Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato Recipe – Just 4 Steps
The Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe is simple. It combines espresso, creamy milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce to make a sweet and delicious coffee. To prepare it, add vanilla syrup to a glass, pour in warm milk, add two shots of espresso, and finish with caramel drizzle. That’s all!
You can also make it iced or change the sweetness to your liking.
I’ll share everything you need, including easy preparation steps, helpful tips, and simple alternatives to make this drink without an expensive coffee machine.
Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Takeaways
| Recipe Details | Information |
| Recipe Name | Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato |
| Recipe Category | Drinks / Coffee |
| Cuisine | American |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2 minutes |
| Total Time | 7 minutes |
| Servings | 1 |
| Serving Size | 16 oz (1 glass) |
| Cooking Method | Brewing, heating, and frothing |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | Approximately 330 kcal |
| Main Ingredient | Fairtrade-certified espresso |
| Milk Used | Whole milk |
| Coffee Quantity | 2 espresso shots (2 oz) |
| Sweetener | Vanilla syrup |
| Topping | Caramel sauce |
| Flavor | Sweet, creamy, and rich coffee |
| Serving Temperature | Hot or iced |
| Best Served | Freshly prepared |
Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make a Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato at home. The main ingredients are espresso, milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. Use Fairtrade-certified coffee beans if you want to keep the coffee sourcing true to the recipe’s name.
This recipe makes one 16-ounce serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Fairtrade-certified espresso | 2 shots (2 oz) |
| Whole milk | 10 oz |
| Vanilla syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Caramel sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Ice cubes (for iced version) | 1 cup |
Tools You Need for the Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe
- Espresso machine or Moka pot
- Milk frother
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- 16-ounce glass or coffee mug
- Small spoon
- Caramel squeeze bottle (optional)
Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Steps
To make a Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato, brew two shots of espresso and set them aside. Add vanilla syrup to a 16-ounce glass, followed by warm, frothed milk. Slowly pour the espresso over the milk and finish with caramel sauce.
Your homemade caramel macchiato is ready in about 5–10 minutes.
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Start by brewing two shots of espresso. Use Fairtrade-certified coffee beans to keep the recipe in line with its name.
- Measure 18 grams of finely ground espresso beans.
- Put the coffee grounds into your espresso machine’s portafilter.
- Press the grounds down gently and evenly using a tamper.
- Brew two shots of espresso. You should get around 2 ounces of coffee.
- Set the espresso aside while you prepare the milk.
Don’t have an espresso machine? You can use a Moka pot instead. Instant espresso powder is another option. Simply mix 2 teaspoons of espresso powder with 2 ounces of hot water and stir well.

Step 2: Add Vanilla Syrup and Prepare the Milk
Now prepare the milk. This is what makes the drink creamy and gives it that smooth coffee-shop taste.
- Take a 16-ounce glass or mug and add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup.
- Pour 10 ounces of whole milk into a small saucepan.
- Heat the milk over low to medium heat until warm. Don’t let it boil.
- Pour the warm milk into a milk frother and froth until you see a light layer of foam.
- Slowly pour the milk into your glass over the vanilla syrup.
- Use a spoon to hold back the thicker foam, then add it on top of the milk.
If you’re making an iced Caramel Macchiato, use cold milk instead. Add 1 cup of ice to the glass after adding the vanilla syrup, then pour in the cold milk. There’s no need to heat or froth it.

Step 3: Pour the Espresso Over the Milk
Take the 2 ounces of espresso you brewed earlier and hold a small spoon just above the milk. Slowly pour the espresso over the back of the spoon and let it spread over the milk naturally. Don’t stir the drink, as you want to keep the layers separate.
For the iced version, follow the same process. Slowly pour the espresso over the cold milk and ice.

Step 4: Add Caramel Sauce and Serve
You’re almost done! Measure 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce. Pour it into a squeeze bottle if needed. Drizzle the sauce over the milk foam in thin lines.
Add a few more lines in the opposite direction to create a simple crisscross pattern.
Serve immediately!

What Does the Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Taste Like?
The Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato tastes sweet, creamy, and a little strong because of the espresso. The vanilla syrup gives it a nice sweetness, while the caramel on top adds a rich, buttery taste. The milk makes the coffee smooth and easy to enjoy.
You can taste the coffee, but it’s not too strong or bitter. The caramel and vanilla balance it out nicely. If you like sweet coffee but still want to enjoy the taste of espresso, you’ll probably love this drink.
Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Serving
I recommend serving this Caramel Macchiato as soon as you make it. The milk is still creamy, the espresso is fresh, and the caramel topping looks lovely.
A clear 16-ounce glass is a good choice because you can see all the layers. If you’re making the hot version, a regular coffee mug works just as well. For the iced version, use cold milk and plenty of ice.
You can add a little extra caramel on top if you like your coffee sweet. I also love serving it with a cookie, muffin, Starbucks Protein Cold Foam, or croissant. It’s a nice little treat for breakfast or an afternoon break.
Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Nutrition
Most of the calories in this homemade Caramel Macchiato come from milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce.
Here is the estimated nutrition for one 16-ounce serving made with whole milk.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
| Serving Size | 16 oz |
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 125 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Total Sugars | 48 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe: Tips to Make it Unique
1. Use fresh coffee: Freshly brewed espresso gives your drink a much better taste. Choose good-quality Fairtrade-certified coffee beans for this recipe.
2. Don’t add too much vanilla: Two tablespoons of vanilla syrup are enough for one serving. You can always add a little more if you like sweeter coffee.
3. Use whole milk: Whole milk makes the drink creamy and smooth. If you want something lighter, 2% milk works too.
4. Make your own caramel sauce: Homemade caramel sauce is a nice addition. You can make it with sugar, butter, and heavy cream, then let it cool before adding it to your coffee.
5. Pour the espresso slowly: Add the espresso gently over the milk instead of pouring it all in at once. This helps create the lovely layers.
6. Try oat milk: If you don’t want regular milk, give oat milk a try. It has a nice creamy texture and tastes great with coffee.
7. Adjust the caramel topping: Love caramel? Add a little extra on top. If you don’t like very sweet drinks, use less sauce.
8. Use cold milk for iced coffee: For the iced version, use cold milk and fresh ice cubes. It makes the drink much more refreshing.
9. Try with other beverages: Drink it with Starbucks Pink Drink Strawberry Açaí Coconut Milk or the Cold Brew for a rich experience.
How to Make a Caramel Macchiato With Regular Coffee
You can make a caramel macchiato without an espresso machine. Simply brew ½ cup of strong regular coffee using your coffee maker or French press. Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup to a glass, followed by 10 ounces of warm, frothed milk. Slowly pour 2 ounces of strong coffee over the milk and add 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce on top. It won’t taste exactly like espresso, but it’s a good option when you don’t have an espresso machine.
Caramel Macchiato Syrup Recipe
Making vanilla syrup at home is really easy. Add ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water to a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool before pouring it into a clean bottle. Add 2 tablespoons to your Caramel Macchiato whenever you make one.
How to Make Starbucks Caramel Latte Sachets
Starbucks Caramel Latte sachets are quite easy to prepare. Empty one sachet into your mug and follow the instructions on the packet. Usually, you just need to add hot water and stir until the powder dissolves. If the instructions allow, you can use warm milk instead for a creamier drink. Add a little caramel sauce on top if you want extra sweetness. Just remember that a sachet makes an instant caramel latte, not a freshly prepared Caramel Macchiato.
Bottom Line
This Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. Brew your espresso, add vanilla syrup, pour in warm milk, and finish with caramel sauce. You can make it hot or iced, depending on what you prefer. Use Fairtrade-certified coffee beans and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Serve it with your favourite snack, and enjoy a lovely coffee-shop drink right at home!
FAQs
How Many Calories Are in the Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe?
One 16-ounce serving of this homemade Caramel Macchiato has an estimated 350 calories. Most of these calories come from whole milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. Espresso itself adds very few calories.
The actual calories can change depending on the ingredients you use. For example, skim milk has fewer calories than whole milk. Some vanilla syrups and caramel sauces also contain more sugar than others.
If you want a lighter drink, use 2% or skim milk and reduce the vanilla syrup to 1 tablespoon. You can also use less caramel sauce on top. This way, you still get that lovely coffee and caramel taste without adding as much sugar and fat.
Is Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe Dairy Free?
No, the regular recipe isn’t dairy-free because it uses whole milk. But you can easily make a dairy-free version at home.
Simply replace whole milk with oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Oat milk is a good choice because it’s creamy and works really well with coffee.
You’ll also need to check your caramel sauce before using it. Some brands contain milk, butter, or cream. Choose a dairy-free caramel sauce if you want to avoid dairy completely.
Also, check the labels of your other ingredients to make sure they don’t contain dairy. With these small changes, you can still enjoy a lovely homemade Caramel Macchiato.
Why Make Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe?
Making this Caramel Macchiato at home is a nice way to enjoy your favourite coffee without visiting a coffee shop. You only need a few ingredients, and it takes around 5–10 minutes to prepare.
Another good thing is that you can change the recipe to suit your taste. Add more caramel, use less vanilla syrup, or make it with your favourite milk. You can also use Fairtrade-certified coffee beans if you want to support more responsible coffee sourcing.
It’s also a good way to save money if you regularly buy Caramel Macchiatos. Once you have the ingredients, you can make another cup whenever you feel like it.
How to Store Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe?
This Caramel Macchiato tastes best when it’s freshly made. The coffee is fresh, the milk is creamy, and the caramel topping looks much better.
If you have leftovers, pour the drink into a covered container and keep it in the refrigerator. Try to finish it within 24 hours. The milk and coffee may separate, so give it a good stir before drinking.
Don’t leave the drink sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and avoid freezing it because the milk may change its texture.
My suggestion is to store the ingredients separately instead. Keep the milk in the refrigerator and store the vanilla syrup and caramel sauce according to their packaging instructions. You can then make a fresh Caramel Macchiato whenever you want.
What to Serve with Starbucks Fairtrade Caramel Macchiato recipe?
This Caramel Macchiato goes really well with simple breakfast treats and sweet snacks. Here are a few things you can serve alongside it:
- Chocolate chip cookies: Perfect if you love chocolate with your coffee.
- Croissants: Their buttery taste goes really well with the creamy drink.
- Coffee cake: A slice of soft coffee cake makes a lovely afternoon treat.
- Cinnamon rolls: The cinnamon and sugar taste great with vanilla and caramel.
- Blueberry muffins: A nice option if you want something fruity.
- Banana bread: Soft, sweet, and great with a hot cup of coffee.
