Description
Creamy and refreshing Pistachio Cream Cold Brew! Homemade cold brew topped with a luscious pistachio cream, this coffee drink is a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup pistachio paste (unsweetened, if possible)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the pistachio flavor)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 4 cups coarsely ground coffee beans (medium to dark roast recommended)
- 16 cups cold, filtered water
- Ice cubes
- Pistachio nuts, chopped (for garnish)
- Pistachio syrup (optional, for extra sweetness and flavor)
Instructions
- Combine Coffee and Water: In a large container (a pitcher, a large jar, or even a clean bucket will work), combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and the cold, filtered water. Make sure all the coffee grounds are fully submerged. Gently stir the mixture with a long spoon or spatula to ensure even saturation.
- Steep the Mixture: Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the cold brew will be. Aim for 18-20 hours for a good balance of strength and flavor. Don’t steep at room temperature, as this can result in a bitter taste. The cold temperature helps to extract the coffee’s flavor slowly and gently.
- Strain the Coffee: After steeping, separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Use a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a clean container (like a large bowl or pitcher). Line the strainer with several layers of cheesecloth. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the cheesecloth, allowing the liquid to filter through. Be patient. Avoid squeezing the cheesecloth, as this can release bitter compounds from the coffee grounds.
- Alternative Straining Methods: If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can use a nut milk bag or a French press. For a nut milk bag, simply pour the coffee mixture into the bag and let it drain into a clean container. For a French press, gently press the plunger down after steeping to separate the grounds from the liquid. Then, carefully pour the cold brew into a clean container, leaving the grounds behind.
- Store the Cold Brew Concentrate: Once strained, you’ll have a concentrated cold brew. This concentrate is quite strong and needs to be diluted before serving. Store the cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.
- Chill the Equipment: Before you start, make sure your mixing bowl and whisk (or the bowl and whisk attachment of your stand mixer) are thoroughly chilled. Place them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before you begin.
- Combine Ingredients: In the chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, pistachio paste, powdered sugar, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of sea salt.
- Whip the Cream: Using a whisk or an electric mixer (start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high), whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape and forms stiff peaks when you lift the whisk or mixer attachment.
- Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the pistachio cream and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter cream, add a little more powdered sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Keep Cold: Once the pistachio cream is whipped, keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble your cold brew. This will help it maintain its texture and prevent it from melting.
- Prepare the Cold Brew: In a glass or mug, add ice cubes to fill about half the glass.
- Dilute the Cold Brew Concentrate: Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice, filling the glass about two-thirds full. Dilute the concentrate with water or milk (dairy or non-dairy) to your desired strength. Use a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water or milk, but you can adjust this to your preference.
- Add Pistachio Syrup (Optional): If you want to add extra pistachio flavor and sweetness, drizzle a tablespoon or two of pistachio syrup into the cold brew.
- Top with Pistachio Cream: Gently spoon or pipe the pistachio cream over the cold brew. Be generous with the cream!
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pistachio nuts over the pistachio cream for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Pistachio Cream Cold Brew immediately!
Notes
- Pistachio Paste: The quality of your pistachio paste will greatly affect the flavor of the pistachio cream. Look for a high-quality, unsweetened pistachio paste for the best results. If you can’t find unsweetened paste, you may need to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream.
- Almond Extract: While optional, almond extract really enhances the pistachio flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t add too much.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the pistachio cream and the amount of pistachio syrup in the cold brew to your liking.
- Non-Dairy Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or another non-dairy heavy cream alternative for the pistachio cream. You can also use your favorite non-dairy milk to dilute the cold brew concentrate.
- Spiced Pistachio Cream: For a warm and cozy twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the pistachio cream.
- Chocolate Pistachio Cold Brew: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the cold brew for a decadent chocolate pistachio treat.
- Make it a Frappe: Blend the cold brew, ice, and pistachio cream together for a frozen frappe version.
- Infused Cold Brew: Experiment with infusing your cold brew with other flavors. Add a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or orange peel to the coffee grounds while steeping for a unique flavor profile.
- Coffee Bean Selection: The type of coffee beans you use will also affect the flavor of your cold brew. I recommend using a medium to dark roast coffee bean for a rich and bold flavor. Experiment with different roasts to find your favorite.
- Grind Size: It’s important to use a coarse grind for cold brew. A finer grind will result in a bitter and muddy-tasting coffee.
- Storage: The cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The pistachio cream is best used immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Pistachio Cream Cold Brew with a biscotti or a pistachio muffin for a complete and satisfying treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes