Pistachio Cream Cold Brew? That may sound nutty, but Starbucks is prying the shell off of this new drink. And even Starbucks superfans have to admit, it’s an odd choice. No one can deny the pull of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte parade, and a good Peppermint Mocha peps up holiday shopping. And we can never get enough of Starbucks’ secret menu, especially the winter secret menu drinks! But are people sitting around in January just pining for more pistachio in their lives?
Well, someone’s gotta be, because Starbucks’ winter menu launched on Jan. 3. The coffee chain brought back the Pistachio Latte, and launched the new Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. Eats-wise, the red velvet loaf returned, too.
I’m a cold brew connoisseur—the Vanilla Cream is my favorite, though the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew sucks up its share of my disposable income in the fall. So of course, I had to see how pistachio ranks among the Starbucks cold-brew contingent.
What’s in the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew?
Honestly, I don’t have a lot of pistachio in my life. The small nut, a member of the cashew family, isn’t as easy to snack on as peanuts or even almonds. It usually comes in a half-split-open shell, making it a bit of a pain to crack and eat. But it’s got a simple, sweet nutty taste, so I guess it’s as good a choice for a cold brew flavor addition as anything.
Starbucks says the new Pistachio Cream Cold Brew features cold brew coffee sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with pistachio cream, and decorated with salted brown buttery sprinkles. In fact, my barista told me that when her Starbucks received the sprinkle mix, she excitedly thought it would be for a salted brown butter sugar cookie latte, and was bummed out to discover she’d just made that drink up in her head. Close though—Starbucks does have an Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, inspired by spritz cookies.
Here’s What I Thought
Look, pistachio is kind of a furtive flavor. It doesn’t scream out its presence. In a blind taste test, I don’t think I could’ve identified the drink as pistachio in any way. It smells a bit odd at first, and the nut smell is almost medicine-like. There’s a hint of bitterness to the drink, but it’s so delicate that I almost figured I dreamed it.
I love to savor the velvety foam on almost every Starbucks cold brew. And the pistachio cream is a delight, with a very mellow, nutty taste. Is it accurate pistachio flavor? I got nuttin’. If you told me it was almond, cashew or macadamia nut, sure, fine, I’d never argue with you. Nuts are obviously involved, and the type of nut seems kinda irrelevant.
If you love nutty flavors in your coffee—maybe you order hazelnut lattes, or dip a Snickers bar in your Americano, I dunno—then, obviously, you’ll be nuts for the pistachio cream cold brew. If you’re more like me, and just generally enjoy Starbucks’ repertoire of cream cold brew drinks, this drink will rank somewhere in the middle of those bevvies. I won’t be putting it above pumpkin spice any time soon, but for me, it’s a better choice than the just-too-sweet Irish cream cold brew.
When Can I Get It?
The drink and its hottie sister, the pistachio latte, are available now at Starbucks stores nationwide. Better try one soon, however, since it’s a limited-time offering.
Copycat Starbucks Recipes You Can Make at Home
Inspired by: Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this
chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Get Our Recipe for Chai Tea Latte
Molly Allen for Taste of Home
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
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg BitesYou can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel FrappuccinoI love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
NANCY MOCK FOR TASTE OF HOME
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
Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg SandwichOn a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena,
Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew CoffeeCold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very
best options to kick start your mornings.
Inspired by: Starbucks Everything BagelWho 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
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Jamie Thrower for Taste Of Home
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced CoffeeWhen my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon LoafMy 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
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio ParfaitHomemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice LatteEach sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate BrownieCoffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe MochaWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold BrewCold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin BreadSkip the line and bake Starbucks's pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe is better than the original! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Hot ChocolateEach winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Special Banana Nut BreadThis extra-special banana bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors. The recipe makes two loaves, so I can serve one and keep the other one in the freezer to use as a last-minute gift. —Beverly Sprague, Catonsville, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint MochaMake 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
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea LemonadeI have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry SconeI 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
Taste of Home
Skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink. You only need four ingredients!
Get Our Recipe for Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip CookieEveryone has a favorite type of chocolate chip cookie—a little crispy, a little chewy—but they all have to begin with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe. This is the best place to start! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
