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dunkin caramel iced coffee

Dunkin Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe

A homemade copycat recipe that recreates Dunkin's signature caramel iced coffee with sweet caramel, rich coffee, and creamy goodness. Customize to your taste and save money compared to drive-thru visits.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 Serving
Calories: 135
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled 8 oz, double strength
  • 2 tablespoons caramel syrup Torani or Monin work well; use 3 tablespoons for stronger flavor
  • 2 tablespoons half-and-half or substitute with whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk
  • 1 cup ice cubes or use coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or sweetener optional, depending on desired sweetness; liquid sugar recommended for authentic taste
For Garnish
  • whipped cream optional
  • extra caramel sauce optional, for drizzling

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker or mason jar
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
  1. Start by brewing your coffee stronger than you typically would for hot coffee. Aim for double strength since ice will dilute the flavor. If using a standard drip coffee maker, use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Allow the brewed coffee to cool completely. Pro tip: To cool coffee quickly without diluting it, pour hot coffee into a metal container and place it in an ice bath for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Sweeten the Coffee
  1. Add the sugar or sweetener to your coffee while it's still warm (if you're brewing fresh). This helps it dissolve completely, preventing grittiness in your final dunkin caramel iced coffee. Pro tip: For the most authentic dunkin experience, use liquid sugar instead of granulated for a smoother blend.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Syrup
  1. Pour the caramel syrup into your cooled coffee and stir thoroughly. For a stronger caramel flavor reminiscent of the dunkin caramel swirl, use 3 tablespoons instead of 2. Pro tip: Swirl the syrup around the inside of your glass before adding other ingredients for a visually appealing caramel stripe effect.
Step 4: Assemble Your Drink
  1. Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour your caramel-sweetened coffee over the ice until the glass is about ¾ full. Pro tip: Use coffee ice cubes instead of regular water ice cubes to prevent dilution as the ice melts.
Step 5: Add Cream and Garnish
  1. Add your half-and-half or milk alternative, stirring gently. If desired, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for that authentic dunkin donuts iced coffee appearance. Pro tip: For an Instagram-worthy presentation, use a squeeze bottle to create caramel drizzle patterns on the inside of your glass before adding any ingredients.