If you love the combination of rich coffee, smooth liqueur, and sweet caramel, then Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee is the perfect drink for you. This indulgent iced coffee is a delightful balance of bold espresso, creamy milk, and the velvety sweetness of caramel, all elevated by the deep, coffee-flavored notes of Kahlúa. Whether you need a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, a decadent brunch beverage, or a dessert-like coffee cocktail, this drink delivers on all fronts. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Forget expensive café drinks—this homemade version is just as delicious and allows you to customize the sweetness and strength to your liking. Serve it over ice with a drizzle of caramel and a dollop of whipped cream for a stunning presentation that will rival any coffeehouse creation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Indulgent Flavor – The deep, roasted taste of freshly brewed coffee perfectly complements the smooth, slightly sweet notes of Kahlúa, while the buttery caramel adds a luscious layer of richness. Every sip is a delightful balance of bold coffee and velvety sweetness, making this drink feel both luxurious and comforting.
Perfectly Refreshing – Served over ice, this coffee cocktail is the ultimate way to cool down while still getting your caffeine fix. The contrast of chilled coffee with the smooth, creamy texture makes it an ideal pick-me-up on warm afternoons or after a long day.
Simple & Quick – No need for fancy barista skills or complicated steps—this drink comes together in just a few minutes with minimal effort. With only a handful of ingredients, you can craft a high-quality coffee cocktail at home without any hassle.
Customizable – Whether you like your coffee strong and bold or prefer a sweeter, creamier version, this recipe is easily adjustable. You can tweak the sweetness, switch up the milk type, or even experiment with different toppings like whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it your own.
Great for Any Occasion – This Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee is perfect for brunch, as an afternoon treat, a happy hour cocktail, or even a special dessert coffee after dinner. Whether you’re sipping solo, entertaining guests, or looking for a sophisticated yet effortless drink, this recipe is always a hit.
Ingredients
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1 cup brewed coffee (chilled) or 1 shot of espresso
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1 oz (30ml) Kahlúa coffee liqueur
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½ cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier version)
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2 tbsp caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
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1 cup ice cubes
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Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
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Chocolate shavings or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Brew a fresh cup of coffee or prepare a shot of espresso. Let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the fridge for a few minutes. If using cold brew, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to ensure a well-chilled drink.
Step 3: In a separate glass or cocktail shaker, combine the chilled coffee, Kahlúa, milk, and caramel sauce. Stir well or shake vigorously to mix the flavors.
Step 4: Pour the mixture over the ice in your serving glass.
Step 5: Drizzle extra caramel sauce along the inside of the glass for a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Top with whipped cream and garnish with a drizzle of caramel, chocolate shavings, or a dash of cinnamon for an extra indulgent touch.
Step 7: Stir lightly before sipping and enjoy your luxurious homemade Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee!
Variation
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Stronger Kick: Add an extra shot of espresso or swap regular coffee for cold brew concentrate.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a lactose-free version.
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Less Sweet: Reduce the caramel sauce or use unsweetened milk to control the sugar level.
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Extra Boozy: Add a splash of Baileys or vanilla vodka for a more potent cocktail.
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Spiced Twist: Sprinkle nutmeg or pumpkin spice on top for a seasonal variation.
Cooking Note
For the best results, always use high-quality coffee. Cold brew works exceptionally well for a smoother taste. If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, substitute half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of regular milk. To enhance the caramel flavor, you can also use caramel-flavored coffee or add a caramel syrup to the coffee before mixing.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a warm cinnamon roll or croissant for a perfect brunch pairing.
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Enjoy it as an after-dinner dessert drink alongside chocolate cake or cheesecake.
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For a fun twist, blend it with ice to make a Kahlúa Caramel Coffee Frappé.
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Garnish with a caramel-dipped biscotti for a café-style presentation.
Tips
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Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing drink, chill your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the iced coffee.
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Use Fresh Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee provides the best flavor. If using leftover coffee, make sure it hasn’t been sitting too long to avoid a stale taste.
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Balance the Sweetness: If you find the drink too sweet, add a touch of sea salt or use less caramel sauce.
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Shake for a Frothy Texture: If you want a frothy, café-style drink, shake the coffee, milk, and caramel mixture in a cocktail shaker before pouring over ice.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~220
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Protein: ~4g
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Sodium: ~90mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee without alcohol?
A: Yes! Simply omit the Kahlúa and add a teaspoon of coffee syrup, vanilla extract, or even a dash of caramel-flavored creamer for extra depth and sweetness without the alcohol.
Q: What’s the best type of coffee to use?
A: Cold brew coffee works best for a smooth, bold flavor with low acidity, but any strong-brewed coffee or espresso will work. If you prefer a richer taste, opt for a dark roast or espresso shot.
Q: Can I make this drink in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the coffee, Kahlúa, milk, and caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pour it over ice when ready to serve and stir well for a freshly made feel.
Q: How do I make a blended version?
A: To create a creamy, frozen version of this drink, blend the coffee, Kahlúa, caramel, and milk with a generous handful of ice until smooth. Top with whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle for a decadent twist.
Q: What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
A: If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can substitute it with caramel syrup, butterscotch syrup, dulce de leche, or even sweetened condensed milk for a rich and creamy alternative.
Conclusion
Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee is the ultimate indulgence for coffee and cocktail lovers alike, offering a perfect balance of rich, bold coffee, smooth and velvety Kahlúa, and luscious caramel for a drink that is both refreshing and luxurious. Whether you’re craving a cool caffeine boost on a warm afternoon, looking for a sophisticated after-dinner dessert drink, or simply treating yourself to a coffeehouse-quality beverage at home, this recipe delivers an unforgettable experience. The combination of flavors is perfectly layered—deep coffee notes, a hint of vanilla from the Kahlúa, and the buttery sweetness of caramel all come together for a truly decadent sip. Best of all, this drink is incredibly easy to customize. Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Prefer it stronger? Use espresso instead of regular coffee. Love a little extra indulgence? Top it with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle. No matter how you make it, this iced coffee is a treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day, making it a staple for coffee lovers who appreciate a touch of boozy sweetness. Try making this Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee today and experience café-quality flavor right from the comfort of your own home!
Print
Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
-
1 cup brewed coffee (chilled) or 1 shot of espresso
-
1 oz (30ml) Kahlúa coffee liqueur
-
½ cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier version)
-
2 tbsp caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
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1 cup ice cubes
-
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
-
Chocolate shavings or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brew a fresh cup of coffee or prepare a shot of espresso. Let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the fridge for a few minutes. If using cold brew, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to ensure a well-chilled drink.
Step 3: In a separate glass or cocktail shaker, combine the chilled coffee, Kahlúa, milk, and caramel sauce. Stir well or shake vigorously to mix the flavors.
Step 4: Pour the mixture over the ice in your serving glass.
Step 5: Drizzle extra caramel sauce along the inside of the glass for a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Top with whipped cream and garnish with a drizzle of caramel, chocolate shavings, or a dash of cinnamon for an extra indulgent touch.
Step 7: Stir lightly before sipping and enjoy your luxurious homemade Kahlúa Caramel Iced Coffee!
Notes
For the best results, always use high-quality coffee. Cold brew works exceptionally well for a smoother taste. If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, substitute half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of regular milk. To enhance the caramel flavor, you can also use caramel-flavored coffee or add a caramel syrup to the coffee before mixing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 90mg
- Protein: 4g