The fall drinks may have left Starbucks menus, but something delicious has arrived to replace them: the pistachio latte. Now in its third year on the menu, this cozy drink blends flavors of sweet-and-salty pistachio with steamed milk, espresso and a rich brown butter topping. It’s a lightly sweet drink that’s perfect for warming up on a dreary winter day, and it’s possible to skip the line and make a comforting pistachio latte yourself.
In this article: Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine, Zulay Electric Milk Frother and Monin Pistachio Syrup
The Starbucks pistachio latte is most similar to the store’s white chocolate mocha or the sugar cookie latte, due to its buttery flavor notes. The pistachio flavor is strong, but not overwhelming. The official version also adds a salty-sweet brown butter cookie topping for a special finishing touch. The same topping is used on Starbucks’ Pistachio Cream Cold Brew if you’re in the mood for a pistachio-flavored cold drink.
Starbucks’ new pistachio latte recipe improves on the original drink’s sweetness and complexity with a special brown butter topping. Brown butter is easy to make, but it requires a little time and attention. However, if you don’t want to spend the time making brown butter, you can stir a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk into your latte instead.
To make brown butter, simply melt a couple tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula until the butter starts to turn brown and develops a nutty aroma, which will take about five to eight minutes. Take it off the heat immediately once it reaches this stage. Butter can go from “brown” to “burned” in a matter of seconds. The browned butter can be stored in the fridge for up to five days and used in other recipes.
Pistachio syrup is fairly easy to find in stores, but if you want extra credit making your pistachio latte, it’s also possible to make your own.
Finely chop 1 cup unshelled roasted salted pistachios or pulse them in a food processor to break them down. Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan, then stir in the pistachios. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat and simmer for another eight to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat to let the mixture cool down and concentrate the flavor.
Once the mixture is cool, strain it into a glass container using cheesecloth and a fine mesh strainer to catch the pistachio bits. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Pistachio syrup is delicious in lattes, but it can also be used to make blended coffee drinks or cocktails.Try drizzling it over cheesecake or ice cream, too.
Pour 1/2 to 3/4 ounce pistachio syrup into a warmed 12-ounce mug, followed by 2 to 4 shots of espresso, depending on how strong you want your drink. Steam 8 ounces of milk and stir in 1/2 tablespoon of the brown butter and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Combine with the espresso and syrup in the mug.
For that special Starbucks touch, top your drink with a brown butter garnish, finely chopped pistachios and/or crumbled shortbread cookies. To make the coffee shop garnish, mix 1/2 tablespoon of brown butter and brown sugar to create a crumbly topping and scatter it on your drink over a layer of foamed milk.
Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine
Brew top-notch espresso from bean to cup with this comprehensive, trustworthy espresso machine. The built-in burr grinder has 16 settings and delivers grounds directly to the portafilter for your perfect shot every time.
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Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
One-touch controls and a built-in milk frother make it easy to create coffee house-quality beverages at home. Simply add your milk of choice to the reservoir, touch the button to choose your drink type and size and enjoy.
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This popular handheld frother easily whips up foamed milk for lattes, cappuccinos and more. It comes with a stand for easy storage and it’s available in 30 colors for an extra-personalized morning coffee.
If you don’t have an espresso machine with a built-in steam wand, this gadget might be the next best thing. Pour in your milk and heat it in the microwave, then pump the French press-inspired handle to create froth or foam to your desired consistency.
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This rich syrup is made with pure cane sugar, natural flavors and a hint of salt for coffee shop-quality drinks. It’s also halal, kosher, dairy-free and gluten-free.
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All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Saucepan
With three layers of conductive stainless steel and aluminum, this saucepan heats quickly and distributes heat evenly for creating flawless brown butter. All-Clad cookware is durable and easy to use for cooks of all levels.
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Libbey Robusta Glass Mugs, Set of 4
These sturdy, dishwasher-safe mugs feature a modern wide, boxy shape and clear glass so you can see your latte creation. Each mug holds 13 ounces.
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Bodum Bistro Double-Wall Insulated Glass Mug
Sold in a pair, these roomy glass mugs are made from heat-resistant, mouth-blown borosilicate glass that easily handles hot or cold drinks. Its double-walled insulation keeps drinks at the proper temperature for longer.
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Laura Duerr writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
