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The first time I heard a barista call out an upside-down caramel macchiato at the counter, I giggled.
For a second, I thought it was a joke. I had only heard “upside down” used for cakes.
Then I realized it was a real Starbucks customization.
I wanted to figure out what it actually changes, how to order it, and why people ask for it.
Key takeaways
Starbucks upside-down drinks: What does it mean?
At Starbucks, a drink ordered “upside-down” means that it’s built with the ingredients in a kind of reverse order from the usual recipe.
People often assume “upside down” means every ingredient gets reversed, but it usually refers to the espresso shot placement or the way the drink is built. Toppings like caramel still end up on top.
However, there’s no official communication from Starbucks to say what the ‘right way’ is as it’s technically not an official menu modification.
It’s a small change, but it can shift the first few sips enough to matter.
What drinks can you order upside-down at Starbucks?
Starbucks uses the upside-down modification in a few drinks, and the result depends on what you start with. A few examples are below:
Caramel Macchiato
The Caramel Macchiato is easily the most commonly-ordered ‘upside-down’ drink.
While a regular CM is made with espresso, steamed milk, and caramel sauce, an upside down version of the drink is made with the caramel stirred in, with more drizzle on top, and the espresso shot(s) added last.
When I’ve had it that way, the caramel and milk come across a little sweeter and more buttery to me.
Ask Your Barista For:
- Asking for a Caramel Macchiato ’stirred’ will be the same as if asked for ‘upside-down’ so don’t be confused if this is how they refer to it.
Latte
The ingredients are still the same, but building them in reverse changes the first few sips more than I expected.
A traditional latte consists of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
In this case, the milk would go at the bottom of the cup with the espresso on top.
I usually notice the espresso sooner in an upside-down version, so the drink feels stronger to me.
Espresso Shot
While a typical espresso shot consists of a single or double shot of espresso, an upside-down shot is made in a different way.
In practice, that means the drink is built so the milk or foam goes in first and the espresso is added afterward, which is what changes the final layers.
The upside down version of the espresso shot offers a bolder, more concentrated espresso flavor as the milk foam is not mixed in with the espresso.
What I notice first is the contrast: pale foam underneath and dark espresso on top makes the cup look layered in a way a normal latte doesn’t.
Using Ristretto shots, which are shorter, more concentrated shots of espresso, will result in a stronger flavor than using a long shot.
Cold Brew Dalgona Coffee
Looking for a delicious and refreshing coffee drink to beat the summer heat? Try a Cold Brew Dalgona Latte at Starbucks.
This tasty beverage is made with cold brew coffee, vanilla syrup, and steamed whole milk, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of flavors is absolutely heavenly.
If your app or barista offers it, you may also be able to ask for an upside-down version of the Cold Brew Dalgona Latte.
In the version described here, the cup starts with vanilla syrup and cold brew, followed by steamed whole milk and whipped cream.
Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato
The Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato is a delicious and sweet Starbucks drink from the Starbucks Secret Menu.
It’s an Iced Soy Caramel Macchiato with vanilla and cinnamon dolce syrups, so the flavor leans a little sweeter and spicier.
To make this drink upside-down, the barista adds the syrups and espresso shots to the bottom of the cup, followed by Starbucks soy milk.
Why do people order upside-down drinks at Starbucks?
I’ve heard this question at the counter more than once: why order a drink upside down?
Usually it changes how the drink mixes as you sip, so the espresso and milk do not hit all at once.
Some people enjoy ordering upside down drinks because they find that the flavors blend together more seamlessly this way.
Sometimes it comes down to taste, and sometimes it’s just fun to order.
How to order upside-down drinks?
If you want to try an upside-down drink at Starbucks, the order itself is straightforward enough.
At Starbucks locations
Simply visit your local Starbucks and let the barista know you’d like to order an upside down version of your favorite drink.
Be sure to specify your desired Starbucks cup size, syrup flavors, and any other customization options you’d like–for example, if you like it with ice or not, less hot water, etc.
Then the barista builds the drink in the order you asked for, which changes how the first sip and the last sip taste.
The Starbucks app
If you prefer to order your drinks through the Starbucks app, you can select your desired drink and customization options as usual.
In some app versions, the upside-down option appears under Shot Prep .
Not every drink can be made this way, but many popular espresso-based drinks can.
A quick check in the app or a question at the counter usually clears up what’s available.
FAQs
Is an upside-down macchiato the same as a regular latte?
No, an upside-down macchiato is not the same as a regular latte. They use the same general ingredients, but the build order is different, and that changes the way the drink layers.
Are all upside-down drinks on Starbucks’ secret menu?
No, not all upside-down drinks belong to Starbucks’ secret menu. In the app, the option may appear under Ask for More as Upside Down, depending on the drink and version of the app.
What is an upside-down flat white?
An upside-down Flat White at Starbucks flips the build order, so the milk and microfoam go in first and the espresso shots follow.
Conclusion - Try it upside down today!
I’ve only ordered the Caramel Macchiato upside down, so that’s the version I know best.
For me, the appeal is the extra control over flavor, texture, and sweetness.
The Caramel Macchiato is the version that made the change easiest for me to notice.
