Upside Down Latte
We all know what a normal latte looks like: espresso and steamed milk, with a layer of foam on top. But what if we turn this upside down? Meet the Upside-Down Latte!
What is an upside-down latte? It’s just like a regular latte, except the espresso and milk are reversed. This means that the milk is at the bottom and the espresso is on top. You can add the foam from the milk on top of the espresso or leave it at the bottom. The upside-down latte was first created by Starbucks. They call it the “Venti upside down Latte”, and it’s a part of their secret menu.
It’s also said that it started in Japan. They started to make these when they were training new hires and wanted to show them how different drinks could be made on the same machine. Either way, the drink variation started to catch on and is gaining popularity as a fun twist on a regular latte.
🤔 Is an upside-down latte just a Macchiato?
Yes and no. While a macchiato has a similar assembly, the ratios of the ingredients may be slightly different. This all depends on how you prefer your coffee drink.
☕Ingredients
The base of this drink is made with espresso and milk. Customize to your personal preference!
- Brewed Espresso – Prepare espresso shots according to your personal tastes. You can also use strong coffee or cold brew if making iced.
- Milk – Use cow’s milk or plant-based milk.
- Sweetener – (Optional) Use sugar, honey, maple syrup, or homemade simple syrup.
Recommended Tools:
- Electric Frother – You can use a milk steamer or an electric milk frother. We love using an electric frother because it is small, convenient and works very quickly!
Our Top Pick
Bodum Electric Frother
This electric milk frother is the best way to get frothy milk to use for your coffee and tea drinks! Use it to make steamed milk or cold foam.
📖How To Make
1️⃣ Step One: Brew 1-2 shots of your favorite espresso.
Use an espresso make or Nespresso machine to brew espresso. You can also use a few ounces of strongly brewed coffee.
2️⃣ Step Two: Steam or Froth Milk
Use a milk steamer or an electric milk frother to create a light and airy texture in the milk that has a layer of foam on top.
3️⃣ Step Three: Assemble
Pour the milk portion into a mug or glass reserving the foam. Pour the espresso over top of the milk, then add the foam.
🔁Variations
- Use half milk and half foam, or all milk to start.
- Use homemade cold brew coffee instead of espresso.
- Add chocolate syrup to the bottom of your upside-down latte for a little extra flavor.
- Make it taste like a caramel macchiato by adding caramel syrup to the bottom or sides of the cup and drizzle some on top.
- Throw in some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice at on top for another layer of taste.
- Make it vegan by using your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk.
- Make an upside-down iced latte by pouring the cooled ingredients over a large cup of ice. Top with cold foam or vegan cold foam.
- Sweeten with brown sugar simple syrup, or vanilla simple syrup.
❔FAQ
Yes, you can make an upside-down latte with most home espresso machines. You may need to adjust the ratios a bit to get it just right.
No, but you can order it from their secret menu. Just ask for a Venti upside-down Latte.
Yes, you can make this drink with any type of espresso. If making an iced drink, try using decaf cold brew coffee.
Whether you’re drinking a macchiato, latte, or an upside-down latte, you can drink the layers as is or mix it all together depending on your personal preference.
More Specialty Coffee Drinks
Upside Down Latte
Equipment
- Electric Frother
Ingredients
- 2 oz Espresso
- 8 oz Milk or plant based milk
- 1 tbsp Simple Syrup optional
Instructions
1️⃣ Step One: Brew 1-2 shots of your favorite espresso.
- Use an espresso make or Nespresso machine to brew espresso. You can also use a few ounces of strongly brewed coffee.
2️⃣ Step Two: Steam or Froth Milk
- Use a milk steamer or an electric milk frother to create a light and airy texture in the milk that has a layer of foam on top.
3️⃣ Step Three: Assemble
- Pour the milk portion into a mug or glass reserving the foam. Pour the espresso over top of the milk, then add the foam.
