Cloud Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
on Dec 18, 2023
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This homemade copycat Cloud Macchiato rivals Starbucks’ version I’ve tried. It’s airy, foamy, fluffy, and full of delicious espresso and caramel flavors. Serve it iced or hot!
If you are a fan of Ariana Grande, you’ve probably heard of “Ariana Grande Cloud Macchiato”, when she partnered with Starbucks to promote this drink. Now you can skip the drive to Starbucks and make your own cloud macchiato at home for a fraction of the cost!
Light, foamy, and sweet, it always hits the spot just right on those crisp mornings. It’s simple to make, too. You can mix it up in about 5 minutes… even less than it takes to drive to the nearest Starbucks. I’ll show you how to make both iced cloud macchiato and hot cloud macchiato.
Watch Easy Cloud Macchiato Recipe Video
So what exactly is Cloud Macchiato?
Cloud Macchiato is a twist on the original Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. It’s made with espresso and fluffy whipped cold foam, then topped with caramel sauce. It comes in 2 flavors: caramel and cinnamon, and both have a smooth and creamy texture with a meringue-like foam that fills half of the cup!
What does it taste like? It’s creamy, frothy, and sweet: almost tastes like a caffeinated dessert!
Cloud Macchiato Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cloud macchiato drink:
- Espresso or coffee: You can use Starbucks Espresso Coffee Beans or other coffee beans you have at home. Alternatively, you can use instant coffee mix (or even decaf if you prefer). If you use the coffee mix, make sure to dilute with less water so that it’s very concentrated.
- Milk: Any type you like! I usually use full-fat milk for the extra creamy texture, but you can use other types such as skim milk or almond milk.
- Egg White Powder (or Meringue Powder): This is the secret ingredient that gives an airy and frothy crown to this drink. You can find the meringue egg white powder at most grocery stores or order online.
- Icing Sugar: It adds the extra fluffy texture and sweetness to the drink.
- Vanilla Extract: For a subtle sweetness and a hint of warmth..
- Caramel Sauce: It adds rich and sweet flavors. Caramel ice cream topping also works.
The complete recipe with measurements is at the bottom of the post.
How to Make an Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato
This cloud macchiato recipe is super easy to make! You don’t need a milk frother to make the cloud foam. A regular hand-mixer works great. Here’s how it goes:
First, make espresso or coffee. Start with making espresso or use a strong regular coffee. Let it chill in the fridge.
Next, make the cloud foam. Add egg white powder, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and water to a large bowl. Beat on medium speed until foamy using a hand mixer. Tip: It’s important to beat the mixture long enough until it becomes thick and foamy.
Finally, make the cloud macchiato. Add ice cubes to the glass. Pour in espresso and milk. Then gently pour the cloud foam. Top with caramel sauce. That’s it!
Hot Cloud Macchiato
This recipe can be easily modified to hot cloud macchiato. Simply skip the ice and pour the hot espresso into the glass, then add warm milk (about 150°F / 65°C). Pour the cloud foam and add the caramel topping.
Flavor Variations
- Turn this drink into Cinnamon Cloud Macchiato by mixing ground cinnamon in the drink and adding a dusting of cinnamon on top of the caramel sauce.
- Add toffee nut syrup into the drink and turn it into Cocoa Cloud Macchiato.
More Favorite Starbucks Copycat Recipes
If you like this recipe, try one of these delicious copycat Starbucks drinks next:
- Salted Caramel Mocha
- Chai Tea Latte
- Java Chip Frappuccino
- S’mores Frappuccino
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Nitro Cold Brew
- Caramel Frappe
Caramel Cloud Macchiato Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Cloud Foam
- 1 tablespoon egg white powder, or meringue powder
- 3 tablespoons icing sugar, It can also be labelled powdered sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Macchiato Drink
- 1/2 cup espresso, or coffee
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Ice
Topping
- caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the espresso. (You can also use a very strong regular coffee.) Chill the espresso in the refrigerator.
- In a large mixing bowl, add egg white powder, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and water. Beat on medium speed until foamy using a hand mixer. Make sure to beat the mixture long enough so that it's thick and foamy.
- Fill the glass 1/2 full of ice cubes.
- Pour chilled espresso and milk into the glass.
- Gently pour the egg powder foam into the glass.
- Top with caramel sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- To make hot cloud macchiato: Simply skip the ice and pour the hot espresso into the glass, then add warm milk (about 150°F / 65°C) and egg white foam.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Great recipe! It worked out perfectly and tasted just like the real thing!
Yoaa, glad to hear that! Thank you so much for letting me know!
Where do you find Icing sugar? Can you leave a link. Thanks
Hi Jordan, you can order it online from amazon. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3wTxRij
Icing sugar is just another name for powdered sugar, you can find it at any grocery store.