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SEATTLE – Starbucks Corp.’s new Pistachio Latte prevailed through a pandemic to hit the menu in 2021.
The Pistachio Latte is a spin-off from the Starbucks Reserve Pistachio Latte, which was first developed for the opening of Starbucks’ Chicago Roastery in November 2019. Jennifer Galbraith, Starbucks product development manager, came up with the idea for the drink by considering the popularity of Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte Classic Italian Coffee and explore other nuts that are prevalent in Italy.
“Hazelnuts are grown in northern Italy, and some of the best pistachios are grown in southern Italy,” Galbraith said. “They call them ‘green gold’; there is even a pistachio festival in Bronte, Sicily.”
On the menu at the Roasteries and Starbucks Reserve locations, the Starbucks Reserve Pistachio Latte features espresso shots paired with pistachio-infused milk heated with a dash of orange peel and finished with a dash of sweet pistachio topping and salty.
“Starbucks Reserve coffee is the star of the show, and the creamy, buttery flavor of the pistachio-infused milk and the salty and sweet topping of the drink bring out the rich notes of the coffees,” said Galbraith.
The drink worked so well that Starbucks’ beverage development team began looking for ways to bring a version of the drink to Starbucks stores last winter.
“Everything is in balance; it is accessible but it is also brand new. I think that’s the magic of the drink. “- Erin Marinan, Starbucks
“When we were tasked with creating a Pistachio Latte inspired by the Starbucks Reserve Roastery beverage, we started with Starbucks Espresso Roast as the base,” said beverage developer Matthew Thornton. “We then worked to create a Pistachio Latte that complemented all the notes of our signature espresso while giving the capped nod to the roaster.”
But before the team could finish formulating the drink, the R&D beverage lab closed at Starbucks headquarters as a safety measure from COVID-19. So they continued to work from their kitchens at home, and Mr. Thornton held drink screenings for the team 10 feet away from the television trays installed in their driveway. Then when Mr. Thornton took time off for paternity leave in June 2020, Product Development Manager Erin Marinan took over and saw it through to the end.
“We took into account that pistachios can adopt different flavor profiles,” he said. “For example, spumoni ice cream can have a cherry and almond flavor. But, as with the Roastery drink, this one is more of a true pistachio flavor; it’s earthy with light fruity notes that are really delicate. “
The final Pistachio Latte recipe combines pistachio flavor with Starbucks espresso and steamed milk and is finished with a salty brown butter topping. The drink can be ordered hot, chilled or mixed.
“Everything is in balance; it is accessible but it is also completely new, ”said Ms. Marinan. “I think that’s the magic of the drink.”
Also joining the Starbucks beverage line this season is Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew. The non-dairy drink is made with cold brewed Starbucks coffee mixed with honey and topped with almond milk.
Starbucks is also introducing Kale and Portabella Mushroom Sous Vide Egg Bites, with chopped kale and portabella mushrooms folded in cage-free eggs with Monterey Jack cheese cooked with the French sous vide technique. Joining the menu permanently, the bites contain 15 grams of protein and less than 250 calories.
New to the Starbucks bakery is Earth Cake Pop, made with chocolate cake dipped in a blue chocolate frosting and finished with green and white sprinkles to look like Earth.
Comeback offerings include Honey Almondmilk Flat White, which combines almond milk and Starbucks Blonde espresso with honey, and Red Velvet Loaf, a vanilla cake topped with red velvet cake swirls and topped with a white chocolate frosting. The Honey Almondmilk Flat White will join the Starbucks menu permanently.
