Easy Pistachio Matcha Latte Recipe (Iced or Hot)
This pistachio matcha latte recipe is super easy with the help of a healthy store-bought pistachio spread. You can make this hot or iced and with any kind of milk you like. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Pistachio Spreads – How to Add Pistachio Flavor to Lattes
I don’t know if the natural green color is what’s cueing my brain to put matcha and pistachio together, but these flavors truly go well together. I love the earthy, herbal flavors of matcha with the nutty and somewhat floral aromas of pistachio. The only drawback is that pistachios can be so darn expensive! So I was really happy to discover Pistakio brand pistachio spreads. Compared to other brands of pistachio creams and butters, their brand is more affordable and has a very strong nutty flavor. Even their sweetened spread tastes very nutty and not overly sweet or creamy. Plus, I love that they are PNW based, like me! (By the way, my links to Pistakio are not affiliate links. I don’t make any money from them. I’m just sharing because I really like their product!)
Homemade Pistachio Paste vs. Store-Bought
Of course, you could make your own nut butter by blending pistachios in a strong food processor. However, I find that I can never get my spread super smooth, no matter how long I blend, and I end up with lumps of pistachio. If you like chunky texture nut butter, then be my guest, but it makes it harder to mix into a latte.
By the way, did you know that the Starbucks pistachio latte uses a pistachio syrup? I assume this means that their pistachio flavor is at least partially artificial. I guess an artificially flavored syrup is probably the cheapest and easiest way to make a flavored latte, but I really enjoy having the actual nut butter in my drink. It makes me feel like it’s healthier. I heard somewhere that artificial pistachio flavor, especially in ice creams, is actually the same as almond extract, so if you just happen to like that flavor, feel free to add a drop of almond extract into your drink.
What Matcha and Milks to Use for Lattes
I write this in almost all my matcha recipe posts, but please don’t worry about labels like “ceremonial matcha” or “culinary matcha.” They are labels only made for the Western market and aren’t used in Japan. Instead, you need to simply go by taste. Choose the blend of matcha that you like the best in your lattes. If you don’t want to try a bunch of different blends to find your favorite, I usually recommend Ippodo Tea’s Sayaka or Ikuyo blends, as they’re fairly modestly priced and have a mid-range flavor when it comes to bitterness. You can read more about matcha in my Ultimate Guide post!
As for the milks, there was a rumor going around that you shouldn’t use dairy milk with matcha because it negates some of the health benefits, but from what I’ve read, the evidence is very weak. So just like with your choice of matcha powder, choose whichever milk you like. I personally like soy milk, but you can use any dairy or non-dairy milk.
More Matcha Recipes
If you liked this recipe, check out some of my other matcha drinks and bakes:
Pistachio Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp high quality matcha for drinking
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tsp pistachio butter
- 1/2 cup soy milk, or other milk of choice
Instructions
- In a chawan or other bowl for whisking matcha, sift matcha powder.
- Add hot water and whisk with a bamboo matcha whisk for 15 seconds or until frothy. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother.
- Transfer matcha to an 8 oz mug, if desired, and drizzle in pistachio butter.
- Add warmed (and frothed, if desired) soy milk, stir, and enjoy.
Notes
- If wanting to make an iced pistachio matcha latte, add pistachio butter directly to the warmed milk and mix or froth until well combined. Fill a large glass or tumbler with ice and add the pistachio milk. Pour the hot matcha on top, stir, and enjoy.
- I use Pistakio brand pistachio spread. It’s only five ingredients with no artificial preservatives, has strong pistachio flavor, and is affordable compared to other pistachio butters. Your flavor may differ if using a different brand.
