If you crave the Starbucks pistachio latte all year long, then you’ll love this recipe for the salted brown butter topping!
This delicious topping is made with simple ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and flavor to your latte.
Plus, it’s so easy to make that you can enjoy it any time you want!
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What is the Starbucks pistachio latte?
The Starbucks pistachio latte is a delicious coffee drink that features the cozy flavors of sweet pistachio.
It’s made with espresso and milk and flavored with pistachio syrup.
This latte is then topped with a rich brown butter topping. The drink hits the Starbucks menu for a limited time every winter season.
But with this recipe, you can enjoy it all year long!
Click here to skip directly to the recipe.
What does the Starbucks pistachio latte taste like?
The Starbucks pistachio latte has a sweet and nutty flavor that is perfect for coffee lovers.
The espresso gives the drink a rich and bold flavor, while the milk adds a touch of sweetness.
The pistachio syrup adds a delicious nutty flavor to the drink, making it a truly unique and enjoyable experience.
And the sweetness level of this drink is on the low to the medium side, which makes it perfect for anyone who doesn’t like an overly sweet drink.
Obviously, your home version can be precisely customized to your liking!
What is salted brown butter topping?
The salted brown butter topping is a savory and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and flavor to your latte.
Think coffee with a side of brown butter cookie all in one heavenly mouthful!
This topping is made with simple ingredients, including butter, sugar, and salt.
It’s so easy to make that you can enjoy it any time you want!
Starbucks Pistachio Latte Recipe
Copycat Starbucks Pistachio Latte
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup pistachios either salted or unsalted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 shots espresso
- 16 ounces milk
Instructions
- Start by making the pistachio syrup by combining the water, sugar, and pistachios in a small pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once it boils, simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Before removing from burner, add the vanilla and a pinch of salt if you're using unsalted pistachios.
- Strain the pistachios out with a strainer or cheesecloth and allow the syrup to cool.
- Store in the fridge in a mason jar or other container of your choice.
- Next up for the salted brown butter topping. Start by putting the butter in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted and turned brown. Allow it to cool completely.
- Mix the brown sugar and pinch of salt into the browned butter once it has cooled. Store in the refrigerator for 3 days. If it clumps too much, pop it in the freezer for an hour or so and then break apart again.
- Now for the final few steps! Steam and froth your milk. You can use a milk steamer/frother machine or a saucepan and whisk.
- Make the espresso or theh coffee of your choice and combine with the steamed milk. Add two tablespoons of pistachio syrup, mix, and top with the salted brown butter topping.
- Enjoy!
Why make your own pistachio syrup?
There are several reasons why you should make your own pistachio syrup:
- It’s much cheaper than buying it at the store. And making your own is a great way to see whether you like it without a lot of extra waste if you don’t.
- You can control the ingredients and ensure they’re high-quality. Although buying pre-made syrup is an option, sometimes, these syrups have an artificial flavor that you can avoid by making your own.
- You can customize the flavor to your liking.
- Making your own syrup is a fun and rewarding experience!
What are your options if you don’t want to make your own?
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There are several brands of pre-made pistachio syrup on the market.
Using one of the pre-made syrups can save time, especially if you already know that you love the flavor!
Click the pictures above for an Amazon price check.
Can you buy pistachio extract?
Yes, you can buy pistachio flavoring similar to vanilla or almond extract. If you want to skip the part about crushing pistachios, make a simple syrup and add the pistachio extract at the end.
Click the pictures above for an Amazon price check.
Will you need extra kitchen supplies to make the sweet pistachio sauce?
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If you’re using real pistachios, you will need cheesecloth or a fine strainer. You’ll also need a mason jar or other container to store your syrup.
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Can you customize this drink?
The beauty of being a home barista is that you can absolutely customize your drink!
What kind of milk can you use?
You can use so many different kinds of milk!
Oat milk is an excellent option if you’re lactose intolerant.
And soy milk adds a touch of nutty flavor to this seasonal drink, as does almond milk.
You could also try coconut milk if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
What if you don’t have an espresso machine?
Strongly brewed coffee can be substituted for the espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine. You can also use a French press or Moka pot.
If you’re looking for a cold drink, try cold brew coffee.
What if you don’t have a milk frother or steamer?
You can heat up your milk in a pot on the stove.
To add a hint of foam, you can use a handheld milk frother or a handheld mixer.
You can also buy a separate milk steamer and frother machine. Several machines can froth milk without heating it, a nice touch for iced lattes.
How do you make an iced pistachio latte?
Make or buy your pistachio syrup. Pull a couple of espresso shots or brew an iced coffee. Then combine with milk of your choice, add syrup and stir in the coffee.
Top with whipped cream or the infamous Dutch Bros Soft Top and enjoy!
Skip the salted brown butter topping on iced drinks as it tends to crystallize when it contacts the ice.
You also don’t need to steam milk for an iced drink although can add froth with a handheld froth machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store homemade pistachio syrup?
You can store your prepared syrup in the fridge for up to a month. One advantage of making a smaller batch is that it will stay fresh long before you use it!
What other drinks can you top with salted brown butter topping?
Think how delicious hot chai, white mocha, or even a caramel latte would taste with a sprinkling of this delectable sugar mixture!
The brown butter flavor would also make a fantastic complement to a Dutch Bros Christmas Morning.
The possibilities are endless! Get the Christmas Morning recipe by clicking here.
Can you make an iced pistachio latte?
You can absolutely make an iced pistachio latte.
Consider skipping the salted brown butter topping when making an iced beverage because the sugar hardens when combined with the ice.
Final Thoughts
The Starbucks pistachio latte is a delicious and nutty flavored coffee drink. It’s made with a good balance of espresso, milk, and pistachio syrup.
This latte is then topped with a salted brown butter topping. It’s the perfect recipe for adding a touch of sweetness and flavor to your latte.
Plus, it’s so easy to make that you can enjoy it any time you want rather than waiting for the holiday season!
Try this recipe today and see for yourself how delicious it is. You won’t be disappointed! Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
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