Caramel macchiato is a popular coffee drink made with espresso, vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and caramel sauce. It can be enjoyed both hot and iced. There is an ongoing debate among coffee lovers about which version of the caramel macchiato is better. Both hot and iced caramel macchiatos have their pros and cons.
Quick answers
Some quick answers to the question of whether caramel macchiato is better hot or iced:
- Iced caramel macchiato is more refreshing, especially on hot days.
- Hot caramel macchiato allows you to savor the espresso flavor more.
- Iced version has more milk, hot version has more espresso.
- Some prefer the hot version as the caramel sauce is warmer.
- Iced caramel macchiato may be more caffeinated due to more shots of espresso.
Flavor profile
One of the main differences between hot and iced caramel macchiato is the flavor profile. The hot version really allows you to taste the espresso as the temperature enhances the flavor notes. The caramel sauce is also warmer and more gooey in a hot caramel macchiato.
In an iced caramel macchiato, the espresso flavor is a bit more muted. However, many enjoy the cold, refreshing milk and chilled caramel sauce on a hot day. The iced version tends to have more steamed milk versus the hot version.
Caffeine content
When it comes to caffeine content, an iced caramel macchiato often contains more caffeine. This is because baristas typically add extra shots of espresso to an iced drink to compensate for the dilution from the ice cubes. So an iced caramel macchiato may have 3-4 shots of espresso versus 2 shots in a hot version.
However, the caffeine content can vary depending on where you order it from. For example, a Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks contains 330mg of caffeine. A hot Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks has 150mg of caffeine. So in this case, the iced version has over double the amount of caffeine!
Customization
One of the great things about ordering a caramel macchiato is you can customize it to your liking. For the hot version, you can ask for an extra shot of espresso if you want a stronger coffee kick. You can also ask for less vanilla syrup if you don’t like it too sweet.
For the iced version, you can request light ice if you don’t want it to get watered down too quickly. You can also ask for an extra pump or two of caramel sauce if you want it extra caramel-y. The standard is usually 2 pumps of caramel sauce, but you can ask for up to 4 if you have a sweet tooth.
Some other popular customizations for caramel macchiatos include:
- Substitute type of milk – soy, almond, oat, etc.
- Add flavored syrups – hazelnut, vanilla, cinnamon dolce, etc.
- Top with caramel or mocha drizzle
- Add whipped cream
- Ask for an extra cup of ice to retain chill factor of iced version
Price
At most coffee shops like Starbucks, the price of a hot versus iced caramel macchiato is usually the same. However, some independent cafes may charge slightly more for the iced version. This is likely because the iced version often contains more ingredients with the extra shots of espresso and larger cup.
Here is a comparison of caramel macchiato prices at 3 popular coffee chains in the United States:
| Coffee Chain | Hot Caramel Macchiato | Iced Caramel Macchiato |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks (Venti size) | $5.25 | $5.25 |
| Dunkin’ Donuts (Medium size) | $4.49 | $4.49 |
| Peet’s Coffee (Large size) | $5.00 | $5.25 |
As you can see, prices are mostly the same but Peet’s charges slightly more for the iced version.
Availability
In the past, caramel macchiatos were typically only available hot. As iced coffee drinks have surged in popularity, especially in warm weather, caramel macchiatos on ice have become standard menu items. Nowadays, you can order an iced caramel macchiato year-round at just about any coffee shop or cafe.
During colder months and winter, you may have to specifically request the iced version as baristas tend to default to making hot drinks when it’s chilly out. But any good barista should be able to make you an iced caramel macchiato no matter what time of year it is.
The hot caramel macchiato remains available year-round as well. So no matter what the weather is outside, you should have both options to choose from.
Popularity
In general, the iced caramel macchiato has surpassed the hot version in popularity over the past decade. As specialty iced coffee beverages become increasingly trendy, many consumers opt for the chilled caramel macchiato.
However, the hot caramel macchiato still remains a favorite, especially when people want a warm beverage on a cold day. Both versions have their passionate fans and remain staple menu items.
Based on sales data from Starbucks, the iced caramel macchiato makes up 60% of total caramel macchiato orders. So the iced version is about 1.5 times as popular as the hot version based on Starbucks data.
Benefits of hot caramel macchiato
Here are some of the key benefits of ordering a hot caramel macchiato:
- Allows you to savor espresso flavor
- Warmer temperature enhances taste
- Gooey, melted caramel sauce
- Comforting hot drink in cold weather
- Traditional coffeehouse experience
Benefits of iced caramel macchiato
Some benefits of getting an iced caramel macchiato include:
- More refreshing and hydrating
- Higher caffeine content
- Cold milk and caramel sauce cools you down
- Less bitter taste
- Trendy iced coffee drink
Conclusion
So is caramel macchiato better hot or iced? There is no definitive answer – it comes down to personal preference. Both versions have their pros and cons.
Hot caramel macchiatos allow you to fully taste the espresso and caramel flavors, while the iced version offers a more refreshing, caffeinated, and trendy drink. The hot version warms you up on chilly days, while the cold iced version cools you down in the heat.
No matter which temperature you prefer, customize your caramel macchiato to your liking. Ask for an extra shot of espresso or pumps of caramel sauce to get it just right. Sip and enjoy this classic coffee drink any time of year!