Short description
A luxuriously creamy coffee drink balancing rich caramel sweetness with a hint of salt, served hot or iced and optionally crowned with frothy cream or cold foam.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This latte is café-level indulgence made easy at home. Buttery caramel pairs with espresso and milk for a silky, flavorful drink, while a touch of sea salt brings perfect balance. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a treat whether you prefer it hot or iced.

Salted Caramel Latte

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

- 2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Directions

For a hot version, heat and froth the milk. For iced, fill a glass with ice and use cold milk.
Pour the milk over the caramel coffee base.
Optional: top with cold foam or whipped cream.
Garnish with caramel drizzle and a light sprinkle of sea salt if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: about 5–10 minutes

Variations

Iced version: Serve over ice with cold foam.
Homemade caramel syrup: Make from scratch with sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt.
Dairy-free: Use oat or almond milk.
Lightened-up: Reduce syrup or skip toppings.
Extra indulgent: Add vanilla bean paste, chocolate drizzle, or a shot of flavored liqueur.

Storage/Reheating

Homemade caramel syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
The latte itself is best prepared fresh—if storing coffee separately, combine with milk and syrup just before serving.

FAQs

What’s the difference between hot and iced versions?

Hot versions use steamed milk, while iced versions are served over ice with cold milk or cold foam.

Can I make caramel syrup from scratch?

Yes—melt sugar until amber, add butter and cream, then stir in salt for flavor.

Which milk works best?

Whole milk creates a creamy latte, while oat milk is a great dairy-free choice that froths well.

How much syrup should I use?

Start with about 2 tablespoons per serving, adjusting to taste.

Do I need an espresso machine?

No—strong brewed coffee works as a substitute.

What is cold foam?

Cold foam is made by frothing a mix of milk and cream without heating, giving a smooth, airy topping.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes—reduce the syrup amount or skip garnishes like whipped cream.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes, but keep the coffee, milk, and syrup separate. Assemble fresh for best results.

How do I avoid a burnt taste?

Heat milk only until steaming, not boiling.

What toppings go well?

Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even chocolate shavings.

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Latte is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy, turning your daily coffee into a café-worthy treat. Whether you make it hot for a cozy morning or iced for a refreshing pick-me-up, this drink is indulgent yet easy to master at home.