Description
A homemade copycat recipe for the popular coffee chain drink, featuring a rich brown sugar caramel base and strong coffee. This easy-to-make beverage is creamy, customizable, and significantly cheaper than buying it at a cafe.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (dark or light)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1.5 cups strong coffee (espresso or cold brew concentrate)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Caramel drizzle for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar and water.
- Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a thick, amber-colored paste (about 3-4 minutes). Do not let it burn.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Let cool slightly.
- Brew strong coffee and let it cool for 5-10 minutes so it is not piping hot.
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Optionally, drizzle caramel or syrup on the inside of the glass for presentation.
- Mix the cold milk with 2-3 tablespoons of the brown sugar syrup in a pitcher or directly in the glass.
- Pour the sweetened milk over the ice.
- Slowly pour the coffee over the milk to create layers, then stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
For best results, use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid grittiness. The brown sugar syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use cold milk to prevent the ice from melting too quickly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tall glass
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 8
Keywords: iced brown sugar vanilla latte, copycat coffee recipe, homemade latte, brown sugar syrup, coffee shop copycat, iced coffee drink