The Best Salted Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte

There’s just something about an iced latte that feels like a little luxury in the middle of the day. Add caramel, vanilla, and a touch of sea salt, and suddenly it’s not just coffee…. it’s an experience! This recipe has quickly become my go-to treat at home when I want coffeehouse vibes without the $7 price tag (eek!).

The star here (at least to me) is the Ghirardelli caramel sauce. It’s rich, buttery, and makes the drink taste like it came straight from a café. Layered with vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, and a sprinkle of flaky salt, this latte is indulgent yet surprisingly easy to whip up.

See the recipe below and how to make this yummy concoction!

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso (or a cup of strong coffee, dealer’s choice)

• 1 cup milk of choice (whole, oat, almond, or whatever you love)

• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup (I have syrup pumps, and this is around 3 pumps for me, measure with your heart)

• 1 tbsp caramel syrup (I have syrup pumps, and this is around 3 pumps for me, measure with your heart)

• 1.5 tbsp Ghirardelli caramel sauce (plus more for drizzle)

• Ice cubes

• Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Brew your base: Start with strong coffee or espresso with your syrups and caramel sauce in the cup your espresso will brew in. We want the flavors to meld together while it’s hot!

2. Mix the flavor: In your glass, drizzle caramel sauce along the sides for that coffeehouse look.

3. Milk time: Fill the glass with milk. I like to used a hand frother to get my milk nice and foamy on top, but this is optional.

4. Add your coffee: Pour your espresso/coffee over your milk and give it a good mix.

5. Ice Ice Baby: Add as much ice as your heart desires! We want to add the ice last as pouring espresso directly over ice can pull bitter flavors from your coffee.

6. Finish it off: Drizzle the remaining Ghirardelli caramel sauce across the top, then sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. Stir before enjoying (or leave it layered if you want it picture perfect).

Tips & Variations

• Extra creamy: Use half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream for richness.

• Sweet tooth: Adjust the syrup amounts to your liking; some days call for an extra pump of caramel or I add in chocolate sauce to mix with my milk to make a yummy caramel/vanilla/mocha latte.

• Whipped topping: Add whipped cream for a café-style treat. Drizzle more caramel on top if you’re feeling fancy! TIP! Make your own cold foam if you have heavy whipping cream and milk. SO YUMMY.

• Make it warm: Skip the ice and steam the milk for a cozy hot version on a fall or winter day to warm you up.

Why I Love This Drink

It’s not just delicious… it’s versatile. This latte hits that sweet and salty balance I crave when I want something indulgent but refreshing. And honestly, the little sprinkle of salt brings the caramel flavor to life. I always add extra flaky sea salt to the bottom before pouring my milk in too. I can NEVER have too much salt.

Next time you’re craving a treat, skip the line and make this Salted Iced Caramel Vanilla Latte at home. Your wallet (and your tastebuds) will thank you, I just know it. 💛