Starbucks recommends that you try adding ristretto shots in any of your espresso based beverages for a fully customized experience. Ristretto shots are included in Flat Whites, but they can be added as a substitute instead of espresso in many drinks. However, if you were to drink the same amount of ristretto and espresso, the ristretto would have a higher amount of caffeine. This does not mean, however, that it has more caffeine, since the drink portion size is smaller. Due to this, the ristretto has a distinct lack of bitterness. Since the ristretto shot only contains the beginning of the espresso pour, the flavor profile is sweeter and richer than a typical espresso shot. At the end of the pour, the espresso can develop a more bitter and diluted taste. At the beginning of the pour, the espresso is more sweet, acidic, and rich.

What’s a ristretto Starbucks?ĭifferent flavor profiles of espresso develop depending on how much hot water is used. For this reason, they are more concentrated. They are about 15-20 mL of espresso, rather than the 25-35 mL found in traditional espresso. Ristretto shots at Starbucks are smaller, more concentrated espresso shots. The same grounds are used, but the amount of time that the barista spends pouring the hot water over the espresso will be shorter. To make a ristretto shot, the barista will use less hot water than in a regular espresso shot. The word “Ristretto” at Starbucks means that the espresso short is short, also known as restricted. If you want three shots you can say “triple” and for four shots you’ll want to use the word “quad”. In most coffee shops, two shots of espresso are the regular amount included in standard drinks. Some baristas may not be familiar with this term, so you may be better off just using the phrase “double shot”. If you want to order your Starbucks like a pro, you can call your two shots of espresso a “Doppio”, which means “double” in Italian. What are two shots of espresso called at Starbucks? An Upside Down Caramel Macchiato is made in reverse, with the expresso at the bottom of the cup. One of the more popular drinks, Iced Caramel Macchiatos, are usually made by first layering the syrup, then milk, then ice, and finally two shots of espresso. If you were to order an Upside Down Espresso Macchiato, the foam would be beneath the espresso, rather than on top. In an Espresso Macchiato, traditionally, there are two shots of espresso and then a dollop of foam on top. In an upside down shot, the milk is poured first and then the coffee and foam are layered on top. Typically, the espresso is poured first into the cup, making it sit at the bottom. What does upside down shot mean?Īn upside down shot means that the espresso in a latte is added last, instead of first. From ristretto to flat whites to macchiatos and lattes, this article will help you find the right specialty Starbucks drink for you. An upside down espresso will have the foam at the bottom of the drink, below the expresso, instead of at the top.Ĭaffeine content levels differ from drink to drink, and there is special lingo that every Starbucks goer must know. Do you want to order your Starbucks like a pro? Do you want to try out new drinks?Īn upside down drink at Starbucks is when the milk, syrup, and/or foam of a drink is layered in a different position than usual. Starbucks has a massive menu, and their online “secret menu” has even more drinks than are offered in store.

Upside down caramel macchiato