The pistachio latte, a rich and comforting milk-based drink infused with the warm, sweet essence of pistachios, has captivated coffee enthusiasts. With roots in Middle Eastern and Italian culinary traditions, pistachios have been a timeless ingredient.
Starbucks, inspired by the success of hazelnut-flavored beverages, introduced a syrup-based pistachio and rose mocha in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, preceding the launch of the pistachio latte in North America by about five years.
Though not a groundbreaking concept, the pistachio latte has found a place on coffee shop menus, particularly in the Middle East, where it is enjoyed both iced and warm. This reflects the historical significance of pistachios in Middle Eastern cuisine, reaching back to 7,000 BC.
In London, Jolt Coffee serves a pistachio latte year-round, drawing inspiration from its Middle Eastern heritage and sourcing premium pistachio paste from Sicily. Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters in Detroit introduced the pistachio latte, inspired by a manager’s morning pistachio ice cream indulgence.
Both coffee establishments craft their pistachio latte with a house-made pistachio and condensed milk sauce, available hot or iced. The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet, nutty, and slightly menthol-caramel notes reminiscent of high-quality pistachios.
Complementing the pistachio latte, recommended coffee pairings include the Costa Rica/El Salvador blend or infused El Salvador coffee from Nude Coffee Roasters, and a natural process single variety Yellow Bourbon from Fazenda Sertão in Brazil for Dessert Oasis.
The pistachio latte has become a beloved and Instagram-worthy beverage, with Jolt Coffee considering it a staple on their menu. Dessert Oasis plans to keep it as a permanent offering, recognizing its enduring popularity.
As the pistachio latte trend extends beyond the Middle East, the UK, and the US, it is making its mark in coffee cultures across Europe. With global acclaim, consumers can anticipate encountering this flavorful creation in more coffee shops worldwide.
Looking forward, there’s anticipation for the rise of pistachio milk as a potential alternative in the coffee sector, hinting at the possibility of a vegan pistachio milk latte—a fresh twist to the cherished pistachio latte appealing to an even broader audience.