Name: Iced Latte Caramel
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules; 2 tablespoons hot water; 1 cup (240ml) cold milk (dairy or any plant-based alternative); 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (adjust to taste); Ice cubes

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This Iced Latte Caramel recipe is perfect for when I don’t have espresso or brewed coffee on hand. Instead, I use instant coffee to create a smooth, caramel-flavored iced latte that’s quick and easy to prepare without any brewing required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this no-brew version because it saves so much time while still giving me that rich, creamy iced latte experience with a lovely caramel twist. Instant coffee dissolves quickly, so I don’t have to wait around or fuss with machines. It’s great for those moments when I want a delicious coffee treat without any hassle.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup (240ml) cold milk (dairy or any plant-based alternative)
2 tablespoons caramel sauce (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Dissolve the instant coffee granules in the hot water, stirring until fully dissolved.
In a tall glass, add the caramel sauce. Pour the coffee mixture over it and stir well to combine.
Fill the glass with ice cubes almost to the top.
Pour the cold milk over the ice and coffee mixture, then stir gently to blend everything together.
Taste and add more caramel sauce if I want it sweeter. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 serving and takes about 5 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and convenient iced coffee option without any brewing.

Variations

For a vegan twist, I use almond, oat, or soy milk and vegan caramel sauce.
To boost the coffee flavor, I sometimes increase the instant coffee to 3 teaspoons.
For an extra creamy version, I mix in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream.
I occasionally add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced caramel latte.
To create a frozen treat, I blend the ingredients with ice until smooth.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer to drink this iced latte fresh, as the instant coffee flavor is best right away. If I prepare extra coffee concentrate, I store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and add fresh milk and caramel before serving. Since it’s an iced drink, reheating isn’t recommended.

FAQs

Can I use less instant coffee for a milder flavor?

Yes, I adjust the amount of instant coffee to suit my taste — using less will make the latte smoother and less strong.

What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

I sometimes use caramel syrup or even a spoonful of caramel-flavored creamer as a substitute.

Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?

I prefer to prepare it fresh, but I can mix the coffee concentrate ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to a day.

Is it okay to use flavored milk alternatives?

Yes, vanilla or chocolate plant-based milks add interesting flavors, but I like the classic caramel taste best with plain milk.

How do I make this drink less sweet?

I simply reduce the amount of caramel sauce or skip it altogether and enjoy a lightly sweetened iced coffee.

Conclusion

This no-brew Iced Latte Caramel is my go-to when I want a fast, tasty iced coffee without any fancy equipment. Using instant coffee and caramel sauce gives me all the rich, creamy, and sweet flavors I love with zero brewing fuss. It’s an easy, customizable way to enjoy a café-style iced latte at home anytime.