Five Steps to the perfect caramel macchiato:

1. Ice: To a tall glass, add about five large ice cubes (about a cup of ice).

2. Milk. Add one cup of milk on top of ice.

3. Flavoring: You can choose one of two methods, if you are in a hurry, do the first method. If not, then I suggest Method Two which is similar to the flavoring you would buy in the store!

Method One: Add a very scant 1/4 (more like just a drop) teaspoon of vanilla extract + two to three packets of your favorite substitute sugar on top of the milk. Mix with milk and ice.

Method Two: (This is best to make ahead of time) Bring the cup of sugar and 1/4 cup water to a boil without mixing (only swirling the pan) until sugar crystals are dissolved. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Let cool and store in a glass jar. Use 2 Tablespoons of this to flavor the drink. Add this on top of the milk and ice and mix to combine.

4. Espresso. You will need a half a cup of espresso. To make this in an espresso machine add a half a cup + two Tablespoons of water, as some of it will evaporate. If you do not have an espresso machine you can make a VERY strong 1/2 cup of coffee.

To add the coffee to your drink grab a large spoon and hold the back of it right over the milk and pour, this way the coffee doesn’t mix with the milk (it will just sit on top of it).

5. Caramel Sauce. You can use store-bought caramel sauce of any kind, or you can make my homemade recipe in my recipe box.

Drizzle about 2 Tablespoons of caramel sauce around the edges of the cup and over the top of the drink.

Voila! You’re done! You now have a Starbucks-quality drink on your hands, and for only a fraction of the cost! Don’t get too excited!

*Note: for a HOT Caramel Macchiato you can steam the milk and leave out the ice. A great addition to this is whipped cream. Enjoy!