This caramel apple iced coffee tastes like apple crisp and buttery caramel in a glass of cold brew, and once you make it at home you will stop waiting for it to show up on a seasonal menu.
Finding a cafe that makes a good caramel apple iced coffee consistently is harder than it sounds. It shows up on menus for a few weeks, and by the time you find a version you actually like, the season is over and it is gone until next year. As someone who craves seasonal drinks well outside of the season they belong to, that has never worked for me.
So I made my own apple crisp syrup and I have been making this at home ever since. So I made my own apple crisp syrup and I have been making this at home ever since. Realistically, I will probably keep making it long after fall is over, and I am completely fine with that. If caramel iced coffee is already your thing, the iced caramel coffee is the everyday version of this and worth having in your rotation with it.
It tastes like a coffee shop seasonal drink in the best way. The cold brew keeps it smooth and easy to drink, while the apple crisp syrup adds that baked apple, brown sugar flavor that's perfect for the season. The caramel sauce makes it richer and a little more dessert-like, and the milk pulls everything together into a creamy finish. The oat milk caramel frappuccino is in that same category if you want something a little more indulgent on the days you feel like it.
Add a pinch of cinnamon on top and it tastes even more like apple crisp, which is never a bad thing. And if you are deep in fall coffee season, the caramel turtle pumpkin cream cold brew belongs on the list too.
Ingredients
I like using cold brew for this because it is smooth but still strong enough that you can taste the coffee once the apple and caramel go in. Strong brewed coffee works too, just make sure it is completely chilled first. For the apple flavor, apple crisp syrup gives it more of that coffee shop taste, but apple cider concentrate works really well if you want something a little less sweet and more apple-forward. I also prefer caramel sauce over caramel syrup here because it is richer and makes the coffee a little creamier.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Top Tips for Caramel Apple Iced Coffee
Balance the apple with the strength of your coffee: Apple syrup can disappear behind an especially strong cold brew. Taste after stirring and add a little more apple crisp syrup if needed.
Add a tiny pinch of salt if the caramel tastes too sweet: Just a small pinch brings out the buttery caramel flavor and helps balance the sweetness from both the caramel and apple syrup.
Use coffee ice cubes if you are a slow sipper: Regular ice will eventually water down the coffee and soften the apple flavor. Freeze leftover cold brew in an ice cube tray and use those instead to keep the drink strong as the ice melts.
How to Make Caramel Apple Iced Coffee?
This caramel apple iced coffee is cold, sweet, and lightly spiced, with apple crisp syrup giving the coffee a fall flavor without making it taste too heavy. The caramel adds richness, while the milk softens the cold brew and makes the drink smoother.
Prepare the glass
Fill a tall glass with ice, then drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of the glass.
- Use a light drizzle if your apple syrup is already sweet.
Add the coffee
Pour the apple crisp syrup over the ice, followed by the cold brew and milk, then stir well.
- If the drink tastes too strong, add a little more milk instead of more syrup.
Garnish and serve
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top, then add an apple slice and a light sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Yes. Mix the cold brew, milk, and apple crisp syrup ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the caramel and ice when you are ready to serve so the drink does not become diluted.
Yes. Oat milk is especially good with the apple and caramel flavors, but almond, soy, or coconut milk will also work. Just make sure your caramel sauce is dairy-free too.
Yes. Regular brewed coffee or espresso works well as long as you let it cool completely first. Pouring hot coffee over ice can quickly water down the drink.
You can, but apple juice has a much lighter flavor and will not give you the same concentrated apple taste. Apple cider or reduced apple cider is a better substitute.
Yes. Use hot brewed coffee, warm the milk, and stir in the apple syrup and caramel sauce. Skip the ice and finish with cinnamon if you like.
Caramel Apple Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew chilled
- 2 tablespoons apple crisp syrup or apple cider concentrate
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
- ½ cup milk
- ice
- pinch cinnamon optional
- apple slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Drizzle caramel sauce along the inside of the glass.
- Pour in apple crisp syrup, cold brew, and milk. Stir well.
- Drizzle top with caramel syrup in a crosshatch pattern. Notch an apple slice onto the rim. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve.
Comments
No Comments