Easy Pistachio Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of Starbucks’ Pistachio Latte, I have some big news for you: with my easy recipe, you never have to wait again. Simply made with just 5 ingredients, this salty-sweet, nutty masterpiece is an easy show-stopper that is no longer relegated to the cold winter months.

When Starbucks first debuted their seasonal pistachio latte back in 2021, everyone and their mother knew it was going to be a big hit. Between the deliciously nutty pistachio sauce, creamy milk, peppy espresso, fluffy whipped cream, and rich brown butter topping, there’s a whole lot to love. 

And, while I logically understand the marketing genius of having limited edition seasonal drinks, emotionally speaking, I hate when my go-to order disappears from the menu. Chances are, you can relate, seeing as you’re visiting Coffee Copycat where I hack my favorite coffee orders at home! 

So, if the pistachio coffee bug has been buzzing in your ear of late, you’re in the right place. Between my homemade pistachio syrup recipe and my expert latte-making tips, you’ll have a steaming mug full of nutty coffee goodness in your hands before you know it. 😉

Jump to:

• What is a pistachio latte?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Pistachio Latte Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Make A Pistachio Latte, Starbucks-Style
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Homemade Pistachio Latte Nutrition
• Other Starbucks Copycat Recipes
• Easy Pistachio Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

What is a pistachio latte?

Imagine your classic, cozy latte that combines the creamy, rich goodness of milk (or your favorite plant-based alternative) with espresso for that much-needed zing. But this Starbucks-inspired gem is extra special. 

It's infused with the cozy flavors of sweet pistachio nuts and just a hint of salt, creating a deliciously indulgent experience reminiscent of pistachio toffee. It's everything you love about coffee with a nutty personality that’s absolutely unforgettable!

What does it taste like?

Each sip of this pistachio latte is a blend of comfort and surprise — the familiar embrace of your favorite creamy coffee drink, now adorned with the luscious, slightly sweet character of real pistachios. It's nutty, sure, but it also boasts a whole tapestry of flavors — a hint of caramel here, a whisper of vanilla there, all wrapped up in a silky, smooth finish. 

Then, there’s a whisper of salt that's like a pinch of pixie dust, balancing the sweetness and bringing all the flavors to life. The result is a caffeinated cup that tastes like your favorite pistachio ice cream got mixed in with your morning java. In other words? It’s a gee-dang coffee masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Pistachio Latte Recipe

If you love pistachio ice cream and coffee, there’s no doubt about it: you’re going to go nuts for this pistachio latte. But it’s not just about the flavor of the drink, which you could easily pay for. Aside from tasting like a liquid dream, this copycat recipe is also:

• Quick & Easy - All you need is about 10 minutes to whip one of these bad boys up, including the browned butter cookie topping. Oh, and as a bonus? I’ve made sure the cookie portion makes enough for 4 drinks, so you can make it once and streamline your morning coffee experience for the rest of the week.
• Made With Only 5 Ingredients - If you have your pistachio syrup made, this drink couldn’t be simpler to assemble.
• Budget-Friendly - Repeat after me: no more $5+ coffee drinks! With this easy recipe, you can make nearly a week’s worth of pistachio-flavored latte goodness for what you’d pay for just one in-store.
• A Slam-Dunk Dupe! I’m not usually one to brag, but friends? This pistachio latte recipe tastes just like the one at Starbucks — no joke!

Ingredients Needed

As promised, you only need a few ingredients to make this Starbucks favorite come to life in your very own kitchen. Here’s what to grab: 

• Biscoff Cookies - These sweet n’ spicy European biscuits are some of my favorites. If you’re buying off-brand, look for cookies labeled “speculoos.”
• Salted Butter - For giving your cookie crumbles the salty, nutty browned butter treatment.
• Whole Milk - Unless otherwise specified when you order, Starbucks’ default milk is whole. It’s also the best for giving this nut-flavored latte a deliciously creamy mouthfeel.
• Pistachio Syrup - While you’re welcome to buy some from Starbucks or a coffee syrup company like Monin or Torani, my homemade version is made with real pistachios and almond extract, and is a snap to make and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!
• Espresso - Let’s be honest, this is what we’re all here for, right? It’s the gas that keeps this working Mom-of-two-toddlers kickin’!

Substitutions

One of my favorite things about making your own Coffee Copycats at home is you can make just the way you like, using whatever you have on hand. Here are some easy ingredient swaps to try:

• Biscoff cookies - If you can’t find speculoos, butter cookies or plain shortbread cookies are a delicious substitute. Feel free to spice up the crumbles with a hit of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg if you like.
• Salted Butter - You can absolutely use unsalted butter with a pinch of kosher salt to taste. Alternatively, use vegan butter.
• Whole Milk - When you play barista, you hold all the power. Feel free to swap in the dairy milk or plant-based milk of your choice such as oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk, and enjoy the fee-free customization.
• Pistachio Syrup - You’re welcome to use any coffee syrup you choose, though hazelnut syrup or sugar cookie syrup are probably the closest.
• Espresso - If you’re more of a conventional coffee person, feel free to use 8 ounces of strong coffee instead. You’re also welcome to use decaf espresso or heated-up cold brew.

How To Make A Pistachio Latte, Starbucks-Style

This pistachio syrup coffee drink comes together in just a few minutes with a few simple ingredients. Here’s how”

Step 1: Make the Cookie Topping (optional). In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to heat until browned, then stir in the crushed cookies. Continue to cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Heat Milk. Whisk together the milk and pistachio syrup in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until steaming and just starting to foam.

Step 3: Froth. Remove from heat and frother slightly with a whisk or milk frother. Set aside.

Step 4: Brew your coffee or shots of espresso into a coffee mug. 

Step 5: Top with the frothed pistachio milk.

Step 6: Garnish. Top with whipped cream and/or 1 tablespoon of the salted brown butter cookie topping if desired. Drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

There’s definitely more than one way to mix up a delightful pistachio latte at home, so feel free to tinker with the recipe till you find one that works perfectly for you. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Dairy-Free/Vegan - Simply swap in the plant-based milk (preferably unsweetened), vegan butter, and vegan whipped cream (if using) of your choice. Lotus Biscoff cookies are vegan-friendly, so no need to worry about that!
• Gluten-Free - You can either omit the browned butter cookie crumbles or swap in the gluten-free cookies of your choice.
• Iced Pistachio Latte - Keep things cool by brewing your espresso over ice to make an iced coffee. (You can also use cold brew!) Use a milk frother to blend the milk (no need for warm milk) and pistachio syrup while still cool from the fridge, then assemble the drink as instructed below. Voila! A DIY Starbucks iced pistachio latte for a fraction of the cost.
• Pistachio Matcha Latte - Love pistachio but can’t hang with coffee? Add some nutty charm to my matcha latte recipe by substituting half or all the vanilla syrup it calls for with pistachio syrup.

Serving Suggestions

If you're wondering what to serve with your freshly brewed cup of goodness, you have lots of options. Pistachios play nicely with a wide array of tasty flavors! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Almond Affair: A flaky, buttery almond croissant or a slice of lemon almond cake whispers sweet nothings to the pistachio flavors in your latte.
• Citrus Serenade: The zesty charm of a lemon poppy seed muffin creates a delightful dance with a creamy pistachio latte.
• Vanilla Velvet: Soft, sweet vanilla bean scones that wrap around the latte’s flavors like a warm, comforting hug.
• Crunchy Dawn: A bowl of vanilla almond granola or an oatmeal protein cookie brings a dose of healthfulness to counteract the richness of your sweet latte, perfect for a breakfast pairing.
• Midnight Muse: A square of dark chocolate offers a rich, bittersweet counterpoint to the salty nuttiness of pistachios. In fact, Starbucks makes a pistachio dark chocolate pastry with just this pairing.
• Berry Ballet: The bright, sweet notes of a cranberry custard pie or strawberry cream cheese icebox cake pirouette beautifully with the latte's creamy sweetness. For a slightly healthier take, try a fresh berry medley topped with a mound of whipped cream or a scoop of lemon berry sorbet.
• Golden Touch: Looking to treat yo'self? A cloud of whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a dash of edible gold leaf gives your DIY drink a luxuriously Instagrammable finish.
• Autumn Whisper: In fall, pair with a spiced pumpkin muffin, echoing the cozy, earthy tones of the season.

Recipe Success Tips

• Think ahead. Make your mornings easier and more streamlined by preparing the pistachio syrup and browned butter cookie crumbles on your meal prep day. The syrup can be refrigerated and the crumbles will keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
• Fresh is best. When it comes to espresso, the folks over at Starbucks consider it “expired” 20 seconds after pulling the shot. While I don’t think you have to be quite as diligent, the flavor and aroma of espresso are best immediately after pulling. By the same token, make sure your espresso beans are freshly roasted and ground for the best flavor.
• Milk frothers make life easier. Sure, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake your latte milk to frothy perfection, but that’s an arm workout and an extra dish to wash. Do yourself a favor and invest in this small but mighty piece of equipment. You won’t regret it!

FAQs

Homemade Pistachio Latte Nutrition

Each serving of this delightful Pistachio Latte comes in at 277 calories, making it a reasonable indulgence for a special treat. We're looking at 8 grams of total fat, which gives it that deliciously creamy mouthfeel. There's also a nice protein punch of 8 grams —perfect for keeping you feeling satisfied.

On the sodium front, we've got 116 mg per serving, which isn’t too high, especially considering the delectable salty-sweet balance this beauty has going on. Carbohydrate-wise, there are 44 grams in there, with 43 grams coming from sugar. Remember, this is a treat — it's okay to enjoy something sweet now and then!

Keep in mind, the nutritional info doesn't include any whipped cream or extra toppings. If you're going all out and adding that delicious cookie topping (because why not, right?), that's an extra 44 calories per tablespoon, along with 4 grams of fat, 37 mg of sodium, 3 grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of sugar. It's a little extra but adds so much to the experience.

In the grand scheme of things, our homemade Pistachio Latte is a delightful treat that, when enjoyed in moderation, can absolutely fit into a balanced diet. So, sip, savor, and enjoy every last drop! ☕💚🍪

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 277 calories
• Total Fat: 8 grams
• Protein: 8 grams
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Carbohydrates: 44 grams
• Sugar: 43 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

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xoxo Megan