A caramel macchiato frappe is a delicious frozen coffee drink made by blending together espresso, milk, caramel syrup, and ice. It’s a popular menu item at coffee shops like Starbucks and a fun way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional caramel macchiato in a cold, frothy beverage.
The Origins of the Caramel Macchiato Frappe
The caramel macchiato frappe is based on the hot caramel macchiato drink that was first introduced by Starbucks in the 1990s. The traditional hot caramel macchiato consists of espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, topped with a layer of foam and a caramel drizzle. It’s a variation on a traditional macchiato, which is typically a shot of espresso “marked” with just a dollop of foamed milk.
The caramel macchiato gained popularity over the years as a go-to coffee shop order. As blended, frosty drinks became increasingly popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, coffee shops began experimenting with turning the hot caramel macchiato drink into a cold blended version. The new caramel macchiato frappe allowed customers to enjoy the flavor profile of the hot drink in a refreshing iced blended form.
Starbucks was likely one of the first major chains to put the caramel macchiato frappe on their permanent menu, where it remains a best-selling item today. From there, it became a staple drink across coffee shops and cafes around the world. The combination of espresso, milk, ice, and caramel proved to be the perfect sweet and caffeinated frozen treat.
How a Caramel Macchiato Frappe is Made
While proportions and specific methods may vary between different coffee shops, the basic ingredients and preparation process for a caramel macchiato frappe are:
- Brewed espresso
- Milk
- Ice
- Caramel syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
To make a caramel macchiato frappe:
- Brew a shot or two of espresso. The amount of espresso can be adjusted based on desired intensity.
- In a blender, combine the freshly brewed espresso with ice, milk, and 3-4 pumps of caramel syrup. Sweeten to taste preference.
- Blend the ingredients together until smooth and frothy.
- Pour the blended drink into a glass.
- Top with whipped cream and an additional drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
- Add a straw and serve immediately.
The blending process incorporates air into the drink, giving it a light, foamy texture while keeping it ice cold. Baristas may use ingredients like cream or sweetened condensed milk to make the drink extra rich and creamy.
Variations
There are many possible ways to customize or change up a caramel macchiato frappe:
- Use different types of milk – whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc.
- Add flavored syrups – vanilla, hazelnut, mocha, etc.
- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate sauce instead of caramel
- Top with chocolate shavings or crushed cookies/candy pieces
- Add a shot of your favorite liqueur for an alcoholic drink
- Use decaf espresso
- Blend with fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries
- Swap out caramel sauce for butterscotch, honey, or maple syrup
The possibilities are endless when coming up with a customized caramel macchiato frappe! The core ingredients of espresso, milk, ice, and caramel can transform into many different flavor combinations.
Caramel Macchiato vs. Caramel Macchiato Frappe
While both drinks contain espresso and caramel, there are some key differences between a hot caramel macchiato and a caramel macchiato frappe:
| Caramel Macchiato | Caramel Macchiato Frappe |
|---|---|
| Hot temperature | Served cold and frozen |
| Layered build – espresso on bottom, milk foam on top | Blended together into one emulsified drink |
| Typically made with steamed milk | Made with ice and milk (can use cream for extra richness) |
| Light caramel drizzle layered on top | Caramel syrup blended throughout drink |
| Sipped through a small hole in the lid | Drank cold through a straw |
While both are delicious coffee-based treats, the hot caramel macchiato highlights the distinct layers of espresso, milk foam, and caramel sauce. The icy blended frappe mixes everything together into one frozen, sippable drink. Either way, it’s a winning combination of sweet caramel and rich espresso!
Popular Coffee Shops to Get a Caramel Macchiato Frappe
Some of the most popular coffee chains that serve delicious caramel macchiato frappes include:
Starbucks
As one of the pioneers of the drink, Starbucks offers a classic version of the caramel macchiato frappe. Their blend uses fresh espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, ice, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.
Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin also puts their unique spin on the caramel frappe. Their blend contains espresso, caramel swirl syrup, and milk over ice. Toppings include whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sometimes cocoa powder.
McCafe
McDonald’s McCafe serves up a tasty caramel frappe made with espresso, caramel sauce, milk, and ice in a variety of sizes. It’s topped with whipped cream and more caramel drizzle.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee’s caramel macchiato cooler has espresso, caramel and chocolate syrup, milk, and ice cubes. It’s finished off with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
This cafe’s caramel macchiato frappe contains blended coffee extract, milk, ice, and caramel sauce. Customers can top it off with whipped cream and additional caramel sauce.
No matter which coffee shop you choose, you’re sure to get a quality caramel macchiato frappe made from delicious ingredients and customized to your preferences.
Benefits of the Caramel Macchiato Frappe
Some of the benefits that make the caramel macchiato frappe a go-to frozen coffee drink include:
- Creamy and smooth – The blended ice and milk creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
- Sweet caramel flavor – Who doesn’t love caramel? It adds indulgent sweetness that complements the espresso.
- Caffeine boost – The espresso provides a nice dose of caffeine to energize you.
- Customizable – Endless options to make it your own with different milks, flavors, and toppings.
- Icy and refreshing – Perfect for cooling down with on hot days.
- Portable – They come with a lid and straw so you can take it anywhere.
Sipping a chilled caramel macchiato frappe is the perfect way to treat yourself to a pick-me-up any time of day!
Cost of a Caramel Macchiato Frappe
Pricing will vary between coffee shops and location, but on average you can expect to pay:
| Size | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Small/Tall | $3.75 – $4.50 |
| Medium/Grande | $4.25 – $5.25 |
| Large/Venti | $4.75 – $6.00 |
Some chain coffee spots will offer daily discounts or loyalty program rewards to help bring down the price. But expect to pay around $4-6 depending on size and location for a caramel macchiato frappe.
Is the Caramel Macchiato Frappe Healthy?
While delicious, the caramel macchiato frappe is high in calories and sugar and should be consumed in moderation as an occasional treat. A grande caramel macchiato frappe from Starbucks contains:
- 410 calories
- 15g fat
- 61g carbs
- 61g sugar
- 110mg caffeine
The high amount of added sugar from the caramel syrup and the whipped cream make this a dessert-like indulgence rather than a health drink. Those watching their sugar intake may want to ask for fewer pumps of caramel syrup and avoid the whipped cream topping to cut down on calories and carbs.
That said, it does contain protein from the milk, some vitamin B12 from the espresso, and antioxidants from the coffee as well. So while not the most nutritious option, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat when you want something sweet and caffeinated.
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato Frappe at Home
You can recreate the flavor of a coffeehouse caramel macchiato frappe at home with just a few ingredients and a blender. Here’s a simple homemade recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 shots freshly brewed espresso, cooled (or 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce or syrup
- 1 cup ice
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Directions
- Brew espresso shots and allow to cool slightly.
- Add espresso, milk, caramel sauce, and ice to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired.
- Enjoy with a straw!
Tweak the recipe to your tastes by adding more caramel, an extra shot of espresso, or different milk varieties. You can also experiment with flavored syrups, cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, or spice it up with a dash of cinnamon or peppermint.
Conclusion
A caramel macchiato frappe is the perfect sweet and caffeinated frozen pick-me-up. It blends smooth and creamy espresso with indulgent caramel syrup and refreshing ice to create a delicious hand-crafted drink. This iced coffee treat can be customized in endless ways and enjoyed either in-store at your favorite coffee shop or blended at home. Sip on a caramel macchiato frappe any time you need a little extra caffeine boost and sweetness in your day!