Caramel Brulée Latte: A Decadent Holiday Tradition
$5.55 -220 Calories
$5.75 – 310 Calories
$6.45 – 410 Calories
$6.95 – 500 Calories
The Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte is a beloved holiday seasonal drink that combines Signature Espresso with rich caramel brulée sauce, steamed 2% milk, whipped cream, and a crunchy caramel brulée topping. Available during the winter holiday season in Short through Venti sizes starting at $5.55, the Caramel Brulée Latte delivers the decadent flavors of crème brûlée in a warm, comforting latte that has become a holiday tradition for millions of Starbucks fans in 2026.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte Quick Facts (2026)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Drink Type | Espresso + caramel brulée sauce + steamed milk + whipped cream |
| Espresso Roast | Signature Espresso Roast |
| Default Milk | 2% Milk |
| Sweetener | Caramel brulée sauce |
| Toppings | Whipped cream + caramel brulée topping bits |
| Available Iced? | Yes |
| Availability | Seasonal (November – January) |
| Sizes | Short, Tall, Grande, Venti |
| Caffeine (Grande) | 150 mg |
| Calories (Grande, 2% milk, whip) | 410 calories |
What Is the Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte?
The Caramel Brulée Latte is a holiday-season espresso drink inspired by crème brûlée — the classic French custard dessert with a caramelized sugar crust. Starbucks introduced this drink as part of its holiday menu and it has become one of the most anticipated seasonal offerings alongside the Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha.
The drink combines Signature Espresso with caramel brulée sauce — a rich, buttery caramel sauce with vanilla custard notes — steamed 2% milk, sweetened whipped cream, and a distinctive caramel brulée topping. The topping is what makes this drink special: crunchy, caramelized sugar bits that dissolve into the whipped cream and create a texture similar to the crackled top of an actual crème brûlée. This textural element sets it apart from every other latte on the menu.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte Price 2026 (All Sizes)
| Size | Fluid Ounces | Espresso Shots | Sauce Pumps | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short | 8 fl oz | 1 | 2 | $5.55 |
| Tall | 12 fl oz | 1 | 3 | $5.75 |
| Grande | 16 fl oz | 2 | 4 | $6.45 |
| Venti | 20 fl oz | 2 | 5 | $6.95 |
Note: Prices are comparable to other seasonal lattes like the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The caramel brulée sauce and topping bits are included in the base price. Alternative milks add $0.80.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte Calories by Size
| Size | 2% Milk + Whip | Nonfat + No Whip | Oat Milk + Whip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | 220 cal | 130 cal | 220 cal |
| Tall | 310 cal | 190 cal | 310 cal |
| Grande | 410 cal | 250 cal | 410 cal |
| Venti | 500 cal | 310 cal | 500 cal |
The Caramel Brulée Latte is one of the higher-calorie seasonal drinks. The whipped cream alone adds about 80-100 calories, and the caramel brulée sauce is sugar-rich. Ordering nonfat milk with no whip reduces a Grande from 410 to about 250 calories while keeping the caramel brulée flavor.
Caramel Brulée Latte Nutrition Facts (Grande, 2% Milk, Whipped Cream)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Total Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Total Carbs | 63 g |
| Sugars | 57 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Caffeine | 150 mg |
At 57 grams of sugar, the Caramel Brulée Latte is among the sweetest drinks at Starbucks. The sugar comes from the caramel brulée sauce, caramel brulée topping bits, milk lactose, and whipped cream. Reducing sauce pumps from 4 to 2 cuts sugar by roughly 14 grams.
Caramel Brulée Latte Caffeine Content
| Size | Espresso Shots | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 1 | 75 mg |
| Tall | 1 | 75 mg |
| Grande | 2 | 150 mg |
| Venti | 2 | 150 mg |
Caffeine is standard for an espresso latte — the caramel brulée sauce adds no caffeine. The sweet, rich flavor masks the espresso intensity, so the drink feels milder than it actually is from a caffeine perspective.
Caramel Brulée Latte Ingredients
- Espresso: Starbucks Signature Espresso Roast — rich, caramelly base
- Caramel Brulée Sauce: A rich sauce with butter, cream, sugar, and vanilla flavors — thicker and more complex than regular caramel sauce
- Steamed 2% Milk: Creates a creamy, custard-like body
- Whipped Cream: Sweetened whipped cream on top
- Caramel Brulée Topping: Crunchy, crystallized caramel sugar bits — the signature element
Caramel Brulée Latte Allergen Information
Contains milk from steamed milk, whipped cream, and the caramel brulée sauce itself. The sauce may also contain soy (soy lecithin). This drink is not suitable for dairy-free or soy-free diets even with alternative milk, as the sauce contains dairy ingredients. Check with your barista for the most current allergen information.
Caramel Brulée Latte Flavor Profile and Taste Review
The Caramel Brulée Latte tastes like a liquid version of crème brûlée with coffee. The first sip through the whipped cream delivers crunchy caramel bits that dissolve into sweet, buttery richness. The caramel brulée sauce is distinctly different from regular caramel — it has a deeper, more complex flavor with vanilla custard notes and a slightly burnt-sugar quality that mimics the torched top of crème brûlée. The espresso provides a welcome contrast, adding depth and preventing the drink from being purely sweet. The overall experience is indulgent, dessert-like, and distinctly holiday-feeling.
Who Will Love This Drink
- Fans of caramel and crème brûlée desserts
- Holiday drink enthusiasts who look forward to seasonal menus
- Sweet coffee lovers who enjoy dessert-inspired lattes
- Texture lovers — the crunchy topping is unique on the menu
Who Might Not Like It
- Those watching sugar intake (57g per Grande)
- Espresso purists (coffee flavor is secondary)
- People who prefer fruity or refreshing flavors
Is the Caramel Brulée Latte Worth It in 2026?
At $5.55 to $6.95, the Caramel Brulée Latte is a premium holiday treat that delivers a genuinely unique flavor experience. The combination of caramel brulée sauce with crunchy topping bits creates something you cannot get from any year-round menu item. If you enjoy caramel, vanilla, and dessert-style coffee, this is one of the best seasonal offerings. The limited availability (roughly November through January) adds to its appeal — when it is here, it is worth celebrating.
Caramel Brulée Latte vs Caramel Macchiato vs White Chocolate Mocha
| Feature | Caramel Brulée Latte | Caramel Macchiato | White Chocolate Mocha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Crème brûlée, buttery caramel | Vanilla, caramel drizzle | White chocolate, sweet |
| Topping | Crunchy caramel bits | Caramel drizzle crosshatch | Whipped cream |
| Calories (Grande) | 410 | 250 | 430 |
| Availability | Holiday seasonal | Year-round | Year-round |
| Price (Grande) | $6.45 | $5.95 | $6.15 |
How to Order a Caramel Brulée Latte (2026)
Standard In-Store Order
Say: “I’d like a [size] Caramel Brulée Latte.” It comes with whipped cream and caramel brulée topping by default. For iced, say “Iced Caramel Brulée Latte.” The topping bits are sprinkled on the whipped cream.
Mobile App Ordering
During holiday season, search “Caramel Brulée” in the Starbucks app. Customize sauce pumps, milk, whipped cream, and espresso type.
Best Caramel Brulée Latte Customizations (2026)
Blonde Caramel Brulée (Smoother)
Switch to Blonde Espresso for a lighter, sweeter espresso base that lets the caramel brulée sauce take center stage. Free swap, and the lighter roast pairs beautifully with the buttery caramel flavors.
Extra Topping (Maximum Crunch)
Ask for extra caramel brulée topping bits. This adds more of the crunchy, crystallized sugar that makes this drink distinctive. Usually free.
Half Sauce (Reduced Sugar)
Order with 2 pumps of caramel brulée sauce instead of 4 in a Grande. This cuts about 14 grams of sugar while keeping recognizable flavor. Pair with nonfat milk and no whip for a significantly lighter version around 200 calories.
Is the Caramel Brulée Latte Healthy?
Pros
- 12 grams of protein from milk
- Easily modified to lower calorie versions
- Seasonal treat — not consumed daily
Cons
- 410 calories and 57g sugar in a standard Grande
- Sauce contains dairy even with plant milk
- High saturated fat from whipped cream and sauce
Best Food Pairings with Caramel Brulée Latte
The rich, buttery flavor pairs well with light bakery items. A Butter Croissant adds flaky butteriness without competing for sweetness. For breakfast, the Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites provide savory contrast. During the holidays, pair with the Cranberry Bliss Bar for a full festive experience.
How to Make a Caramel Brulée Latte at Home
- Make caramel sauce by melting 1/4 cup sugar until golden, then stirring in 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons heavy cream with a splash of vanilla extract
- Pull 2 shots of espresso or brew 3 ounces of strong coffee
- Stir 2 tablespoons of the caramel sauce into the hot espresso
- Steam 10 ounces of 2% milk and pour over
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed caramel candies or turbinado sugar
A homemade version costs about $0.80 per cup. The hardest part to replicate is the caramel brulée topping — crushed Werther’s candies or torched turbinado sugar work well.
Customer Favorites and Popular Feedback
The Caramel Brulée Latte has a devoted fanbase that considers it the best holiday drink at Starbucks. Many customers prefer it over the more famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, praising its rich caramel flavor and the satisfying crunch of the topping bits. Baristas report that customers often ask if it can be made year-round. The most common feedback is that it tastes like “drinking crème brûlée” — the combination of burnt caramel, vanilla custard notes, and crunchy topping creates a genuinely dessert-like experience.
How to Save Money on Caramel Brulée Latte
- Join Starbucks Rewards: Redeem at 150 Stars for free
- Order a Short: Full Caramel Brulée experience for $5.55
- Holiday BOGO: Watch for buy-one-get-one promotions during November and December
- Make it at home: About $0.80 per cup with homemade caramel sauce
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Brulée Latte
How much is a Caramel Brulée Latte in 2026?
A Short costs $5.55, Tall costs $5.75, Grande costs $6.45, and Venti costs $6.95 at most U.S. locations.
When is the Caramel Brulée Latte available?
The Caramel Brulée Latte is a holiday seasonal drink, typically available from early November through late January while supplies last.
How many calories are in a Caramel Brulée Latte?
A Grande with 2% milk and whipped cream has 410 calories. Without whip, about 330. With nonfat milk and no whip, about 250.
What is the crunchy topping on the Caramel Brulée Latte?
The caramel brulée topping is made of crystallized, crunchy caramel sugar bits designed to mimic the crackled sugar crust on a crème brûlée dessert.
Is the Caramel Brulée Latte dairy-free?
No. The caramel brulée sauce contains dairy ingredients, so the drink is not dairy-free even with plant milk and no whipped cream.
Can I get it iced?
Yes, the Iced Caramel Brulée Latte is available during the same holiday seasonal window in Tall, Grande, and Venti.
What is the difference between Caramel Brulée and regular Caramel?
The caramel brulée sauce has a deeper, more complex flavor with vanilla custard and burnt-sugar notes, compared to regular caramel sauce which is sweeter and more straightforward. The brulée version is meant to taste like crème brûlée.
Final Verdict: Is the Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte Worth It?
The Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte is one of the best holiday seasonal drinks on the menu in 2026. At $5.55 to $6.95 with the unique combination of rich caramel brulée sauce and crunchy topping bits, it delivers a crème brûlée-inspired experience that no year-round drink can match. The 410 calories and 57g sugar make it a treat rather than an everyday drink, but that is exactly what holiday drinks are for. If you love caramel and dessert-style coffee, do not miss this one during the holiday season. For year-round caramel options, see the Caramel Macchiato or browse the full Starbucks menu.
