Latte art can be so beautiful, but what’s even more impressive is when that art is turned upside-down.
A latte that’s made to look like it’s upside-down takes a bit of skill, but it’s worth it for the unique and stunning final product.
Read on to find out what upside-down lattes are, how you can make them at home, and some tips for getting the perfect result. Let’s get started!
What is an upside-down latte?
An upside-down latte is a coffee drink that is made by pouring steamed milk into a glass and then adding espresso shots so that they float on top of the milk. It gets its name from its appearance, which resembles a regular latte that has been inverted.
An upside-down latte is essentially a latte with added foam, and it can be made using any type of milk (cow’s milk, 2% fat milk, etc.).
It is also possible to make it vegan by using dairy-free milk, such as almond milk and oat milk.
The best part about this recipe is that you can easily make one at home. Check out the ingredients needed below:
What ingredients are needed to make an upside-down latte?
To make an upside-down latte at home, collect the following ingredients:
- Whole milk – I like to use whole milk for its full flavor, but feel free to use any milk or milk alternative you have at home.
- Espresso coffee is used for that robust coffee flavor.
If you want to make the best latte at home, make sure to choose milk that will nicely steam and foam.
Optionally, you can add a sweetener to the mix. I’ll go over some great ways to sweeten your upside-down latte a bit further down.
For most lattes, a single espresso shot is used. If you prefer drinking a more robust version, you can use a double espresso shot (commonly referred to as doppio espresso).
How does an upside-down latte differ from a regular latte?
An upside-down latte is a latte with the milk at the bottom of the glass and the espresso on top.
It’s called an upside-down latte because it looks like a regular latte when you turn it right-side up.
The ingredients in this upside-down version are the same as a regular latte, so you can easily make one at home.
This means that it doesn’t differ from a regular latte, except for the way it’s layered.
Below, I’ll go over the best coffee base, how to choose the right coffee beans, and much more!
What is the best coffee basis for this recipe?
Espresso coffee is the perfect coffee basis for this recipe. The intense flavor of espresso is the perfect complement to the slightly sweet notes of the milk.
Espresso is a very dark, rich, and flavorful coffee that is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a drink with crema on top:
It has a much stronger flavor than regular coffee and is, therefore, the perfect choice for this recipe.
You can also use your favorite brewed coffee in this recipe. Use 1/4 cup (0.06 l) of brewed coffee to substitute the espresso.
And if you have a Nespresso machine at home, you can use the espresso pods or opt for a lungo version instead.
Tip: Check out the best Nespresso pods for a latte here.
How do you choose the right coffee beans for this latte?
It would be best if you chose the coffee beans for a latte based on their flavor profile.
A latte is made with espresso and milk, so the coffee beans should have a strong flavor that can stand up to the milk.
For most coffee drinkers, a medium to dark roast coffee bean will make an amazing latte. If you’re not a fan of the coffee flavor, a light roast will suit you better.
A light roast has a mild coffee flavor compared to a dark roast but will still have a great coffee flavor, so it doesn’t get drowned out by the milk.
Tip: If you’re looking for some more great coffee bean options for your homemade latte, check out this list!
How do you sweeten an upside-down latte?
There are a variety of ways to sweeten an upside-down latte. For example, you can use sugar or honey.
Some people also like to add flavored syrups to their lattes. Here’s a list of some popular homemade syrups and sauces you can try:
You can also choose to add various toppings, such as:
Those are a few of my favorite ways to sweeten this delicious coffee. Feel free to use any sweetener that you love so that the following recipe will be the best you’ve ever had:
Upside-Down Latte
This upside-down latte is the perfect treat after a hard day's work, or as start to the day!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (0.18 l) of whole milk
- One espresso shot
Instructions
- Start by brewing your espresso coffee. You can use various methods for this.
- Steam the whole milk and make sure there's a nice foam layer.
- Pour the steamed milk into a tall glass of choice.
- Let the milk settle for 30 seconds.
- Now, slowly pour the espresso coffee on top of the milk foam.
- Add a sweetener of your choice, serve with a spoon, and enjoy!
Notes
You can sweeten this delicious latte with any sweetener you prefer! Have a look above for some great homemade options.
If you prefer a more robust upside-down latte, you can use a double shot of espresso.
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Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 5.95gSaturated Fat: 3.4gUnsaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 8.2gSugar: 9.6gProtein: 5.9g
Upside-down latte FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions that will help you decide if this delicious latte version is something you’d enjoy.
Can you make an upside-down iced latte?
Absolutely! You can combine espresso coffee and cold foam in a glass and add ice and optional sweeteners to it! It’s best to let the coffee cool after brewing.
Can you make a decaf upside-down latte?
Sure! Just replace the espresso with decaf espresso and follow the same instructions. As decaf coffee doesn’t taste that different, it’s a great option.
How much caffeine is in an upside-down latte?
An upside-down latte contains the same amount of caffeine as a regular latte made with one espresso shot, which is 68mg.
What is the best way to drink the upside-down latte?
This is up to personal preference. Some people prefer to drink it straight from the glass, while others want to use a spoon to mix the coffee and foam together before drinking.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make an upside-down latte at home, there’s no excuse not to enjoy this delicious treat any time you want!
This easy recipe is sure to impress your friends and family, so be sure to give it a try the next time you’re looking for a unique coffee drink.
If you’d like to try out even more latte recipes, you can have a look below for some of my favorites:
