How to Make a Salted Caramel Iced Coffee with Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix

Craving a coffeehouse-style salted caramel iced coffee but don’t want to leave the house or wait in line? You can whip up a delicious version in your own kitchen using Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix. This clever shortcut gives you a creamy, sweet base without any brewing or espresso machines. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a glass full of ice.

Instant cappuccino mix is often overlooked for cold drinks, but it’s actually a perfect starting point for iced coffee. The mix already contains sugar and non-dairy creamer, so you get a smooth, frothy texture with minimal effort. We’ll use the Classic Cappuccino - Instant Cappuccino Mix as our base, but you can also experiment with the Sugar-Free Double Mocha - Instant Cappuccino Mix for a different flavor profile. Here’s how to put it together.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients and tools before you start: 2 tablespoons of Hills Bros. Classic Cappuccino Instant Cappuccino Mix, ¼ cup hot water, ½ cup cold milk (dairy or plant-based), a generous handful of ice cubes, and 1–2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade). Optional toppings include whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses ingredients you may already have. The instant cappuccino mix eliminates the need for brewed coffee, so you skip the cooling step entirely. If you like a stronger coffee flavor, you can add an extra half-tablespoon of the mix without throwing off the sweetness too much.

• For a thicker, milkshake-like texture, blend everything with the ice in a blender instead of stirring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by dissolving 2 tablespoons of the classic cappuccino mix in ¼ cup of hot water. Stir until completely dissolved — no lumps allowed. While it’s still warm, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce. The heat helps the caramel blend smoothly into the coffee base, so don’t skip this step.

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour the caramel-coffee mixture over the ice. Add the cold milk and stir well. Taste and adjust: if you prefer it sweeter, add a little more caramel sauce; if you want it stronger, add a pinch more cappuccino mix. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of salted caramel, and a few flakes of sea salt if you like that sweet-salty kick.

• Make coffee ice cubes by freezing leftover brewed coffee or diluted cappuccino mix — they won’t water down your drink as regular ice does.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Iced Coffee

Because instant cappuccino mix already contains sugar and creamer, the drink can become overly sweet if you add too much caramel sauce. Start with one tablespoon, then adjust. If you’re using the Sugar-Free Double Mocha - Instant Cappuccino Mix, you’ll have more room to add caramel without going overboard on sugar, and you’ll get a nice chocolate-caramel combination.

For the creamiest texture, use whole milk or oat milk. Stir the drink thoroughly with a long spoon to combine the hot base with the cold milk and ice. If you let it sit for a minute, the flavors meld even better. This is an easy coffee recipe that scales up easily for a pitcher — just multiply by the number of servings.

Make It Your Own

The basic salted caramel iced coffee recipe is endlessly customizable. Swap the classic cappuccino mix with the Hills Bros. Sugar-Free Double Mocha - Instant Cappuccino Mix for a mocha-salted caramel twist. Add a shot of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon for extra depth. You can also use coconut milk for a tropical hint, or top with chocolate shavings instead of sea salt.

This summer coffee drink comes together in under five minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups. Because it’s made with instant cappuccino mix, there’s no hot coffee to cool down, so you can enjoy your cold coffee drink immediately. It’s also easy to pack for picnics or outdoor gatherings — just mix the cappuccino powder and caramel sauce in a jar, then add milk and ice when you’re ready.

Making a salted caramel iced coffee at home with Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix is quick, flexible, and far more affordable than a coffee shop version. Whether you stick with the Classic Cappuccino or try the Sugar-Free Double Mocha, you’ll have a creamy, refreshing drink that tastes like a treat. Experiment with toppings and milk choices until it’s exactly the way you like it — then pour yourself another glass.