Starbucks Pistachio Latte At-Home

The first time I met the Starbucks pistachio latte – it was a drink that swept me off my feet with its unique blend of flavors, and an experience I had to recreate at home.

I love recreating popular coffee recipes at home, I viewed this as a challenge. The Starbucks pistachio latte was not just a drink; it was an adventure that I wanted to embark on from the comfort of my kitchen. I’ll show you how to recreate this copycat classic drink.

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Pistachio Latte

Making the Starbucks pistachio latte is more than just combining ingredients; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The process matters as much as the ingredients themselves. It’s about balancing the robust, aromatic shots of espresso with the creamy richness of milk and the nutty sweetness of pistachio sauce.

Ingredients

To recreate this luscious latte at home, you’ll need:

Sugar: Used in the pistachio syrup to add sweetness and create a syrupy consistency.

Water: Acts as the base for the pistachio syrup, dissolving the sugar and extracting the flavor from the pistachios.

Roasted, Unsalted Pistachios: The key flavor ingredient for the pistachio syrup, providing the distinctive nutty taste.

Almond Extract: Enhances the nutty flavor of the pistachio syrup.

Optional Salt: Can be added to the pistachio syrup for a sweet and salty flavor profile.

Butter: Used to make browned butter, which adds a rich, nutty, and caramelized flavor to the latte.

A Light-Colored Pan: Recommended tool for making browned butter, as it allows you to see the color change easily.

Espresso or Strong Coffee: The coffee base of the latte, which can be adjusted in strength according to preference.

Milk or Milk Alternative: Used to add creaminess to the latte. You can choose any type of milk or milk alternative based on dietary preferences.

Crushed Shortbread Cookies: An optional topping for added texture and sweetness, mimicking the Starbucks version.

Directions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your homemade Starbucks pistachio latte:

How to Make Pistachio Syrup:

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a small pot, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower it to a simmer.
2. Prepare Pistachios: Remove pistachios from their shells and chop them.
   • Optional: Add a pinch of salt to the sugar and water mixture for a sweet and salty flavor.
3. Simmer with Pistachios: Add the chopped pistachios to the pot and continue to simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
4. Strain and Add Almond Extract: After removing from heat and letting it cool slightly, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sleeve. Then, stir in the almond extract.
5. Store: Store the pistachio syrup in a container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Make Browned Butter:

1. Slice Butter: Slice the butter into even pieces and place them in a light-colored pan over medium to medium-low heat.
2. Brown the Butter: Stir gently as the butter melts, foams, and turns a golden-brown color.
3. Store: Once the foam and milk solids settle to the bottom, remove the pan from heat. Store the browned butter in a heatproof container.

How to Make Pistachio Latte:

1. Prepare Espresso Shot: Brew an espresso shot using Starbucks® Espresso Roast. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop moka pot for an espresso-like coffee.
2. Add Syrup and Butter: To the brewed espresso, add the pistachio syrup and browned butter, stirring gently.
3. Froth Milk: Froth the milk and pour it over the coffee mixture.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the latte with crushed shortbread cookies for an added touch.

Tips & Tricks

A few tips to ensure your homemade Starbucks pistachio latte is as delightful as the original:

• If you can’t find pistachio syrup, you can make it at home by combining equal parts sugar and water, then adding crushed pistachios and simmering until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
• For an extra creamy latte, try using whole milk or even half-and-half.
• For a dairy-free version, almond milk pairs wonderfully with the nutty pistachio flavors.
• You can adjust the amount of pistachio syrup according to your sweetness preference.

FAQs

Can I make it without an espresso machine?

Yes! A strong brewed coffee works just fine.

What if I don’t have pistachios for garnish?

No problem, the garnish is optional. It adds an extra crunch but won’t affect the overall flavor of your latte.

Can I store leftover pistachio syrup?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to two weeks.

Is pistachio latte at Starbucks seasonal?

Yes, the Pistachio Latte at Starbucks is typically a seasonal offering. It’s usually introduced as part of their winter menu and is available for a limited time. The availability can vary by location and year, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Starbucks or their website for the most current menu offerings.

Try These Copycat Drinks

Caramel Frappuccino

Vanilla Syrup

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Conclusion

Recreating the Starbucks pistachio latte at home has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It’s a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and passion, we can bring the flavors we love right into our kitchens. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor each sip of your homemade Starbucks pistachio latte. Don’t forget to share your results and spread the joy of home-brewed coffee magic.