Pull two shots (about 2 oz) of freshly brewed espresso. If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 2 oz of very strong coffee. Pour into a 12-oz prewarmed cup and set aside.

Add 2 tablespoons pistachio syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the hot espresso and stir until fully combined. Keep warm.

Milk & Foam

Combine 10 oz whole milk, 1 oz heavy cream and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar in a small pitcher. Heat to 140–150°F (60–65°C). If you don't have a thermometer, heat until very hot but not boiling—small bubbles around the edge.

Foam the milk using a steam wand until you get a velvety microfoam. If you don't have a wand, froth with a handheld frother or vigorously whisk after heating. Aim for a creamy texture with some small, stable bubbles—enough to fill the cup when poured over espresso but leave room for the cloud topping.

Pistachio Cloud Topping

In a clean bowl, combine 1 tablespoon pistachio paste, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 0.25 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir to loosen the paste.

Add 1 pasteurized egg white (or 1 tablespoon aquafaba) to the pistachio mixture. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high speed until glossy stiff peaks form, about 2–4 minutes. The mixture should be airy and hold its shape—this creates the 'cloud.' If the mixture is too stiff, add up to 1 teaspoon cold water to loosen slightly.

Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more powdered sugar if desired. The topping should be pistachio-forward, sweet, and airy.

Assembly & Garnish

Pour the steamed milk into the espresso and pistachio syrup mixture, holding back most of the foam with a spoon. Leave about 1–1.5 inches of liquid space at the top for the cloud.

Spoon a generous dollop of the pistachio cloud topping onto the surface of the latte. It should float on top like a cloud.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted chopped pistachios over the cloud. Optionally dust with a pinch (about 0.25 tsp) of cocoa powder or matcha for contrast.

Serve immediately with a small spoon so the drinker can scoop cloud topping into the latte as they drink.