A Coconut Caramel Macchiato is the perfect combination of creamy coconut milk, rich espresso, and sweet caramel sauce. This indulgent drink brings the warmth and smoothness of a traditional macchiato with the tropical twist of coconut, creating a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re looking to elevate your morning routine or satisfy your afternoon cravings, this drink will hit all the right notes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical Twist: The coconut milk adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and espresso.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Bitter: The sweetness of the caramel balances the robust flavor of the espresso, creating a perfectly harmonious drink.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a café-quality beverage from the comfort of your own home.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or coconut flavor to suit your personal preferences.
Refreshing and Comforting: The cool coconut milk provides a refreshing texture while the warm espresso adds comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 shot of espresso (or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee)
1/2 cup coconut milk (canned for creaminess or carton for lighter texture)
2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Ice (if making an iced version)
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Optional: A pinch of sea salt for added flavor

Directions

Brew the Espresso: Brew one shot of espresso using an espresso machine or make a strong cup of coffee with your preferred method.
Prepare the Coconut Milk: Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam (but not boil). If you want a frothy texture, use a milk frother or whisk vigorously to create foam.
Assemble the Drink: In a glass, pour the steamed coconut milk, leaving some room at the top for the espresso. Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the coconut milk and stir well to combine.
Add the Espresso: Pour the freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee into the glass over the caramel coconut milk. If making an iced version, pour the espresso over ice before adding the coconut milk mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and, if desired, top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Total time: 8 minutes

Variations

Iced Coconut Caramel Macchiato: Pour the coconut milk mixture and espresso over ice for a chilled version of this delicious drink.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it uses coconut milk instead of dairy milk. You can substitute coconut milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk.
Sweetener Options: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit of vanilla syrup, maple syrup, or honey along with the caramel sauce.
Flavor Variations: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the coconut milk for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To store: This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the coconut milk and espresso mixture in the fridge for up to a day.
To reheat: Reheat the coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat, or use a microwave. Rebrew a fresh espresso shot when you’re ready to enjoy it.

FAQs

Can I make this drink without an espresso machine?

Yes! You can make strong coffee using a French press, pour-over, or any other brewing method. The key is to use a strong brew for that rich espresso flavor.

Can I make this drink without caramel sauce?

If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting caramel with chocolate syrup or vanilla syrup, or make your own caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream.

How do I froth the coconut milk?

To froth coconut milk, you can use a milk frother, a hand whisk, or a blender. Just heat the coconut milk first, then froth it to your desired texture.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?

Add more or less caramel sauce depending on how sweet you like it. You can also add vanilla syrup or sugar for additional sweetness.

Can I make this iced?

Yes! For an iced coconut caramel macchiato, simply pour the espresso and coconut milk mixture over ice. You can add the caramel sauce directly into the milk before pouring it over ice to ensure it’s mixed well.

Can I use canned coconut milk instead of carton coconut milk?

Yes, canned coconut milk is thicker and creamier, which can give the drink a richer texture. You can use either depending on your texture preference.

How can I make this drink stronger in flavor?

Increase the amount of espresso or use a stronger coffee brew to intensify the coffee flavor. You can also add more caramel or a pinch of sea salt for depth.

Can I make this a hot drink?

Yes! Simply serve it hot by pouring the espresso directly into the warmed coconut milk mixture, instead of serving it over ice.

How do I store leftover coconut caramel macchiato?

While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat the coconut milk and espresso when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Conclusion

The Coconut Caramel Macchiato is a comforting, rich, and indulgent beverage that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, it’s a treat you can customize to suit your taste. Perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, this drink will satisfy all your cravings for something creamy, sweet, and delicious!