Have you had a chance to try an upside-down caramel macchiato? This unique coffee drink has become super popular lately and for good reason. It’s the yin and yang of coffee – sweet caramel syrup and smooth espresso create a perfect balance.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what an upside-down caramel macchiato is, where to get the best one, how to order it, how to make it at home, and much more!
So, buckle up and get ready to sip on some deliciousness!
What is an upside-down Caramel Macchiato
An upside-down caramel macchiato is made by layering espresso, steamed milk, and syrup in the opposite order to a regular caramel macchiato.
Regular Caramel Macchiato
First, let’s talk about the classic caramel macchiato. Imagine a canvas or a coffee cup waiting to be painted.
To create a white background, add a splash of vanilla syrup first, like a brushstroke, then add steamed milk.
Then comes the espresso, a dark and bold brush stroke, creating a contrast to the white.
Finally, a drizzle of caramel syrup on top, like a delicate touch of gold leaf, completes the masterpiece.
Upside-Down Caramel Macchiato
Now, let’s flip that canvas upside down! The upside-down caramel macchiato is a delightful variation of the classic, where the ingredients are layered in reverse.
First, a swirl of caramel syrup coats the bottom of the cup like a warm embrace.
Then, a smooth wave of steamed milk follows the espresso shot, which is like a flavor punch.
Then vanilla is feathered across the top to complete the masterpiece.
Click to watch how it’s made at Starbucks!
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Which one is better?
So, if you’re wondering which is better between the traditional caramel macchiato and the upside-down version, I have to say both are amazing!
But the choice really depends on your personal preference. Let me explain the main differences between the two drinks.
Taste and Presentation
The upside-down caramel macchiato is sweeter and smoother than the classic version due to the caramel syrup being added first.
It also allows the espresso to shine through more, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger coffee taste.
In terms of presentation, the classic caramel macchiato has distinct layers of milk and espresso, like a work of art, while the upside-down version has a more blended look, like a watercolor painting.
So, whether you prefer a bold and striking piece or a soft and dreamy one, there’s a caramel macchiato for everyone!
Layers and Mouthfeel
The regular caramel macchiato has clear layers of milk, espresso, and foam, with the caramel syrup added on top. This results in a drink where the caramel flavor is more of an accent.
On the other hand, the upside-down version has blended layers, with the caramel syrup at the bottom, resulting in a drink where the caramel flavor is more prominent.
The mouthfeel is also slightly different between the two versions. With the traditional caramel macchiato, the caramel sinks to the bottom and mixes equally with the drink.
With the upside-down version, the caramel integrates with the rest of the drink, depending on how hot the coffee was when poured and if you stir it or not.
Syrups Used
The biggest difference between the two is the syrup used. For the upside-down version, the milk is combined with caramel syrup before being steamed, giving the drink a richer caramel flavor.
The traditional caramel macchiato uses vanilla syrup instead of caramel, which gives it a more mellow sweetness.
Layering and Sweetness
Another important difference is in the way the drink is layered. The espresso and milk are combined first for the upside-down version before being topped with frothed milk and caramel drizzle, resulting in a drink that’s less sweet and more espresso-forward. Meanwhile, the regular caramel macchiato has layers of milk, espresso, and foam, with caramel syrup added on top, making it a sweeter drink.
To Stir or Not to Stir
Baristas worked hard to create the layers for you, and you gotta put in the work to get it mixed evenly.
However, with the upside-down version, you might need to stir the drink to get the caramel flavor throughout and not just at the end.
Again, it depends on how you like it and if the barista mixed the caramel and espresso before adding milk and ice.
Rule of Thumb
Both versions of the caramel macchiato are delicious, but the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
If you’re looking for a more decadent drink, go for the regular caramel macchiato.
If you prefer a richer caramel flavor with less sweetness, and you don’t want to much then try the upside-down caramel macchiato.
Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Click below to learn about the 3 main places to buy coffee and the pros & cons of each
How to Order at Starbucks
So, how do you order an upside-down caramel macchiato? It’s easy!
First, specify that you want it “upside down.” This is important because it lets the barista know that you want the ingredients layered in reverse order.
Remember, the key to ordering any drink is to be specific and clear about what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make modifications to suit your taste.
With this insider knowledge, you’ll be sipping on a delicious upside-down caramel macchiato in no time.
Ordering at Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts
First off, let’s talk about the differences in ordering at Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.
At Starbucks, ordering an upside-down caramel macchiato is as easy as saying the name.
However, at Dunkin’ Donuts and other smaller cafes, you may need to explain how you want the drink made, as the upside-down caramel macchiato is not on standard menus.
Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ Donuts: Who makes a better upside-down macchiato?
So, the big question on everyone’s mind is: Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, who makes the better upside-down caramel macchiato?
Dunkin’ Donuts really impressed us with their rich and creamy version of the drink. Their espresso was particularly smooth, making for a delicious and satisfying drink.
So, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect sweet caffeine hit, we’d recommend giving the Dunkin’ Donuts version a try.
Of course, at the end of the day, taste is subjective, so it’s always worth trying out both versions and deciding for yourself which one you prefer.
How to make an upside-down caramel macchiato at home
Tired of going to coffee shops and spending a fortune on your favorite drinks? Don’t worry; making an upside-down caramel macchiato at home is easier than you might think.
Of course, use an espresso machine to get your shots. But if you don’t have one at home, then you can use a moka pot to get your coffee.
If you don’t have either, don’t worry! Simply make a regular coffee made with dark or espresso roast beans.
Now just follow these simple steps:
List of necessary ingredients and tools
First, gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need:
- Caramel sauce is the key ingredient in this recipe; make sure to choose a caramel sauce that you love.
- Coffee: Espresso roast works best, as it will create a similar taste to the one you get from coffee shops.
- Milk: Any kind of milk will do. Starbucks uses 2% as its standard.
- Vanilla syrup: Starbucks uses 3 pumps of vanilla syrup in all their caramel macchiato drinks, so if you want to get the authentic taste, be sure to add it to your recipe.
- Ice (optional): Depending on whether you want to make a hot or iced upside-down caramel macchiato, you can add ice to your drink.
Upside-down caramel macchiato recipe
Once you have all your ingredients ready, follow these steps:
- Add the caramel syrup to the bottom of your glass.
- Slowly pour in the espresso, making sure to do it gradually so that you can see the clear layers that make macchiatos so popular.
- If you’re making an iced upside-down caramel macchiato, add some ice to your glass now.
- Pour in the milk on top, making sure to leave some room for the vanilla syrup.
- Drizzle the vanilla syrup over the milk to finish off your drink.
And there you have it—your very own homemade upside-down caramel macchiato!
Tips and variations for the recipe
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect upside-down caramel macchiato:
- If you’re making an iced drink, try using cold brew coffee instead of espresso. It will give your drink a smoother taste.
- Use a frother to froth your milk before pouring it into your drink. This will give your drink a creamier texture.
- Experiment with different kinds of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, to create a vegan or plant-based version of this drink.
- Adjust the amount of caramel and vanilla syrup to your liking, depending on how sweet you want your drink to be.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a personalized version of the upside-down caramel macchiato that is just as good (if not better!) than the one you get from your favorite coffee shop.
Final thoughts on the upside-down caramel macchiato and its appeal
Well, there you have it, folks! We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article about the upside-down caramel macchiato. We started by defining what a regular caramel macchiato is and then dove into the differences between it and its upside-down counterpart. We also covered how to order one at popular coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts and even provided a recipe for making one at home.
Overall, the upside-down caramel macchiato is a sweet and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy any coffee lover’s cravings. Its unique presentation and layered flavors make it a popular choice for those who want to indulge in something special.
So whether you prefer to order it at your favorite coffee chain or make it at home, the upside-down caramel macchiato is definitely worth a try.
Just be warned: once you take a sip of this delicious drink, you may never want to go back to plain old coffee again!
