If you love coffee shop drinks but want a healthier (and way more affordable) version at home, this is for you. This homemade iced coffee recipe is creamy, refreshing, and totally customizable. The secret? Fresh, clean homemade pistachio milk that makes your drink taste like it came straight from a café.
Why Make Homemade Iced Coffee?
Most store-bought iced lattes and packaged nut milks are full of gums, fillers, and random additives. When you make your own, you control the flavor and the ingredients — no hidden sugar, no mystery oils. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy.
This recipe works with espresso, instant coffee, or cold brew, so you can make it no matter what setup you have at home.
Step 1: Make Your Own Pistachio Milk
This might sound a little extra, but once you taste it, you’ll never go back to store-bought. I use a nut milk maker because it makes the process fast and mess-free, but you can also use a blender and strainer.
Homemade Pistachio Milk Recipe:
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½ cup raw pistachios
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2 Medjool dates (for natural sweetness)
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1 tsp vanilla paste
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Pinch of sea salt
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Dash of cinnamon
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Water (fill to the “max” line on your nut milk maker)
🤎 Pro tip: You can also swap pistachios for almonds, cashews, or oats to make different homemade nut milks for coffee.
Step 2: Brew Your Coffee
I use my Breville espresso machine to pull a shot of espresso, but you don’t need fancy equipment. You can also use:
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Instant coffee — mix it with a small amount of hot water to create a “shot.”
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Cold brew concentrate — for a smoother, less acidic flavor.
While the coffee is still hot, I stir in a little brown sugar The caramel notes pair perfectly with the pistachio milk.
Step 3: Assemble Your Iced Pistachio Latte
Now the fun part — putting it all together!
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Fill your favorite iced coffee glass with ice.
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Pour in your homemade pistachio milk.
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Slowly pour the hot espresso shot over the top.
Not only does it taste amazing, but you’ll also get that beautiful, layered coffee look.
Tips for the Best Iced Coffee at Home
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Use a cute glass cup — because let’s be real, the vibes matter.
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Try adding flavored syrups (like caramel or hazelnut) for a coffee shop twist.
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Make a big batch of pistachio milk and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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If you love frothy drinks, blend your pistachio milk with ice and coffee for a creamy frappé-style treat.
Why This Iced Coffee is Better Than Starbucks
Not only is this recipe cleaner, but it’s also cheaper and healthier. Starbucks’ pistachio latte, for example, is made with syrups and stabilizers. With this version, you get the real pistachio flavor, natural sweetness from dates, and all the creamy goodness without the junk.
This truly is the best iced coffee recipe to make at home — simple, customizable, and Instagram-worthy