Caramel Apple Iced Coffee (Step-by-Step Recipe)
This comes together fast, smells like fall, and tastes even better than it sounds.
Equipment
- A tall glass or mason jar
- Spoon or small whisk for stirring
- Measuring Spoons:
- Small bowl or cup for mixing the syrup
- Optional: milk frother (if you want that creamy café finish)
Ingredients
- For the Coffee Base:
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (or chilled brewed coffee)
- Ice cubes
- For the Apple Caramel Flavor:
- 1–2 tablespoons apple syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- For the Creamy Finish:
- ¼–½ cup milk or cream (dairy, oat, or almond)
- Whipped cream (optional topping)
- Extra caramel drizzle and cinnamon dust for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1) Prepare the Coffee Base: Start with your favorite cold brew or a strong brewed coffee you’ve cooled ahead of time. Then fill a tall glass halfway with ice.
- Step 2) Mix the Apple Caramel Flavor: In a small cup, stir together the apple syrup, caramel sauce, and cinnamon. If you like your drinks sweeter, add a teaspoon of brown sugar and mix until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3) Assemble the Drink: Pour the coffee over the ice, then slowly stir in the apple-caramel mixture. And watch how the colors ripple through the glass. You can add milk or cream to your taste and give it one more gentle stir.
- Step 4) Top It Off: If you’re feeling extra, crown it with whipped cream, drizzle on more caramel, and dust with cinnamon. I sometimes add a thin apple slice on the rim. Not necessary, but it makes it feel like café style right at home.
Notes
My personal tip: I always finish mine with a tiny pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle. It sounds small, but it sharpens the sweetness and makes every sip of this caramel apple iced coffee taste deeper.