Salted Caramel Latte– Easy Starbucks Copycat

This salted caramel latte is a simple at-home version of the Starbucks classic — creamy espresso, warm milk, caramel sweetness, and a little salty crunch on top. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and feels kinda fancy without being a hassle. You’ll only need 10 minutes, a mug, and a little bit of whipped cream energy.

Jump to Recipe

Quick Summary

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 0
• Flavor: sweet, creamy, lightly salty
• Great for: cozy resets, fall mornings, treat-yourself breaks

Why I Like This Recipe

Honestly? I just needed something warm and sweet that didn’t come from a drive-thru. This hits every time. Creamy coffee, caramel syrup, sea salt — it’s all the good stuff in one mug. Also cheaper than therapy (kidding… kind of).

Ingredients

• 1 tsp turbinado sugar
• ¼ tsp flaky sea salt
• 4 oz espresso or strong coffee
• 2½ tbsp caramel syrup (divided)
• 4 oz milk (any kind), warmed and frothed
• 2 tbsp whipped cream

How To Make Salted Caramel Latte

1. Mix the topping: In a tiny bowl, stir together the sugar and salt. Set aside.
2. Brew your espresso: Make your coffee and pour it into your fave mug. The cozier the better.
3. Add caramel: Stir in about 2 tbsp of caramel syrup. Taste and adjust.
4. Add frothed milk: Pour in your warm, foamy milk slowly — let it swirl.
5. Top it off: Dollop on the whipped cream. Drizzle more caramel. Sprinkle the sugar-salt mix.

Tips for Success

• Use flaky sea salt — trust, it makes the flavor pop
• Froth your milk even if you’re lazy — it’s worth it
• Want it iced? Use cold brew and skip the foam
• Don’t overheat the milk — just warm and frothy is best

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Technically you can save it, but it’s best fresh.
• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan or microwave. Stir to bring it back together.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use regular table salt?
  You can, but flaky sea salt gives you a better crunch and flavor. Worth getting if you can.
• Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
  Yep. Use oat or almond milk and a non-dairy whipped topping. Still tastes amazing.
• What kind of caramel syrup should I use?
  Starbucks brand is great if you’ve got it, but Torani or homemade caramel syrup works too.
• Can I make this iced?
  Definitely. Just use cold brew or chilled espresso, cold milk, and skip the foaming part.
• How do I froth milk without a frother?
  Microwave the milk, then shake it in a mason jar (lid on tight!) or use a whisk vigorously.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Using regular salt instead of flaky sea salt: It’s just not the same. Regular salt melts in and disappears — you want that little crunch.
• Not frothing the milk: Yes, it’s an extra step. Yes, it’s worth it. Froth = café texture. Otherwise it’s just hot coffee.
• Overheating the milk: Too hot and it scorches or gets weirdly flat. Warm it just enough to steam — around 150°F if you wanna get nerdy.
• Skipping the topping: The sugar-salt sprinkle on top? That’s the game changer. Makes it feel like a treat, not just a warm drink.
• Using weak coffee: You need bold coffee or espresso so the caramel and milk don’t drown it out. Don’t be shy with the beans.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 244 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Potassium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 4g

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