Garlic Head

  • Fun & Healthy Plant-Based Recipes
  • Garlic Head Accessibility Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe for Free Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • About Garlic Head
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Summer Recipes
  • High Protein Vegan Meals
  • Budget Dinners
  • Recipe Index
  • Dog-Friendly
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Vegan Summer Recipes
  • High Protein Vegan Meals
  • Budget Dinners
  • Recipe Index
  • Dog-Friendly
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Summer

Salted Pistachio Latte

Published: Jun 7, 2023 · Modified: Mar 17, 2025 by Emily · 3 Comments

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This Salted Pistachio Latte is easily made right at home but tastes like it's from a cafe! With homemade pistachio syrup and frothy oat milk, it's a perfect pick-me-up during the week without the expense. This recipe is totally dairy-free!

overhead shot of vegan salted pistachio latte on a table

Have you ever had a pistachio latte? I honestly had never heard of it until a recent trip to Santa Barbara where I tried one at the Dawn Cafe. I actually very rarely drink anything but black coffee but life is for living so I've been branching out a little bit. This one was definitely worth it and I am glad we're recreating it today.

Jump to:
  • Ingredient Details
  • Recipe Tips
  • Pistachio Latte FAQ
  • More Coffee and Latte Recipes to Try Next
  • Salted Pistachio Latte

Ingredient Details

Roasted pistachios of course give this recipe most of its flavor. I prefer to buy them in-shell, as the flavor is fresher and the color is brighter. Shelling is a bit arduous though and not accessible for some people! So feel free to use shelled, roasted pistachios. Side note: if you love pistachios, Baklava Nut Butter or Baked Pistachio Falafel next.

Organic cane sugar and water make our simple syrup base for flavoring. Nonorganic cane sugar is not always vegan - it is often processed with bone char! Something to keep in mind. You can also use brown sugar here if that's what you have on hand.

Salt of course brings out all of the other flavors of this drink. I regular kosher salt from my grocery store. The two big brands are Morton and Diamond Crystal. Be warned that due to its crystal shape, Morton is the saltier tasting of the two brands (meaning you will need less of it). Always be sure to taste as you go to determine your personal preference. Sea salt also works here, but I would avoid iodized table salt.

Almond extract is a bit less conventional but amps up the pistachio "nuttiness" present here. A little bit goes a long way. Vanilla extract does not have the same effect.

Espresso forms the base of caffeine for this latte. If you do not have a machine but really like to try espresso at home, I recommend something like a moka pot. It's a simple way to make this on the stove! Strong coffee will also work in place of espresso.

Lastly, oat milk gives this drink its frothy texture. Oatly is my brand of choice mainly because it is so widely available. However, I've really been wanting to try one of the barista-specific brands, like Califia Farms. I will report back if I do this.

chopped and shelled pistachios on a cutting board
Chopped and shelled pistachios
skillet of candied pistachios for pistachio syrup
Pistachio syrup before straining

Recipe Tips

Be sure your pistachios are roasted but unsalted. This will give you the most depth of flavor but ensure your final product is not overly salty. If you only have salted nuts, I would dial back the added salt and add to taste.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Stir the pistachio syrup as it cooks, so that it does not burn. Keeping the heat low will also help avoid cooking off all of the liquid too quickly.

Once you strain the nut pieces, do not throw them away! Once cooled, the pistachios will be little candied nut clusters - an excellent (and slightly addictive) snack.

Do not worry about perfecting your latte art - this is something I am definitely practicing but it certainly takes time. This instruction guide from La Marzocco has some great latte art information.

Pistachio Latte FAQ

How can I froth milk by hand?

To froth oat milk without a frothing machine, add it to a large, sealable jar with a tight lid. Fill about ⅓ of the way, screw on the cap, and shake for 45 seconds until increased in volume and foamy.

Is the Starbucks Pistachio Latte vegan?

No. The Starbucks Pistachio Latte recipe contains dairy milk and is not vegan-friendly.

How do I make an iced version of the pistachio latte?

Take two TBS of the pistachio syrup from this recipe and add to 2-4 ounces of cold brew concentrate. Top off with oat milk (no need to froth) and pour over ice.

hand pouring frothed oat milk into a mug

Please be sure to give this recipe a rating and review if you try it! I love hearing what you think.

More Coffee and Latte Recipes to Try Next

  • hand pouring milk into an iced coffee shake on a wooden table
    Iced Coffee Shake
  • milk pouring into a glass of cinnamon cold brew next to a vase of flowers
    Cinnamon Cold Brew
  • side view of vegan white Russian cocktail with gingerbread spices on dark tray
    Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail
  • close up of hand pouring coconut cream into a vegan pumpkin spice white russian in front of a roaring fire
    Pumpkin Spice White Russian
close up of vegan salted pistachio latte

Salted Pistachio Latte

Emily
This Vegan Salted Pistachio Latte tastes like it's from a cafe! With homemade pistachio syrup and frothy oat milk, it's a perfect pick-me-up during the week without the expense. 
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

For pistachio syrup:

  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ½ cup pistachios shelled roasted, and unsalted
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract

For latte base:

  • 2 oz espresso or very strong coffee one double shot or ¼ cup
  • 8 oz oat milk 1 cup

Instructions
 

  • Combine sugar and water in a small pan on the stove over medium heat. Finely chop pistachios. Once water is at a simmer, add in pistachios and swirl to coat. Mix a bit to allow sugar to fully dissolve.
  • Over low heat, cook pistachios and water at a simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will really infuse the syrup with flavor. If the liquid is cooking off too quickly (and things are getting too thick/burning), add a bit more water. You want the consistency to be that of runny maple syrup, not tree sap. Add in salt and remove from heat. Stir in almond extract. Set aside to cool slightly. Then, use a fine mesh strainer to drain out pistachio pieces.*
  • Prepare your espresso shot using a machine or moka pot (regular strong coffee works also). Pour the coffee into a mug. Add 2 TBS of your prepared pistachio syrup (increase if doubling your batch size).
  • To froth oat milk without a frothing machine, add to a large, sealable jar with a tight lid. Fill about ⅓ of the way, screw on the cap, and shake for 45 seconds until increased in volume and foamy.
  • Pour oat milk on top of espresso and enjoy right away. The pistachio syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. It will thicken as it cools, so feel free to microwave for 15 seconds prior to using next time. 

Video

Notes

Do not throw these nut pieces away! Once cooled, the pistachios will be little candied nut clusters.
The nutrition information is an estimate (it is challenging to calculate given that the syrup's concentration can vary). 

Nutrition

Serving: 1latteCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 33.2gProtein: 3.5gFat: 6.1gSaturated Fat: 0.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.4gSodium: 339mgFiber: 2.2gSugar: 23.2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Summer

  • cashew parm being poured on a bowl of pasta
    4-Ingredient Cashew "Parmesan"
  • close up of whipped ricotta tomato toast on a plate
    Whipped Ricotta Tomato Toast
  • banana split overnight oats next to fresh fruit
    Banana Split Overnight Oats
  • hands grabbing a slice of peach zucchini pizza
    Zucchini Peach Pizza

Comments

  1. Carmen says

    July 25, 2023 at 3:16 am

    5 stars
    I can't stop making this !!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      July 29, 2023 at 11:41 pm

      I'm so glad, Carmen! Thank you for commenting!

      Reply
  2. Emily says

    June 09, 2023 at 2:23 am

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorites!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I'm Emily! I have been a plant-based food blogger since 2017. Garlic Head is a recipe website for anyone who wants to easily, affordably, and sustainably incorporate more vegetables into their diet. I am a lifelong vegetarian and 10+ year vegan.

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • side view of a bowl of frozen yogurt peanut butter dog treats
    Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats
  • glass jar of homemade dog treats on a tray with a spoon of peanut butter
    3-Ingredient Dog Treats
  • black try with chewy homemade sour patch kids candy on top
    3-Ingredient Sour Patch Kids Recipe
  • hand grabbing a slice of fig jam bianca pizza on a wooden table
    Fig Jam Pizza Bianca
  • glass pitcher of carrot turmeric ginger juice being poured into a glass
    Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice
  • overhead shot of a bowl of vegan beet carrot ginger soup with cilantro and sesame
    Beet Carrot Ginger Soup

Vegan Summer Recipes

  • close up of vegan salted pistachio latte
    Salted Pistachio Latte
  • overhead view of flower shortbread cookies on a marble tray
    Flower Shortbread Cookies
  • pitcher of strawberry basil garden party coctails
    The Garden Party
  • a whole head of garlic on a stone board next to some basil leave
    Recipes for Garlic Lovers
  • bowl of turmeric cauliflower and peas on a table
    Turmeric Cauliflower & Peas
  • overhead shot of herby quinoa salad with tahini dressing
    Herby Quinoa Salad with Go-To Tahini Dressing
See more Summer →

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Resources

  • Get the free newsletter

Contact

  • Follow On Instagram
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2025 Garlic Head, LLC