Salted Caramel Coconut Latte

This drink is a delightful fusion of bold espresso, creamy coconut milk, and a sweet-salty caramel sauce. Served over ice, it's a refreshing yet decadent treat that transports you to a tropical cafe. The combination of nutty coconut and buttery caramel creates a perfectly balanced and satisfying flavor experience, ideal for a warm day or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Salted Caramel Coconut Latte

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Primarily categorized as a modern coffee drink, this latte also fits into the mocktail category due to its crafted, non-alcoholic nature. It's a contemporary creation often found in specialty coffee shops.

Serving

Served cold in a tall glass over ice, this is a substantial, non-alcoholic coffee drink. Its appealing layered look makes it a visual treat.
Serving size
Approximately 350 ml / 12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball Glass
Glass treatment
None, but can be chilled beforehand.

Backstory

A product of modern coffee culture, this latte variation was born from the trend of combining unique flavor profiles. It merges the timeless appeal of salted caramel with the growing popularity of plant-based milks like coconut. This offers a delicious, dairy-free twist on a beloved coffeehouse favorite.
Origin
This drink is a contemporary invention with roots in the global specialty coffee shop scene, likely emerging in the United States or Europe during the 2010s. It doesn't have a single point of origin but rather evolved from consumer demand for flavored lattes and dairy alternatives.

Salted Caramel Coconut Latte

This drink is most commonly known as the Salted Caramel Coconut Latte. Some might refer to it by slightly different names that emphasize its iced nature or compare its layered look to a macchiato.
Original name
Salted Caramel Coconut Latte
Alternative names
  • Iced Coconut Salted Caramel Latte
  • Coconut Caramel Macchiato (non-traditional)

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a rich, creamy texture with a sweet and salty flavor profile, balanced by the bitterness of coffee. Its inviting aroma of caramel and coconut complements its attractive layered appearance.
Flavor
Sweet, Salty, Coffee, Coconut, Caramel, Nutty, Rich
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Sweet caramel, Tropical coconut
Taste balance
Sweet, Salty, Bitter
Aftertaste
Creamy, Sweet, Lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered, Opaque, Light brown, Beige
Texture
Creamy, Smooth, Rich
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is prominently sweet and creamy, with a distinct salted caramel and coconut taste balanced by coffee bitterness. It is completely non-alcoholic and has no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are espresso, coconut milk, and salted caramel sauce, served over ice. Freshly brewed espresso and good quality sauce are key to the best flavor.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz (double shot)
    Freshly brewed is best. Can be substituted with strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate.
  • Coconut Milk180 ml / 6 oz
    Use barista-style coconut milk for a creamier texture. Full-fat canned coconut milk can also be used for extra richness.
  • Salted Caramel Sauce30 ml / 1 oz
    Use a vegan salted caramel sauce to keep the drink dairy-free. Adjust quantity to taste.
  • Ice CubesEnough to fill the glass
    Standard cubed ice works perfectly.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need an espresso machine to brew the coffee and a tall glass for assembly. A simple spoon is sufficient for stirring.
  • Espresso Machine: For brewing the espresso shots.
  • Tall Glass: For building and serving the drink.
  • Spoon or Stirrer: For mixing the ingredients.

Instructions

The process involves layering ingredients in a glass: first caramel sauce, then ice, coconut milk, and finally espresso. Garnish before serving.
1. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce along the inside of a tall (Highball) glass.
2. Fill the glass completely with ice cubes.
3. Pour the coconut milk over the ice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
4. Brew a double shot of espresso (or use strong coffee) and let it cool for a moment.
5. Slowly pour the hot espresso over the back of a spoon onto the coconut milk to create a layered effect.
6. Garnish with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a pinch of coarse sea salt.
7. Serve immediately with a straw, and instruct to stir before drinking to combine all the layers.

Garnishing

Garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the drink's flavors and appearance.
  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle on top for texture and aroma.
  • Salted Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Add an extra drizzle over the top for visual appeal and flavor.
  • Coarse Sea Salt: A tiny pinch on top enhances the salted caramel flavor.

Dietary Information

This drink is non-alcoholic and contains caffeine. It can be made dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free using appropriate ingredients, but it is not nut-free due to the coconut.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric with a high carbohydrate and sugar content, primarily from the salted caramel sauce and coconut milk.
Calories
Averagely 280 kcal / 1172 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 35g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 30g
Sugar level

Occasions

This latte is perfect as a special morning coffee, a revitalizing afternoon treat, or a liquid dessert. It's also great for serving at casual social gatherings.
  • Morning Coffee Treat
  • Afternoon Pick-me-up
  • Dessert Drink
  • Casual Get-together

Pairing suggestions

This latte pairs wonderfully with light, crunchy biscuits like biscotti or shortbread. Its flavor profile also complements pastries such as almond croissants or coconut macaroons.
  • Biscotti
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Coconut macaroons
  • Almond croissants

Salted Caramel Coconut Latte: A Tropical Coffeehouse Escape

The Salted Caramel Coconut Latte is a modern, non-alcoholic coffee creation that beautifully balances sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. Its creamy texture from coconut milk combined with rich caramel and bold espresso makes it a luxurious treat. Easy to prepare and visually appealing with its distinct layers, it serves as a perfect afternoon indulgence or a delightful dessert beverage for any coffee lover.

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