The latest drink to go viral on TikTok and drive customers to Starbucks in droves is the Starbucks Pistachio Latte. This creamy, nutty beverage was created by a TikTok user named Elyse who posted a video tutorial showing how to order it that has now amassed over 4 million views. As green-hued custom Starbucks orders explode in popularity on TikTok, many are wondering – what exactly is in the Starbucks Pistachio Latte and how can you order it?
What is the Starbucks Pistachio Latte?
The Starbucks Pistachio Latte is a cream-based espresso drink made with pistachio syrup and milk. It has a light green color and a sweet nutty flavor. The recipe was created by TikTok user @elasticmomm in a video in September 2022 that now has over 4 million views.
To make it, you order a hot grande latte with 3 pumps of pistachio syrup and oat milk or your milk of choice. The pistachio syrup has notes of roasted pistachio nuts, brown butter and vanilla. When combined with steamed milk it makes for a delicious creamy beverage reminiscent of pistachio ice cream.
Some variations of the drink add whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. Others blend the espresso with ice to make it an iced pistachio latte. But the core recipe remains 3 pumps of pistachio syrup in a grande latte.
Pistachio Latte Ingredients
The main ingredients in a Starbucks Pistachio Latte are:
- Espresso shots
- Steamed milk (typically 2% or oat milk)
- 3 pumps of Torani pistachio sauce syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
The espresso provides the base coffee flavor. Starbucks uses a standard double shot of espresso in a grande latte.
The steamed milk adds creamy texture and balances out the espresso. Many TikTokers use oat milk to make it dairy-free. But 2% milk is the most common.
The key ingredient is 3 full pumps of Torani pistachio syrup. This adds the dominant pistachio and vanilla flavors. Torani syrups are used at Starbucks to make popular custom drinks like the Pink Drink and Violet Drink as well.
Finally, whipped cream can be added on top to make it extra creamy and dreamy.
Where to Buy Pistachio Syrup
The Torani pistachio syrup used to make the Starbucks Pistachio Latte can be purchased at many grocery stores, coffee shops and online retailers including:
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- World Market
- Home Goods
It comes in a 25.4 oz bottle that runs about $8-$12. The brand is Torani. Some stores may also carry their own branded pistachio syrups which can substitute for the Torani.
You can also find pistachio syrups in the coffee aisle from brands like Monin, DaVinci, and Starbucks. But the Torani brand is most recommended to replicate the TikTok latte.
When purchasing, look for a clear green colored syrup with packaging emphasizing the pistachio flavor. This distinct nutty syrup is essential to craft the viral Pistachio Latte.
How to Order the Secret Menu Drink
To order a Starbucks Pistachio Latte exactly as the TikTok trend demonstrates, follow these steps:
- Ask for a grande hot latte
- Specify the milk (typically 2% or oat milk)
- Request 3 pumps of Torani pistachio syrup
- Ask for whipped cream on top (optional)
The barista may ask clarifying questions if they are unfamiliar with the trend. But those simple specifications are all that’s needed to get the drink.
Some key tips:
- Know the full name is Pistachio Latte, not just “Secret Menu Drink”
- Request 3 full pumps of the Torani pistachio syrup
- Pick your milk and hot or iced
- You can customize with whipped cream, additional syrup, etc.
The recipe was created by a customer and is not officially on Starbucks’ menu. But baristas are usually happy to make the customized drink as long as you order each component. Enjoy your TikTok-famous pistachio latte!
Why the Pistachio Latte Went Viral
The Pistachio Latte took off rapidly on TikTok starting in September 2022 thanks to several factors:
- Unique flavor combination of nutty pistachio and espresso
- Bright green color is eye-catching and “Instagrammable”
- Relatable creator @elasticmomm who made it trend
- Fits the rise of customized Starbucks orders on TikTok
- Desire to try the latest viral TikTok drink
Many TikTok trends tend to spike and fade quickly. But the Pistachio Latte has shown surprising staying power. It continues to be a top request at Starbucks several weeks after originally going viral.
The appeal comes from the tasty match of flavors that customers can’t get anywhere else. Social media made it a must-try drink. And its photogenic green look made it perfect to share online.
For Starbucks baristas, the surge of customized TikTok drinks presents challenges. But the Starbucks Pistachio Latte is simpler to make than most secret menu items. With just 3 core ingredients, most locations can whip it up easily to satisfy curious customers hoping to sip the latest TikTok trend.
TikTok Starbucks Drink Recipes
The Pistachio Latte is just one in a series of Starbucks-inspired drinks that have gone viral on TikTok over the past several years. Here are some of the most popular custom Starbucks orders made famous by TikTok:
| Drink Name | Recipe |
|---|---|
| Pink Drink | Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk |
| Violet Drink | Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher with coconut milk |
| Charlie Drink | Chai tea latte with cold foam |
| Pistachio Latte | Latte with 3 pumps pistachio syrup |
As you can see, most viral Starbucks drinks follow a simple formula of combining a refresher or latte with a flavored syrup like vanilla, brown sugar, pistachio or raspberry. Sweet flavor combinations that change up the normal menu are what draws fans’ attention on social media.
While unlikely to be officially added to the Starbucks menu, these customized TikTok drinks have become popular ways for customers to spice up their usual coffee order.
Pistachio Latte Nutrition Facts
The nutritional value of a Starbucks Pistachio Latte made with 2% milk and 3 pumps of pistachio syrup is approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 33g
- Protein: 11g
With oat milk, the calorie count drops slightly to around 230 calories. The majority of calories come from carbohydrates and sugar.
A few things influence the nutrition:
- Milk choice (2% vs. nonfat vs. oat)
- Whipped cream adds fat and calories
- Grande size has 2 shots espresso
- Most carbs and sugar come from milk and syrup
Compared to other Starbucks lattes, the Pistachio Latte has more calories and sugar due to the added pistachio syrup. A regular café latte with 2% milk has about 190 calories.
So while tasty, the TikTok Starbucks drink is quite high in sugar and best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation. Those looking for a lighter option could request it with sugar-free syrup or a low-calorie milk alternative.
Cost to Order at Starbucks
The price to order a Starbucks Pistachio Latte will vary by location but averages around $5 to $6 for a grande. Here is the typical cost breakdown:
- Grande latte: $3.95
- 3 pumps pistachio syrup: $0.90
- Alternative milk upcharge: $0.50
- Whipped cream: $0.50
- Total: $5.85
As a customized drink build, you pay for each component rather than a full menu item. So expect to pay $1-$2 more compared to a standard latte.
The base price of a latte and syrup pumps depends on your city. Customizations like alternative milks, extra shots, and toppings add on top of that.
Ordering it iced may also incur an extra upcharge at some locations. But in general, plan to budget about $5-6 for a grande Pistachio Latte based on the viral TikTok recipe.
How to Make the Pistachio Drink at Home
Want to recreate the Starbucks Pistachio Latte at home? Here is an easy homemade recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup milk of choice
- 3 pumps pistachio syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew espresso or coffee
- Froth milk until steaming hot
- Add espresso and 3 pumps pistachio syrup to mug
- Top with steamed milk and mix well
- Top with whipped cream if desired
The key is using real espresso or strong coffee to provide the base. Any milk works including dairy or oat milk. Heat it up by steaming or microwaving until hot and foamy.
Then combine the coffee, pistachio syrup, and milk. Top with whipped cream for the full effect.
You can also make it iced by shaking everything over ice or blending with ice like a Frappuccino. Enjoy your homemade Starbucks-inspired beverage and impress your friends with the latest TikTok drink!
How Long Will the Trend Last?
It’s impossible to predict exactly how long the Starbucks Pistachio Latte will remain popular on TikTok. Trends come and go quickly, especially as creators move onto the next viral sensation.
However, the Pistachio Latte seems to have more staying power than most TikTok food fads thanks to several advantages:
- It’s available year-round, not seasonally limited
- The ingredients are easy to find and simple to order
- It offers a unique and appealing flavor profile
- Starbucks encourages customization trends
- Multiple big creators pushed the recipe
Viral drinks that are difficult to DIY or require limited-time ingredients tend to fade faster. The Pistachio Latte stands out for its accessibility and one-of-a-kind taste.
It also benefits from origins on multiple major TikTok accounts. @elasticmomm created it, but it spread through top creators like @averycyrus123, helping sustain momentum.
Even when viral favor drops off, it’s likely to remain a popular off-menu item at Starbucks, much like the Pink Drink and Violet Drink have over the years. In summary, expect to see this pistachio-flavored sensation on TikTok and Starbucks menus for quite some time.
Variations to Try
One fun aspect of the Starbucks Pistachio Latte trend is experimenting with unique flavor variations. Here are some ways to customize or alter the TikTok drink:
- Iced Pistachio Latte – Add ice to make it chilled
- Pistachio Frappuccino – Blended iced version
- Pistachio Fog Latte – With vanilla sweet cream cold foam
- Pistachio Mocha – Sub chocolate syrup for espresso
- Skinny Pistachio Latte – With sugar-free syrup and nonfat milk
- Dirty Pistachio Chai – Combine with a chai tea latte
Blending the drink tastes amazing with ice for a Creamsicle-like flavor. Adding mocha sauce or vanilla sweet cream creates an indulgent dessert drink.
There are endless ways to customize to your tastes. Ask your barista to recommend combinations or experiment with Torani syrup flavors like hazelnut, vanilla, or caramel in the latte.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Pistachio Latte originated from TikTok creator @elasticmomm but quickly exploded into a nationwide drink phenomenon at Starbucks.
It combines espresso, steamed milk, Torani pistachio syrup, and optional whipped cream for a creamy, nutty, photogenic beverage.
While availability of ingredients helps its popularity, the unique and delicious pistachio flavor combo is the primary draw. It satisfies the craving for both coffee and dessert.
Though a temporary viral sensation, the accessibility and crowd-pleasing taste of the Pistachio Latte seem destined to make it a menu staple for the long haul.
So if you’re seeking the latest TikTok trend to spice up your coffee routine, order this sweet pistachio drink on your next Starbucks run. Just ask for a grande latte with 3 pumps of Torani pistachio syrup to sip this Instagrammable sensation for yourself.