There’s something magical about the combination of salty, sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors, and this honey salted pistachio matcha latte delivers it all. The gentle pistachio nuttiness paired with the earthy matcha comes alive with honey and a hint of sea salt. It’s indulgent yet light and is a drink that feels cafe-quality but is so easy to make at home.

This latte has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy matcha, and the best part? You can whip it up in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re starting your day with a little extra flair or treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave you craving more.

So, here’s how to make a salted honey pistachio matcha latte at home!

What is in a Salted Pistachio Matcha Latte?

This salted honey pistachio matcha latte uses homemade pistachio milk that is just ground pistachios and milk blended together to form a creamy liquid. Then, there’s whisked matcha tea powder in water, followed by ice and honey as the sweetener.

You can also use unsalted pistachios (more information in a later section), pistachio butter, or pistachio flavoring if you do not have salted pistachios. Or, buy pistachio non-dairy milk from the store!

What Does a Salted Pistachio Matcha Latte Taste Like?

A salted honey pistachio matcha latte made with pistachio milk or butter has a great, creamy texture and a nice sweet and savory flavor. The honey adds a nice, subtle sweetness that makes this drink wildly addicting, especially with the added salt.

Pistachio itself has an earthy, slightly buttery, and nutty flavor, similar to almonds. It also has a natural sweetness and savoriness, making it so addicting.

Fun Fact: Many mass-produced pistachio-flavored desserts or items are actually flavored with almond extract and green food coloring! Pistachios are expensive, so almond extract is cheaper.

What is Pistachio Milk?

Pistachio milk usually refers to two types of milk: milk blended with pistachios or non-dairy milk made from pistachios and water.

While the methods and ingredients are slightly different, both pistachio milks have a silky, creamy base that’s rich in nutty goodness. This homemade pistachio milk is versatile and pairs beautifully with matcha lattes, adding a natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor.

Alternatively, you can use store-bought pistachio milk, which is a non-dairy milk alternative made with pistachios and water, often fortified with vitamins and other nutrients. While it’s convenient and widely available, it may have a slightly less intense pistachio flavor compared to the homemade version.

Does Matcha and Pistachio Go Together?

Matcha, with its earthy grassy, umami, and savory flavors pair nicely with other savory flavors like pistachios. The buttery undertones of pistachio milk help mellow out the natural bitterness of matcha, while matcha’s fresh taste enhances pistachio’s nuttiness.

Because of its creamy texture, pistachio milk is fantastic to use in matcha, which is vegetal, slightly bitter, and umami-forward. The nutty flavor complements matcha’s earthiness, which pairs well with anything creamy (think: matcha ice cream, matcha mousse, matcha sweet cream, etc.)

Also, because of the nuts, this milk has a lot of protein, so it froths really well. It’s one of my favorite milks to use in lattes! Pistachio milk adds a creamy and nutty touch that complements matcha beautifully.

How to Make Pistachio Milk

There are two ways you can make pistachio milk.

First Method: De-shell your salted pistachios if they are still in the shell. Then, add them to a blender with honey and milk. Blend the pistachio, honey, and milk until smooth (about 15-30 seconds.) Once blended, strain your pistachio milk using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and using the back of a spoon, press against the nut pieces to press out any remaining liquid.

Second Method: Soak pistachios in water for 2-3 hours or overnight, then add to a blender with honey and a pinch of salt and blend until smooth. For extra flavor, add a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Strain out the pistachio pulp using a mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Store your salted honey pistachio milk an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Health Benefits of Pistachio Matcha

Not only is it delicious, but pistachios and matcha in a latte have many health benefits.

Pistachios are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a satisfying addition to your diet. They’re also loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin B6 and potassium, which support heart health and overall well-being.

Matcha, on the other hand, is a superfood in its own right. It’s rich in antioxidants called catechins, which help fight free radicals and support cellular health. The L-theanine in matcha promotes calm focus, while the moderate caffeine content provides a steady energy boost.

Together, matcha and pistachios create a nourishing drink that fuels your body and mind!

What Sweetener Works Best with Matcha and Pistachio

The sweetener you choose influences the flavor profile of your pistachio matcha latte. For this recipe, honey is the star! It brings a floral, slightly caramelized sweetness that enhances both the nutty pistachio and the earthy matcha.

If honey isn’t your sweetener of choice, you can also use maple syrup, cane sugar, or agave which all work wonderfully in this drink, adding their unique sweetness.

Brown sugar is also an option, but its molasses undertones might not mesh as nicely with the light, fresh flavors of matcha and pistachio. The key is to choose a sweetener that harmonizes with the drink’s nutty and earthy profile.

How to Make a Honey Salted Pistachio Matcha Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a honey salted pistachio matcha latte at home:

• 1½ tsp matcha powder
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup ice
• 1 cup milk
• ⅛ cup salted pistachios
• 1 tsp honey

Honey Salted Pistachio Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Whisk Matcha. Whisk matcha powder and water together in a flat, shallow bowl using a bamboo whisk in a zigzag motion until frothy. You can also use alternative whisking matcha methods if you do not have a matcha bowl and whisk.
2. Make Pistachio Milk. De-shell salted pistachios if necessary, then blend pistachios, honey, and milk in a blender until smooth. Strain the blended pistachio nut bits out.
3. Assemble Drink. Add ice and pistachio honey milk into a separate cup, then top with whisked matcha.
4. Mix and enjoy!

Best Matcha Powders

It can be hard to decide which matcha powder to buy, especially with how many matcha brands and blends available to you.

Marukyu Koyamaen and Horii Shichimeien are two brands from Kyoto, Japan that exploded in popularity recently and are constantly sold out.

While I love Marukyu and use it routinely, it isn’t easy to get these days. However, some other amazing brands I love include Ippodo and Rocky’s Matcha, which are great quality and have a bold, robust flavor.

Once you’ve found a brand you’re interested in, you can look through their catalog of blends (if available) to see what type of matcha flavor you want. There are sweet and creamy matcha powders and more umami-forward ones as well!

My favorite matcha of all time is Ippodo’s Ummon blend, a punch of umami perfect in lattes.

Most, if not all, matcha brands have an online website where you can shop, so it’s easy and convenient! If you’re unsure, buy a small tin and try it out!

Can I Use Unsalted Pistachios?

If you don’t have salted pistachios, you can use unsalted pistachios and add a little pinch of salt to your drink to get the same flavor.

If you’re not sure how much salt to add, start with a small pinch, taste, and add more if needed. You can always add more but you can’t take away!

Also, make sure the pistachios are roasted so the drink has more flavor. Most bagged pistachios are roasted, but if you have raw pistachios, you can throw them in the oven, toaster oven, or stovetop pan and toast them until they are lightly browned.

Tips:

Here’s how to make a delicious honey salted pistachio matcha latte at home!

• Use Pistachio Butter or Syrup: You can use pistachio butter, syrup, or extract if you don’t have pistachio nuts. Pistachio butter is the best alternative since it has pistachios in it, while syrup and extract use more synthetic ingredients.
• Add Almond Extract: For a stronger nut flavor, add a drop of almond extract. It complements the pistachio and helps support the nutty flavor.
• Sift Matcha Before Whisking: If you have clumps of matcha in your drink, sift your matcha before whisking it for a smooth, silky matcha texture.