Pistachio Iced Coffee Recipe

Introduction: The Rise of the Pistachio Latte

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or UK coffee shop menus lately, you’ve probably noticed the pistachio latte everywhere! This creamy, nutty twist on a classic latte has gone from niche to mainstream in record time.

Originally popularised in the US by major chains like Starbucks, the pistachio latte trend has found a firm footing in the UK, thanks to its luxurious flavour, stunning green hue, and Instagram-ready aesthetic.

From high street cafés to home barista setups, pistachio lattes are now a firm favourite for coffee lovers looking to try something new, without abandoning their beloved caffeine fix. So, it looks good, how does it taste? Lets dive into this craze below to find out more...

Why is the Pistachio Latte So Popular in the UK?

1. Flavour & Indulgence
   Pistachios have a naturally rich, slightly sweet, and buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with coffee and milk.

2. TikTok & Instagram Influence
   Social media has amplified the trend with endless recipe videos, latte art reels, and “day in the life” café clips.

3. Seasonal Appeal
   Pistachio lattes work year-round. They're warm and cosy in winter, iced and refreshing in summer.

4. Plant-Based Friendly
   Works brilliantly with oat, almond, and coconut milk, making it a big hit with vegan and dairy-free coffee fans. Try it with Unordinary oats found in the July RISE coffee box.

5. Aesthetic Factor
   That pastel green colour pops in photos and makes it an easy sell for coffee shops and home brewers alike.

The Base: Choosing the Right Coffee

The pistachio latte might be all about the nutty syrup or paste, but quality coffee is the foundation. A medium or dark roast with chocolate or caramel notes complements the pistachio perfectly.

For the best results, choose freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee from a UK roaster - or better yet, get it delivered via RISE Coffee Box. Every month, we blind taste 30+ coffees to select the perfect beans for your home café setup.

A nutty coffee we would recommend: Mission coffee - Costa Rica

Notes of: Chocolate mocha, pear and cashew nuts. 

How to Make a Pistachio Latte at Home

Ingredients (Hot Version)

• Double shot espresso (or 60ml strong brewed coffee)

• 200ml milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 1–2 tbsp pistachio syrup or paste (see recipes below)

• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

• Crushed pistachios (optional garnish)

Method

1. Brew Your Coffee
   Pull a double espresso shot or make 60ml of strong brewed coffee.

2. Heat Your Milk
   Steam or heat your milk until hot but not boiling (around 65°C). Froth if you like a foamy texture.

3. Mix with Pistachio
   Stir pistachio syrup or paste into your coffee until fully dissolved.

4. Pour and Garnish
   Add steamed milk, top with whipped cream and crushed pistachios if you want to go café-style.

How to Make an Iced Pistachio Latte 

 Ingredients (Cold Version)

1.   Double shot espresso
2.   200ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
3.   Ice cubes 
4.   1–2 tbsp pistachio syrup or paste

Method

1. Brew a double shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Fill a tall glass with ice.
3. Stir pistachio syrup into the coffee until smooth.
4. Pour over ice and top with milk. Stir gently to combine.

DIY Pistachio Syrup Recipe

Making your own pistachio syrup means you can control sweetness and avoid artificial flavours.

Ingredients

• 150g shelled pistachios

• 250ml water

• 150g sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Blend pistachios into a fine crumb.

2. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and heat until sugar dissolves.

3. Add pistachios and simmer for 5–10 mins.

4. Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

5. Add vanilla extract and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Pistachio Paste Alternative

Some home baristas prefer using pistachio paste instead of syrup for a richer, creamier drink. You can buy pure pistachio paste online or make your own by blending pistachios with a little neutral oil until smooth.

Nutritional Notes

• Calories: A standard pistachio latte can range from 150–300 calories, depending on milk type and whether you use syrup or paste.

• Vegan-Friendly: Use oat milk and ensure your pistachio syrup is dairy-free.

• Allergens: Contains nuts, always check for allergies before serving.

Best UK Coffee Shops for Pistachio Lattes

1. EL&N London - Instagram-famous café with picture-perfect pistachio lattes.

2. Kaffeine, London - Speciality coffee shop serving seasonal nut-based drinks.

3. Federal Café, Manchester - Known for indulgent, flavoured lattes.

4. Local independent cafés - Many are now experimenting with pistachio lattes as part of seasonal menus.

Pairing Your Pistachio Latte

Pistachio lattes are naturally sweet and rich, so pair them with lighter, complementary treats:

• Almond biscotti

• Lemon drizzle cake

• Shortbread biscuits

• Dark chocolate squares

Sustainability Tip: Go Local

If you’re making pistachio lattes at home, pair your pistachio flavouring with locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee. RISE Coffee Box delivers beans from top UK roasters, all chosen for flavour and positive impact.

By supporting independent roasters, you’re also helping coffee farmers at origin earn fair wages and improve their communities.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try It

The pistachio latte isn’t just a passing social media trend it’s a genuinely delicious, versatile drink that works hot or iced, with dairy or plant milk, and can be made easily at home.

Whether you’re picking one up at your local café or brewing with your favourite RISE Coffee Box beans, the pistachio latte is a perfect way to add a little luxury to your daily coffee ritual.