There’s something quietly satisfying about building a drink from scratch. You measure, soak, blend, stir. You watch it come together with no syrups, no colorings, no shortcuts.
This pistachio latte skips the bottled flavorings and powdered mixes.
You’ll make the milk yourself, using real soaked pistachios, sweeten it gently, add a hint of matcha for natural color, and finish it with frothy milk and crushed nuts. What you get is clean, warm, nutty flavor in every sip something you’d expect from a specialty café, not your own stovetop.
You’ll learn how to blend a smooth pistachio milk that doesn’t taste chalky. You’ll learn when to heat, when to froth, and why a little matcha can go a long way. Most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence to make this pistachio latte recipe entirely your own.

Real Pistachios Make the Difference in a Homemade Pistachio Latte
Most “pistachio drinks” you’ve seen on menus lean heavily on syrup. Those tend to taste sweet first, nutty second. Starting with whole pistachios shifts the balance. The flavor feels round and mellow, especially when paired with a shot of strong coffee. You get a proper pistachio drink—one with body and warmth.

I’ve used this base to create everything from chilled pistachio milk for summer to a green tea latte recipe for cooler evenings. Here, it pairs with espresso or strong coffee to give structure and depth without overpowering the nutty notes.
Building the Pistachio Milk Step by Step

Soaked pistachios blend into a smoother milk than raw ones. The soaking softens them, helping you avoid the gritty texture that unsoaked nuts often leave behind. In my notes, I’ve found that soaking overnight in cool water brings out the cleanest flavor. But if you’re short on time, 30 minutes in hot water will do the job.
After blending, strain the milk through a nut milk bag or a fine sieve. I always press the pulp to extract every drop. What’s left in the sieve can be stirred into oatmeal or used in cookies—it still has character.

For color, a pinch of matcha powder makes a subtle shift without making it taste like a matcha latte. The pistachio stays front and center.
If you’re a fan of matcha espresso latte combinations, you can increase the amount slightly and use both espresso and matcha for a twist that still fits this pistachio coffee recipe.
Espresso or Coffee? How to Choose for the Best Pistachio Latte

I’ve made this latte with both espresso and strong brewed coffee.
Espresso gives the drink a deep base and works best if you want a café-style pistachio latte. But if you brew coffee at home and don’t have a machine, a bold French press works too. Just aim for 1/4 cup of strong brew.
Compared to espresso, coffee makes the drink lighter, more breakfast-friendly. The pistachio milk stands out more, especially if you’re using honey or maple syrup as a sweetener.
For a cozy option, try this with a shot of pumpkin spice. This pairing reminds me of my own morning routine during fall—where a warm drink like this sits beside something baked, like these Coffee Cookies.
Flavoring and Frothing the Pistachio Latte
Once the pistachio milk is strained and ready, heat it gently with your sweetener of choice. I prefer honey here, though maple syrup brings out a caramel undertone if you’re serving it with pumpkin-flavored pastries. A touch of vanilla adds roundness, while the matcha brings in color and a hint of depth.
Then comes the froth.
You can use whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk depending on what you keep stocked. I usually choose oat milk when making a dairy-free version—it froths easily and supports the pistachio milk without watering it down.
If you’ve never frothed milk without a steamer, try a handheld milk frother or shake warm milk in a sealed jar. I’ve done both with good results. You want soft bubbles, not stiff foam. Something that folds gently over the top.
A quick note: this Pumpkin Coffee makes a great pairing with the leftover pistachio pulp if you plan to bake.
How to Serve and Store Homemade Pistachio Milk
Serve this pistachio latte hot, with a small spoonful of crushed pistachios on top. I sometimes add a drizzle of pistachio butter if I have it on hand. It brings an extra layer without much work.
Pistachio milk stores well for up to three days in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake it before each use, especially if you’re skipping the matcha powder. The color can settle, but the taste remains full.
If you’re experimenting with color and want something with more visual contrast, try pairing this with a matcha latte aesthetic setup. A soft green pistachio drink beside a bold Matcha Latte Cookie makes for a clean and modern table.
Related Recipes to Try After This Latte
You can build a seasonal routine from drinks like this. Try it next to:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte for a fall pairing.
- Coffee Cookies for something to bite into while sipping.
- Matcha Latte Cookies if you’re leaning into the green tea latte recipe trend.
Each pairs with this pistachio latte in a slightly different way—spice, structure, or harmony. I’ve used this drink as a base for dessert tasting plates more than once, especially during early spring or late autumn.
Final Notes and Your Turn to Share

This pistachio latte brings together soft sweetness, natural color, and real nut flavor without relying on syrups or shortcuts. It feels calm, warm, and made with intention.
I’d suggest saving this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it during cooler mornings or when you’re looking for a better homemade option.
And I’d love to hear from you in the comments. How did it turn out? Did you go with espresso or brewed coffee? Did you use honey or maple syrup? Let’s keep the conversation going.
Pistachio Latte Recipe
A warm pistachio latte made with real pistachios, lightly sweetened, and naturally colored with a hint of matcha. This recipe creates a creamy, subtly nutty drink that feels smooth and comforting without artificial flavors or syrups. Soaked pistachios are blended into a homemade pistachio milk, gently heated with sweetener and vanilla, and combined with espresso for a café-style latte you can make at home. Frothy milk and crushed pistachios finish the cup.
Ingredients
- For the pistachio milk:
- 1/4 cup unsalted, shelled pistachios (soaked overnight or in hot water for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup water
- For the latte:
- 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 3/4 cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/16 teaspoon matcha powder (optional, for natural coloring)
- For topping:
- 1 tablespoon crushed pistachios
- Optional drizzle of honey or pistachio butter
Instructions
- MAKE THE PISTACHIO MILK: Drain the soaked pistachios and add them to a high-speed blender with 1/2 cup of fresh water. Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Strain the liquid using a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract all the milk. Discard or save the solids for another use.
- HEAT AND FLAVOR THE MILK: Pour the pistachio milk into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, your chosen sweetener, and a tiny pinch of matcha powder if using. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- MAKE THE COFFEE BASE: Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Pour it into a mug as the base of your latte.
- COMBINE COFFEE AND PISTACHIO MILK: Slowly pour the warmed pistachio milk over the coffee in the mug, stirring lightly to combine.
- FROTH THE MILK: Warm your milk of choice and froth it using a handheld frother or by shaking it in a sealed jar. Spoon the foam onto the top of the latte.
- ADD TOPPINGS: Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the foam and drizzle with a little honey or pistachio butter if desired.
Notes
Pistachio milk can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The matcha powder is used only to enhance the green color; it should not alter the flavor noticeably. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk throughout.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 435Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 45mgSodium 235mgCarbohydrates 60gFiber 1gSugar 56gProtein 8g
