Pistachio Milk Recipe
This pistachio milk recipe results in creamy, rich, and more budget-friendly pistachio milk than store-bought versions. This plant-based pistachio milk requires 2 main ingredients and 3 steps: soak pistachios, blend them with water, and strain. You can add some flavorings and a sweetener and enjoy it in your morning coffee, with your favorite cereal, or as a warm or chilled nightcap at the end of a long day.
If you are a fan of nut milk, then you have got to try this easy homemade pistachio milk recipe. With its delightful pale green hue, it is a delicious plant-based addition to your nut milk collection.
All you need is 2 main ingredients and 3 steps!
The 2 main ingredients are water and pistachios.
And, the three steps involve:
• Soak a cup of pistachios overnight,
• Drain them the next day and blend them with 3 cups of water plus a pinch of salt, and
• Strain the blended nut milk.
Yup – soak, blend, strain, and a bottle of this gorgeous green nut milk is all yours!
You can add a sweetener of your choice and any flavorings you would like, before using it in your coffee or latte, or with your favorite cereal, or in a smoothie. Or, simply use it as is.
What does pistachio milk taste like?
Pistachio milk has a mild and distinctive pistachio flavor. It is a rich and light at the same time. Creamy and smooth, this nut milk makes a delicious addition to a plant-based diet as well as a clean keto one.
How do you enhance the flavor of this pistachio milk?
This nut milk is delicious straight up without any other flavorings. However, vanilla and almond extracts as well as rose water can elevate the flavor of it. Also, spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger can also enhance the flavor of this nut milk.
As I loved the combination of pistachios and cardamom in this pistachio rose cake, I added a smidge of cardamom to this pistachio nut milk. I also added in a splash of vanilla and almond extracts as well.
You can also add in a little bit of agave, maple syrup, or honey to sweeten this nut milk. If you are trying to stick to a plant-based diet, then the latter might not be the best option.
Can you use roasted or salted pistachios in this pistachio milk recipe?
To make this, raw pistachios work best as they result in a smooth and creamy milk. Just keep in mind that if you use salted pistachios, the resulting nut milk might just be a bit too salty.
Even though the pistachios are soaked and the water they are soaked in is discarded, the resulting milk could be a bit salty. Also, roasted pistachios are drier and when soaked and blended, the resulting pistachio milk tends to not be as smooth and creamy.
Do you have to soak pistachios overnight for this recipe?
While I’ve used the quick soak method when making sauces, no-bake cashew cakes, and cashew puddings, I would not recommend not soaking pistachios for 6-12 hours.
Soaking pistachios overnight (or at least 6 hours) saturates the nut and results in a creamier, smoother texture when blended. Also, well-soaked pistachios result in less pulp left behind. Soaking also activates the enzymes, resulting in more nutritious pistachio milk – and pistachios on their own are one heck of a nutritious nut!
However, if you want to make this nut milk without soaking, you can do so by using very hot (not boiling) water when blending to help the resulting pistachio milk be as smooth as possible.
How to thicken or thin this nut milk?
With a ratio of 1 cup of pistachios to 3 cups of water, this pistachio milk recipe results in a rich, smooth, and thick nut milk.
However, if you would rather have a thicker nut milk that resembled a coffee creamer – then just use 2.5 cups of water instead of 3. If you would rather this nut milk be thinner, then just use 3.5-4 cups of water when blending instead.
Tips:
- Check your pistachios to make sure they are not rancid.
Pistachios, like all nuts, can go bad quickly especially if stored outside. I make sure to store my nuts in my refrigerator. I also taste them before soaking them. - Make sure to blend well so the pistachio nut milk is smooth.
I use a high-powered blender when making any nut milk. Nut milk can get expensive, so investing in a high-powered blender was what worked best for me. A good, high-powered blender is crucial in resulting in a smooth and creamy nut milk. - Strain the pistachio milk well after blending so it is not gritty.
There are several ways to strain the blended nut milk as demonstrated in the images below. You could use a strainer. Or, place a cheesecloth over a large glass container and stir batches of the blended pistachio nut milk through it. Or, you could use a cheesecloth and gather it up between pouring’s and squeeze the nut milk through it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 3 cups water
- 1 cup raw pistachios
- 2 pinches salt
OPTIONAL
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Add the pistachios to a container and add in the 2 cups of water. Water should cover the pistachios completely. Place a lid over the container and place it in the fridge overnight for at least 6 hours to ideally 12 hours.
- The next day, uncover the pistachios and discard the water they were soaking in.
- Add the soaked pistachios to a blender along with 3 cups of water and a couple of pinches of salt.
- Blend the pistachios, salt, and water in a high-powered blender turned on high for a minute or until the pistachios are well blended and the liquid is creamy and pale green.
- Add in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and cardamom and blend for 5 seconds.
- Turn off the blender and strain the pistachio milk. You could use a strainer. Or, place a cheesecloth over a large glass container and stir batches of the blended pistachio milk through it. Or, you could use a cheesecloth and gather it up between pouring’s and squeeze the pistachio milk through it.
- Once strainer, place pistachio milk in an airtight glass bottle and store in the refrigerator.
too cool
Such a unique and unexpected recipe! I never knew it was THIS easy to make such a tasty and healthy drink; I love it!
I had no idea pistachio milk was even a thing until I tried this recipe!! Love this alternative to other plant based milks – it was super creamy and delicious!!
I had no idea pistachio milk was even a thing until I tried this recipe!! Love this alternative to other plant based milks – it was super creamy and delicious!!
I love the flavor of pistachios but don’t think I’ve ever had them as a milk. Love how easy it is so definitely adding to my list to try.
Your recipe looks fantastic, and I am betting this would go over well with the family! A must-try for sure. Have a wonderful day, and I will come back to let you know how it turns out.
Heidy Linn
I love pistachio milk. Such a lovely flavour and it makes a nice change from almond.
I love how creamy this looks and the color is so fun. I can see using this in my smoothies in the morning now.
I’m intrigued! I’m familiar with nut milks, but I’ve never come across pistachio milk. Laura isn’t a huge fan of traditional milk, and she loves (!!) pistachios…so I’m thinking I need to make this recipe for her. It sounds like a fun one! (And it would be perfect for pouring on Lucky Charms – haha!)
I just got my new vitamix, so I am trying the pistachio milk, it looks so good!
Did you strain it after the vitamin? Vitamix is so powerful I would think straining wouldn’t be necessary. I am trying this tomorrow.
Hi Theresa,
Yes – I did strain it after the Vitamix.
Hope it turns out well for you!
Wow I have seen all sorts of nut milks but have never seen pistachio! No idea it was so easy to make!
I have tried Almond Milk, Cashew milk – but never knew Pistachio milk was a thing. I can’t wait to make it soon.
Love this
Now I don’t think Iโve ever had pistchios made into a milk before. Almonds yes, coconuts yes but not pistachios. This also looks like a super easy to make recipe so I can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks Shashi. Hope you are well!!
Hi! I made your recipe this morning and it was DELICIOUS! It did make it a bit more creamier. But is it normal to for the pistachio milk to have separation once left in the fridge?