Have you ever tasted a pistachio macchiato? The first time for me was at Cafe Terzi, an artisan cafe in Bologna, Italy. I tell everyone visiting Bologna that they have to stop at this cafe as it is just esquisite and they make beautiful coffee drinks. But you can also make a pistachio macchiato at home too!
If you’re a coffee enthusiast with a sweet tooth, you’re in for a delightful treat. Pistachio Macchiatos are a harmonious combination of rich espresso and the delightful nuttiness of pistachios. If you’re ready to make one, simply it the “jump to recipe” button. Otherwise scroll through for some helpful tips and information.
Rachelle and Pete having coffee at Cafe Terzi in Bologna, Italy.
The Secret Ingredient: Pistachio Butter
Pistachio butter is similar to peanut butter, but with pistachios! In Italy, it is often made with olive oil and has a light green, almost olive color. It can be pricey as pistachios are more expensive than other nuts like peanuts or almonds. If you can’t find pistachio butter, you can also use a teaspoon of pistachio syrup. But I gotta tell ya, the pistachio butter is worth the investment if you find it online or at a specialty grocer.
The Macchiato Magic
Now what exactly is a macchiato? A macchiato, Italian for “stained” or “spotted,” is a small but powerful coffee concoction. It’s like a work of art in a cup. The foundation of a macchiato is a shot of espresso, known for its bold and robust flavor. This intense brew is then “stained” or “spotted” with a touch of milk, creating a beautiful contrast of dark and light. The result is a perfect balance of bitter and creamy, a sensory experience that’s hard to beat.
Pistachio macchiato at Cafe Terzi.
The Pistachio Twist
Now, imagine taking this coffee masterpiece and adding a nutty twist to it. That’s where the pistachio macchiato comes into play. The pistachio macchiato is a creative variation that introduces the nutty richness of pistachios into the mix.
Add generous layer of pistachio butter at the bottom of the glass, topped with espresso (either brewed in an espresso machine like Nespresso, or a moka pot), and then topped with whipped cream and crushed pistachios. It’s almost dessert-like.
The presentation is in the layering of ingredients, from light green, to rich coffee brown, the light brown crema, and whipped cream. But to drink it, I definitely recommend giving it a little stir to gently blend everything together.
Pistachio macchiato at Cafe Terzi, Bologna.
How To Make A Pistachio Macchiato
Espresso Base: Start with a shot of espresso. It’s the heart of the macchiato, providing that bold coffee kick that coffee lovers crave. You can either make an espresso with an espresso machine like Nespressso or a classic Italian moka pot.
Milk: Gently steam some milk, maintaining its creamy texture. This will be the “stain” in our macchiato. If you don’t have an espresso machine that steams milk, simply heat milk on the stovetop or in the microwave and use a milk frother to create the foamy top.
Pistachio Flavor: To infuse that nutty pistachio goodness, add a generous layer of pistachio butter to the bottom of your glass. The presentation is in the layering of ingredients, from from light green with the pistachio butter, to rich coffee brown with the espresso, the light brown crema foam, and then whipped cream. I even like to add crushed pistachios on top.
Mix and Sip: Before that first sip, Ggive the pistachio macchiato a little stir to mix everything together. Combine the espresso, milk, and pistachio flavor, and voilà! You have a pistachio macchiato ready to be sipped and savored.
The result is a delightful blend of flavors, with the coffee’s boldness complemented by the sweet and nutty notes of pistachio. It’s a drink that appeals to both coffee purists and those with a sweet tooth, making it a versatile and beloved choice in coffee culture.
Pistachio Macchiato
Ingredients
- 2 ounces espresso
- 1 Tablepoon pistachio butter
- 2 Tablespoons whipped cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed pistachios
Instructions
Espresso Base: Start by making a shot of espresso. You can either make an espresso with an espresso machine like Nespressso or a classic Italian moka pot.
Milk: Gently steam some milk, maintaining its creamy texture. If you don't have an espresso machine that steams milk, simply heat milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is at your preferred temperature and use a milk frother to create the foamy top.
Pistachio Flavor: To infuse that nutty pistachio goodness, add a generous layer of pistachio butter to the bottom of your glass. Then pour the espresso over the pistachio butter.
Toppings: Top with whipped cream and crushed pistachios.
Mix and Sip: Before that first sip, Give the pistachio macchiato a little stir to mix everything together. Combine the espresso, milk, and pistachio flavor, and voilà! You have a pistachio macchiato ready to be sipped and savored.
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