Caribou Iced Coffee At Home Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

There’s something completely charming about slurping a Caribou Iced Coffee on a crammed morning or a take-it-easy afternoon. I love how this high-concept beverage can be so low-tech at home.

You need a few basics: coffee, milk, and some kind of sweetener, if you’re into that. I tend not to be, so I use right-out-of-the-fridge coffee and a couple of ice cubes to get my fix.

Either way, the magic lies in the proportions. Unlike a standard hot coffee, which can be decently enjoyed at a range of acceptable temperatures, an iced coffee’s ideal drinking temperature is suspiciously similar to that of one served straight from the freezer.

Caramel syrup adds sweetness and buttery notes that pair exquisitely with the natural bitterness of coffee. When using it to create a delicious iced coffee, just a touch of vanilla extract helps with the aromatic profile, making the drink all the more irresistible.

For those strictly counting calories, feel free to skip the optional whipped cream and additional drizzle, but know that doing so will take your iced coffee from the levels of DIY café delicacies to pure, authentic café experiences. Anyone eager to know about the nutritional value can rest assured that this recipe can be effortlessly tailored to be healthier or more indulgent, depending on the type and amount of milk and syrup used.

Sipping on this Caribou Iced Coffee, with its nearly milkshake-like consistency, is a moment of pure bliss for me—pretty much no different from the sensation of guzzling a cold brew on a hot summer day.

Ingredients photo for Caribou Iced Coffee At Home Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Caribou Iced Coffee At Home Recipe

Coffee, abundant in antioxidants, offers a jolt of energy in the form of caffeine.

Milk: Provides creaminess to the drink; an abundant source of protein and calcium.

Syrup of caramel: Sweetness is coffee given with a buttery, rich flavor.

Sugar: Increases sweetness and can be used to achieve desired flavor balance.

Vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, sweet essence and flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee, cooled

  • 1/2 cup of milk (whole, skim, or any type of milk you prefer)

  • 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup

  • 1 tablespoon of sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

  • A handful of ice cubes

  • Whipped cream for topping (optional)

  • Extra caramel syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it come to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator until it is more convenient for you to work with.

2. In a mixing glass or shaker, add the milk of your choice to the cooled, strong coffee.

3. For a sweet, toasty taste, add the tablespoon of caramel syrup to the coffee and milk mixture.

4. Add the tablespoon of sugar and mix in. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

5. Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined.

6. To achieve the effect of a refreshing, chilled drink, you need to fill a glass with several ice cubes.

7. Allow the flavors to blend beautifully by pouring the mixture of coffee over the ice cubes.

8. If you want a really indulgent iced coffee experience, finish it with a hefty dollop of whipped cream.

9. To get more of that delightful caramel flavor into your coffee, add even more caramel syrup and whip cream and drizzle it all over everything.

10. Gently stir and enjoy the Caribou Iced Coffee you’ve made from scratch!

Equipment Needed

1. Coffee maker or kettle
2. Measuring cups
3. Tablespoon
4. Teaspoon
5. Mixing glass or shaker
6. Stirring spoon
7. Glass for serving
8. Refrigerator (optional, for chilling coffee)

FAQ

  • Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?If you would rather not consume caffeine, using decaf coffee is perfectly acceptable.

  • Is there a non-dairy alternative for milk?Of course! Almond, soy, oat, or any kind of plant-based milk you like can be used.

  • Can I make this drink sugar-free?Indeed, you can leave out the sugar or use a sugar substitute to make it free of sugar.

  • Can I prepare this drink in advance?While it’s most enjoyable when fresh, you can make the coffee ahead of time and chill it in the fridge.

  • Does the vanilla extract need to be pure?For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract; if that’s not available, imitation vanilla will do in a pinch.

  • Is the whipped cream necessary?Optional, add whipped cream for richness, but it is not necessary.

Substitutions and Variations

Milk: Swap in almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for different flavors and a non-dairy alternative.
Caramel Syrup: Use chocolate syrup, maple syrup, or honey as substitutes for caramel syrup.
Sweetener: Use honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar to achieve the required level of sweetness.
Vanilla extract: For a different flavor profile, use almond extract or a splash of hazelnut syrup.