Starbucks Pistachio Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Starbucks Pistachio Latte Recipe

Let’s break down what you’ll need. You might already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen-except maybe the pistachio syrup, but don’t worry, I’ll give you a homemade option, too!

☕ Core Ingredients

• Espresso or strong coffee – 1-2 shots

  The bolder, the better. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a stovetop Moka pot or strong brewed coffee works just fine.

• Milk – ¾ to 1 cup

  Whole milk makes it super creamy, but oat milk or almond milk are delish dairy-free options.

• Pistachio syrup – 2-3 tablespoons

  You can use store-bought or make it from scratch (I’ll tell you how below).

• Brown butter or brown sugar topping – 1 tablespoon

  This is the secret sauce. It gives that rich, buttery caramelized flavor Starbucks is known for.

Optional (but Highly Recommended)

• Whipped cream – for topping
• Chopped pistachios – for garnish
• Pinch of sea salt – to enhance the nutty flavor

Homemade Pistachio Syrup (if You’re DIYing It)

• ½ cup shelled pistachios (unsalted, roasted or raw)
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional but so good)

How To Make Starbucks Pistachio Latte (Step-by-Step)

Alright, apron on, coffee ready, let’s do this! Here’s how to build your homemade Starbucks Pistachio Latte masterpiece:

Make The Pistachio Syrup (If DIY-ing)

If you’re going full homemade:

• Add sugar, water, and pistachios to a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Let it cool slightly, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
• Stir in vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor.
• Store in a jar in the fridge-it’ll last about 1-2 weeks.

Brew Your Coffee Or Espresso

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso or about ½ cup of very strong coffee.
• Pro tip: If you have an espresso machine, now’s the time to flex it.

Steam Or Heat Your Milk

• Heat your milk on the stovetop or microwave until warm (don’t boil!).
• Froth using a milk frother, hand whisk, or shake it in a mason jar (seriously-it works!).

Brown That Butter (for The Topping)

• Melt 1 tbsp of unsalted butter in a pan until it foams and turns golden brown.
• Add a little brown sugar and stir until melted.
• You’ve just made Starbucks’ iconic brown butter topping. Cue happy dance.

Assemble Your Latte

• In your favorite mug:

  • Add the pistachio syrup (start with 2 tbsp-you can always add more).
  • Pour in the hot espresso.
  • Add the steamed milk and stir well.
  • Drizzle your brown butter topping over the foam.
  • Optional but glorious: top with whipped cream, crushed pistachios, and a pinch of sea salt.

‍ Expert Tips For The Perfect Homemade Pistachio Latte

Let me spill the coffee beans on how to make this drink just right:

• Toast your pistachios before making syrup – this brings out deeper flavor.
• Use quality espresso – since it’s the backbone of the latte, use freshly ground beans if you can.
• Try a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon in your milk – subtle spices make a huge impact.
• Don’t skip the brown butter topping – it adds depth, richness, and that unique Starbucks finish.
• Use a high-speed blender to froth milk if you don’t have a frother-blitz for 20 seconds and voila: foam city.

Recipe Variations You’ve Got To Try

Feel like mixing things up? I gotchu. Here are some dreamy variations to keep it interesting:

Dairy-Free Version

• Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
• Coconut pairs beautifully with pistachio, adding a subtle sweetness.

❄️ Iced Pistachio Latte

• Pour cold espresso over ice, add cold milk and syrup, stir well.
• Top with cold foam or whipped cream and brown sugar drizzle.

Pistachio Latte Affogato

• Pour a hot shot of espresso over a scoop of pistachio or vanilla ice cream.
• Yes, it’s dessert disguised as coffee. You’re welcome.

☁️ Pistachio Cold Foam Latte

• Blend milk with a bit of pistachio syrup until it’s fluffy and pour it over iced coffee.

Fall Vibes Version

• Add a dash of pumpkin spice and a swirl of maple syrup for an autumn twist.

Final Words: Why This Latte Is A Game-Changer

Listen, this isn’t just a drink. It’s an experience. The combination of toasty pistachio, creamy milk, sweet brown sugar, and bold coffee feels like you’re sipping on luxury. And when you make it yourself? You control everything-the sweetness, the intensity, the milk, the toppings. It’s your latte, your way.

Once you try this homemade version, I dare say you might prefer it to the Starbucks original (and that’s coming from a die-hard Starbucks fan).

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Used In The Starbucks Pistachio Latte?

The main ingredients of a Starbucks Pistachio Latte include espresso, steamed milk, pistachio sauce, and whipped cream. You can also customize it with your preferred milk type, such as oat milk or almond milk.

How Do I Make A Starbucks Pistachio Latte At Home?

To make a Pistachio Latte at home, brew a shot of espresso, steam milk, and add pistachio syrup. Mix together and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios if desired. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup to taste.

What Is Pistachio Sauce Made Of At Starbucks?

Starbucks’ pistachio sauce is typically made from a combination of sugar, pistachio flavoring, and other ingredients such as milk or cream, which gives it a creamy texture. It also contains natural and artificial flavoring for a richer taste.

Can I Use A Dairy-free Milk For A Pistachio Latte?

Yes, you can use any dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, to make a dairy-free version of the Starbucks Pistachio Latte. These milks work well with the pistachio syrup and provide a creamy texture.

Is The Starbucks Pistachio Latte Seasonal?

Yes, the Starbucks Pistachio Latte is typically a seasonal drink, available mostly in the winter months, around the holiday season. However, availability may vary depending on your location.

Can I Make The Pistachio Latte Iced Instead Of Hot?

Absolutely! You can easily order or make an iced version of the Pistachio Latte by simply replacing the hot steamed milk with cold milk and ice. The pistachio syrup can be added in the same proportions.

Does The Starbucks Pistachio Latte Have Caffeine?

Yes, the Pistachio Latte contains caffeine since it’s made with espresso. A regular size (Grande) contains about 150 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the number of espresso shots used.

Can I Make A Sugar-free Version Of The Pistachio Latte?

Starbucks doesn’t offer a sugar-free pistachio syrup, but you can request a different flavored syrup or sweetener as a substitute, such as sugar-free vanilla syrup, to reduce the sugar content.

What Is The Calorie Count Of A Starbucks Pistachio Latte?

A regular Grande Pistachio Latte with 2% milk and whipped cream has approximately 320 calories. The calorie count will vary depending on the milk choice and customization options, such as omitting the whipped cream.

What Is The Difference Between The Pistachio Latte And Other Nut-flavored Lattes At Starbucks?

The Pistachio Latte has a distinct, nutty flavor with a subtle creaminess, thanks to the pistachio syrup. Unlike other nut-flavored lattes, like hazelnut or almond, pistachio has a more mellow, earthy taste. The pistachio syrup used in this latte is also different in consistency and sweetness.