How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Pistachio Latte at Home
Sarah Tramonte
If you haven’t bundled up to venture out lately, you may have missed that the Pistachio Latte is back on the Starbucks menu for winter. It’s a simple drink, made with milk, espresso and pistachio sauce, plus a brown butter topping. That makes it easy enough to whip up at home.
For a beverage that’s as good as what Starbucks has to offer, make this copycat Pistachio Latte at home. It’s a fun Sunday morning project!
What’s in a Starbucks Pistachio Latte?
This is a seasonal drink on the official Starbucks menu so you don’t need to remember a complicated order. In your cup you’ll find a the perfect combination of ingredients:
Steamed milk
Pistachio sauce
Brewed espresso
Salted Brown Butter Topping
That browned butter topping adds a toasted, savory note that makes a major difference in taste. It’s a must to include in your version of the latte.
Starbucks Pistachio Latte Review
I braved the cold on a truly frigid January day to get this drink—and it was so worth it.
Sometimes I’m hesitant to try flavored lattes, for fear of them being too sweet and artificial tasting, but the Pistachio Latte exceeded my expectations. The sweetness level is low to medium, not overpowering whatsoever. The pistachio flavor is subtle, but detectable; I do feel like there could be a stronger pistachio flavor present since that’s the main flavor here.
The salted brown butter topping is what takes this latte to the next level. It adds a rich and slightly salty aspect to the drink that you taste right on the tip of your tongue. There’s no question about whether I would order this drink again, just when.
If you have an espresso machine at home, pull 1-2 shots of espresso. But if not, use instant espresso powder or strong brewed coffee instead.
Step 2: Brown your butter
In a small skillet, heat butter over medium heat and tilt pan frequently until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and add brown sugar and salt, then stir until combined. This is a perfect copycat for the Salted Brown Butter Topping at Starbucks and it will make your drink truly indulgent!
Step 3: Steam and flavor your milk
Heat your milk and add the pistachio flavoring and sugar. To get your milk decadent and foamy, use an immersion blender or a handheld milk frother like this. (That handheld frother will come in handy for all kinds of foamy drinks.)
Step 4: Top the pistachio latte
Top the copycat Pistachio Latte with your brown butter topping. Enjoy with egg bites for breakfast or a homemade Starbucks cheese Danish for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Copycat Starbucks Recipes to Make at Home
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I created a copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf that’s the perfect addition to my holiday baking. Served with a thick layer of frosting, it’s delicious with a cup of coffee. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
You can make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars any time you please with this step-by-step copycat recipe. It makes an entire pan of bars that taste just like the real deal. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Expecting brunch company, but short on time? My quick, delicious and beautiful parfaits are the perfect solution. Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
The flaky layers of laminated dough and a sweet, cheese filling in the center make this Danish a natural to pair with hot coffee or tea. It’s as delicious for breakfast as it is for a late-night snack. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
This amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Moist and scrumptious, these scones come out perfect every time. I savor the chewy dried cranberries and sweet orange glaze. There's nothing better than serving these remarkable scones warm with the delicate orange butter. —Karen McBride, Indianapolis, Indiana
Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This is not your ordinary sandwich! Everyone loves the combination of chutney and chopped peanuts. I like to make this when I have company in the afternoon or at night after a game of cards. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
This is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
Muffins are one of my favorite things to bake, and these are the best. I always keep some in the freezer for breakfast on the run. I can zap one in the microwave before I head out the door. —Kelly Kirby Westville, Nova Scotia
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
I love the versatility of this creamy egg salad. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Wake up your taste buds with eye-opening breakfast sandwiches featuring spicy sausage, fluffy egg, tomato and creamy avocado piled high on a flaky croissant.—Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
Everyone likes this tasty chicken breast sandwich. Flattening the chicken breasts helps them cook faster, and the mango chutney and other toppings make them better than anything you could order in a restaurant. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Olive lovers are sure to rejoice over this stacked sandwich! Stuffed and ripe olives are marinated in white wine vinegar and garlic before using them to flavor these speedy salami, ham and provolone subs.—Delores Christner, Spooner, Wisconsin
Why settle for ordinary grilled cheese when this is so easy to fix? Pair the sandwiches with your favorite soup for a fast, satisfying meal. —Arlene Reagan, Limerick, Pennsylvania
