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Ingredients
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Espresso & Coffee Base
Pistachio Cloud (foam & syrup)
Garnish
Method
Espresso & Coffee Base
- 1
Pull two shots of espresso (about 60 ml total). If you prefer a slightly milder base for a 12 oz drink, pull a double ristretto or one double espresso. Reserve the espresso in a pre-warmed 12 oz cup.
- 2
If making an Americano-style base, add 30 ml hot water to the espresso to open the flavors. Stir gently and set aside while you prepare the pistachio cloud.
Pistachio Cloud (foam & syrup)
- 3
Combine pistachio flavor
In a small heatproof pitcher, combine pistachio paste, simple syrup, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt. Stir while warm to help the paste loosen and incorporate evenly.
- 4
Heat milk and cream
Add the whole milk and heavy cream to the pitcher with the pistachio mixture. Gently heat on a steam wand or on the stovetop to 60–65°C (140–149°F). Do not boil; you want the milk warm enough to dissolve ingredients and create stable foam.
- 5
Aerate to create cloud foam
Using a steam wand: submerge the tip just below the surface and introduce air for 4–6 seconds to create microfoam, then position the wand deeper to heat and swirl until smooth and velvety. Using an immersion frother or milk frother: froth until you get a thick, pillowy foam with glossy texture. If using manual methods, froth in short bursts and whirl the pitcher to integrate milk and foam so the foam sits thickly on top.
- 6
Adjust sweetness & texture
Taste a small amount of the warmed milk. If you want it sweeter, add up to 0.5 tbs more simple syrup and stir until dissolved. If the pistachio flavor needs boosting, stir in another 0.5 tbs pistachio paste, then re-froth briefly to reincorporate.
Assembly & Garnish
- 7
Pour the warmed espresso (or espresso + hot water) into the pre-warmed 12 oz cup if not already there.
- 8
Gently spoon the pistachio cloud foam on top of the espresso, aiming for a thick layer (about 1–1.5 inches) so the drink has a 'cloud' appearance. Use a spoon to hold back the denser milk and let the airy foam sit on top.
- 9
Sprinkle the finely chopped toasted pistachios over the foam, then dust very lightly with pistachio dust or matcha if using. Serve immediately.
- 10
Optional: present with a small stir stick so the drinker can fold the cloud into the espresso for a marbled look and stronger pistachio flavor.