A pistachio-flavored milk-based beverage. Pistachio flavor is usually in the form of syrup, giving the drink a rich and sweet profile with a nutty and earthy edge. When you think of a pistachio latte, you probably associate it with Starbucks.
After the success of their popular pistachio-flavored drink, Starbucks looked to Italian cuisine for further inspiration. It made sense for their beverage development team to incorporate pistachios, a nut widely cherished in Italian cuisine and commonly used in Italian pastries and ice creams.
Pistachios have been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for over 7,000 years. To this day, they remain the most consumed nut in Middle Eastern desserts and confections.
That’s why pistachio lattes are readily available in many Middle Eastern coffee shops, where they are often served both hot and cold.
Pistachios have been a fundamental ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine and Italian desserts for years and have been used to create beverages over time.
Contents
Pistachio Latte Cold Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Pistachio cream
- Dairy or plant-based milk (preferably 2% dairy milk)
- Ice
- Espresso
- Brown sugar
To make a pistachio latte cold, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of pistachio cream.
Instructions:
- Heat the pistachio milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. As it heats up, froth the milk vigorously until it starts to foam – use a back-and-forth motion instead of circular.
- Once it foams and comes to a boil, add espresso and brown sugar, and whisk until it’s well blended.
- Pour the latte into a glass, and top it with whipped cream, crushed pistachios, and crushed cookies.
What is Pistachio Cream?
Pistachio cream is similar to Nutella but without chocolate and made with pistachios instead of hazelnuts. However, don’t confuse it with tahini. While tahini is exclusively made from sesame seeds, pistachio cream contains other ingredients like sugar, powdered milk, and olive oil. These ingredients give it a smooth and velvety texture.
About Pistachio Latte:
This iced pistachio latte is a fantasy beverage derived from the seasonal and famous Pistachio Latte at Starbucks! The use of pistachio cream in the latte makes it a creamy, nutty, and delightful coffee drink. While Starbucks uses pistachio syrup for their latte, some use pistachio cream for this beverage. Pistachio cream is similar to Nutella but made with pistachios and condensed milk instead of hazelnuts!
What Does Pistachio Latte Taste Like?
According to Starbucks’ website, their Pistachio Latte recipe includes “pistachio sauce” and “salted brown buttery topping.” It sounds delicious. The taste is akin to your favorite iced coffee but with a mild pistachio flavor, slightly sweet and nutty.
The taste of my homemade iced pistachio latte is very similar. It tastes like your favorite cold brew coffee but with a subtle pistachio flavor. Pistachio cream isn’t overly sweet. In fact, I’d say this drink is less sweet than a caramel iced latte.
What Makes Pistachios Healthy?
In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, pistachios are considered a medicinal food due to their mild warming and digestive properties.
Pistachios are almost half fat, but it’s mostly unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. They also contain a good amount of protein.
Can I Use Plant-Based Milk?
Plant-based milk not only closely resembles cow’s milk in terms of texture, appearance, and taste but can be used just as interchangeably in various applications. There is a wide range of healthy vegan milk alternatives for cooking, baking, or making coffee and other beverages. You can learn more about different types of plant-based milk in this article.
