness and saltiness.

Notes

Use strong brewed coffee to ensure bold flavor that stands up to milk and caramel.
Adjust sugar and salted caramel quantities according to preference for sweetness and saltiness.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or another plant-based milk.
Homemade salted caramel sauce enhances flavor and allows control over salt and sugar levels.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for brewing and chilling coffee if made fresh)
Category: Beverage
Method: Brew, mix, and assemble
Cuisine: American