AeroPress Pistachio Honey Iced Latte

Discover the perfect blend of bold coffee, creamy nuttiness, and gentle sweetness with the AeroPress Pistachio Honey Iced Latte. This indulgent drink combines espresso-style coffee with velvety pistachio cream and frothy honey-vanilla milk for a drink that feels like a luxurious treat. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply seeking something special, this latte is sure to elevate your daily brew.

What is AeroPress Espresso?

The AeroPress is a versatile brewing tool that can brew a wide range of coffee styles. While it can’t fully make espresso, it can brew a concentrated, espresso-style coffee that works great for at-home lattes and avoids the need for an expensive espresso machine. Especially when paired with the flow-control cap, the AeroPress combines pressure and immersion to deliver a bold, flavorful cup with a rich crema-like texture. By adjusting grind size, water temperature, and brewing time, you can achieve a robust coffee concentrate perfect for specialty drinks like this Pistachio Honey Iced Latte.

What Coffee Works Best for This recipe?

When selecting a coffee for this recipe you have a lot of flexibility. In general a coffee with a slightly darker roast (medium vs. light) and a more robust profile will hold up to the additional flavors and sweetness best. It is best to avoid coffees with wild flavor profiles like co-ferments or anaerobic processing for this recipe and instead stick to more traditional profiles with nutty and/or chocolate profiles. 

Key Ingredients for the AeroPress Pistachio Honey Iced Latte

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the drink. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Coffee (18 grams, finely ground): The base of the drink, coffee brewed in the AeroPress provides a strong and bold foundation. Opt for a medium roast to complement the sweetness of the honey and pistachio.

• Pistachio Cream: Pistachio cream is a mix of pistachios, milk, cream, and sugar. It creates a smooth, creamy mixture with a velvety mouthfeel. You can also purchase pistachio cream at the store or online, but homemade is certainly supreme.

• Honey milk: By mixing honey and vanilla paste with our milk of choice, we are able to sweeten the drink just a bit without overpowering the coffee. You can use any milk, but whole milk or a barista-style alternate milk works best to allow it to froth and create a creamier drink. The vanilla paste isn’t necessary, but adds some extra depth to drink vs. the honey alone.

How to Make an AeroPress Pistachio Honey Iced Latte

Now that you have your ingredients prepared, here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling your drink:

Step 1: Make the Pistachio Cream

While you can use store-bought pistachio cream, making it fresh at home is much better and is what takes this latte to the next level. Here’s how to make it:

1. Gather ¼ cup of shelled pistachios, ¼ cup of whole milk, 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.

2. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend for 4-5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. If the cream is too thick, add a splash of milk and blend again until it reaches a pourable consistency.

4. Transfer the pistachio cream to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Brew the Coffee

1. Measure 18 grams of finely ground coffee and add it to the AeroPress.

2. Heat 100 mL of water to 205°F (96°C) and pour it over the coffee grounds.

3. Stir aggressively, let the coffee brew for 2 minutes, then slowly press the plunger down over 45 seconds. Set the coffee concentrate aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Milk

1. In a small pitcher, combine 6 oz of milk, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste.

2. Froth the mixture using a hand frother or whisk until it becomes light and airy.

Step 4: Assemble the Drink

1. Add 2-3 tablespoons of pistachio cream to the bottom of a tall glass.

2. Fill the glass with ice, ensuring the pistachio cream stays at the bottom.

3. Pour the frothed honey milk over the ice, leaving room at the top for the coffee.

4. Gently pour the brewed coffee concentrate on top, creating a layered effect.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve:

1. Grate a small amount of pistachio over the top for a decorative and flavorful garnish.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, nutty, and bold coffee flavors.

Final Thoughts

The AeroPress Pistachio Honey Iced Latte is more than just a drink; it’s an experience that brings the artistry of coffee making to your kitchen. With its layers of rich coffee, creamy pistachio, and sweet honey-vanilla milk, this latte is perfect for savoring on a leisurely morning or impressing guests at brunch. Give this recipe a try and transform your coffee routine into a gourmet adventure!