If you're a regular at Starbucks, you know there's always something new to look forward to. From eagerly awaited merchandise releases — yes, the Starbucks X Stanley Pink Cup has caught our eye, too — to seasonal beverage favorites, this siren calls to us throughout the year and has the ability to make many of our trips unique with these seasonal offerings. This remains true, even in the depths of winter when the snow leaves a thick blanket across the landscape, and others simply see less vibrant blooms. Amidst this wintry backdrop, Starbucks offers a twist with its winter menu: the pistachio line of drinks.

These nutty additions blend seamlessly with the iconic seasonal offerings, from the Pumpkin Spice Lattes of autumn to the Gingerbread Lattes of the holiday season. Eager to discover the standout in this pistachio series, we embarked on a taste-testing journey. We delved into each drink, evaluating the flavors to crown our top pick among these options. Prices may vary based on location.

Starbucks has welcomed back its well-received pistachio drinks, with a noteworthy addition this year: the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. This new offering joins the already popular Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Frappuccino. The highlight of these beverages is the pistachio-flavored sauce, crafted from a mixture of sugar, condensed non-fat milk, pistachio butter, cocoa butter, salt, natural flavorings, and preservatives. Each drink is finished with a salted brown butter cookie-flavored topping, adding a unique touch.

Distinct from many of Starbucks' usual syrups, the pistachio drinks utilize a thicker, dairy-based sauce like mocha, white mocha, and pumpkin spice, offering a richer flavor profile. This impacts the texture and consistency of the beverages and influences how they are prepared.

The Pistachio Latte has been a part of the seasonal rotation since winter 2021, available in hot, iced, or Frappuccino form. The introduction of the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew in 2023 expands the pistachio range, offering a fresh and exciting option for customers, especially those who love cold coffees.

Like the rest of Starbucks' offerings each season, the pistachio drinks are expected to be available for the duration of the winter menu before the lineup rotates to the following season. However, availability may vary by location. If a particular store experiences less demand for these pistachio drinks, you might find them available even after they've been phased out from the official menu. So, for those who fall in love with these flavors, it's worth asking if the sauce is still in stock at your local Starbucks even after it disappears from the menu. You might just be in luck.

In terms of pricing, although prices can vary by location, the Pistachio Latte comes in short, grande, and venti sizes, with prices ranging from $5.85 for a short to $6.95 for a venti. The price jump is most significant between the tall and grande sizes, primarily because the short and tall lattes contain one shot of espresso, while the grande and venti sizes include two shots. The smaller differences in price between the grande and venti, and between the short and tall, are attributed to extra syrup and milk.

The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew is available in tall, grande, venti, and trenta sizes, with prices starting at $4.95 for a tall and going up to $5.95 for a venti. The Pistachio Frappuccino comes in tall, grande, and venti sizes, priced at $6.25 for a tall, $6.75 for a grande, and $7.25 for a venti.

We had high expectations for the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, considering that we normally really enjoy cold coffees, and Starbucks' cold foams are some of our favorite additions to drinks. However, our experience was somewhat underwhelming. The drink we tried ended up tasting slightly watered down, even trying it right after the barista placed it right at the end of the bar. This drink combines vanilla syrup with Starbucks cold brew and is topped with pistachio cream cold foam, made using the thick pistachio sauce, and finished with a salted brown buttery topping.

We believe that an extra helping of cold foam might have enhanced the drink. Moreover, the contribution of the vanilla syrup to the overall flavor profile seemed minimal. To inject more vibrancy into the drink, a different syrup that better complements the pistachio cream might be more effective. A dash of brown sugar syrup could be a suitable choice, potentially harmonizing well with the brown butter crunchy topping, thereby elevating the overall experience.

The Pistachio Latte at Starbucks is available in both the hot and iced versions. Although our usual preference leans towards iced coffee, we were curious about how the pistachio sauce would fare in a hot beverage and chose the hot latte for this taste test. We found the hot version more appealing than the cold brew, but it, too, didn't quite stack up to what we were hoping for. The pistachio sauce, milder than we anticipated, offers only a subtle pistachio flavor.

One aspect that surprised us was the use of Starbucks' signature espresso roast in the pistachio latte, rather than the blonde espresso roast. Given the mild nature of the pistachio sauce, we had expected the blonde roast's lighter, more nuanced profile to be the default choice. We believe that the blonde espresso would potentially provide a better balance and complement the delicate pistachio flavor more effectively.

Among the three pistachio offerings currently at Starbucks, the Frappuccino stands out as our top pick. The creaminess of the pistachio sauce blends seamlessly with the Frappuccino's texture, creating an enjoyable taste experience when mixed together. While we opted for the coffee-based version of the Pistachio Frappuccino, it's worth noting that there's also a cream-based alternative for those seeking a caffeine-free option. However, we feel that the lightness of the pistachio sauce might not fare as well in a cream-based Frappuccino. It seems to require the robustness of coffee to balance and enhance its flavor rather than relying solely on the sauce in a cream-based variant.

The crunchy brown butter topping was a highlight for us. It added a delightful textural contrast and nicely complemented the pistachio sauce, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the drink, even if it was on the other drinks as well. We imagine this was our favorite because everything felt cohesive and mixed well, which we enjoyed.

Deciding whether to try Starbucks' pistachio drinks this winter season boils down to your taste preferences, especially if you're a fan of milder coffee flavors. While pistachios are a fantastic snack and their color is visually appealing, translating this into a coffee drink doesn't quite hit the same high note for us. The drinks, including the latte and Frappuccino, offer a subtle hint of pistachio, a far cry from the boldness we expect from a nutty flavor and enjoy in options like hazelnut.

This mildness could appeal to those who enjoy lightly flavored coffee because these pistachio drinks bring a delicate blend rather than an intense flavor burst. But for those who love rich and robust coffee, these seasonal offerings might fall short of expectations. They're an interesting experiment in flavor but may not satisfy everyone's palate, especially if you're after a stronger coffee experience.

Can't you just smell it? The maker of mornings, the awakener of senses — coffee is the ever-reliable caffeinated cure that keeps us moving through the day. You can trace it back to Ethiopia, where, according to the National Coffee Association, a goat herder named Kaldi is said to have discovered coffee after observing his goats' strange reaction to caffeine. After consuming berries from a curious tree, they'd stay active late into the night. Kaldi took the berries to a monk from a local monastery who decided to brew a drink using them. Like the goats, the monk noticed enhanced alertness during his nightly prayers too.

Since those early days, coffee has evolved greatly, even developing into science. Coffee fans represent a wide range of tastes, styles, and preferences, yet all share one thing in common: a love for a quality cup of joe. A good cup of coffee can mean the difference between an awesome morning and a so-so one. Depending on the brew style, getting the specifics down can get tricky. That's why we compiled a list of coffee hacks to help you brew a better cup. Whether a straightforward Americana or a fanciful French press, here are some tips to wake you up.

It goes without saying that quality coffee beans equals quality coffee. Understandably, budgets and busy schedules can lead one to compromise on quality, but just know that the coffee of your dreams is always within reach, and you don't have to break the bank to enjoy it. There are signs that indicate a great coffee. One indicator to look for is oiliness, which means the bean has been over-roasted. The beans should be crack and blemish-free. Check the package for how the beans are sourced — reputable coffee brands typically have special certifications.

Don't you just love humankind's penchant for experimenting with flavors? Shout out to whoever discovered the magic that mixing sugar and spices into coffee conjures. For example, one simple trick to add flavor is to sprinkle some cinnamon into your coffee grounds. It'll add a touch of sweet woodsiness to your brew, intensifying the flavor. Similarly, aromatic spices like nutmeg and anise offer interesting notes too. Try adding sugar for additional sweetness. For the truly experimental, test out oil extracts, ginger, and even lemon zest. It takes some trial and error to find the right flavor for you — but for a better cup, it's totally worth it.

In a perfect world, every morning would begin with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Sadly, since robot assistants aren't a thing yet, coffee doesn't brew itself. A collapsing coffee filter can be annoying to deal with when you're navigating a hazy morning. Even this seemingly minor step towards a jolting sip of joe is important, and fortunately, there's a trick for preventing coffee filters from collapsing. You simply fold and load filters along the ridge lines on the bottom and side. The textured lines are made to fit perfectly into the coffee maker without falling over.

It's the little things we overlook that make a difference in how something tastes. That's certainly true of coffee, which can go from delicious to disastrous simply by using the filter incorrectly. One unlikely extra step for better-tasting home-brewed coffee is to rinse your filter with hot water before using it. You might think, "Doesn't brewing essentially rinse the filter with hot water too?" The reason for rinsing is to ensure optimal coffee extraction. A pre-soak will help filter water through cleanly and also removes the filter's papery taste.

From the beans you choose to the water you use, each ingredient can alter the experience. As delicious as coffee is, it's really only as tasty as the water used to brew it. Murky tap water results in cloudy coffee, which is why baristas recommend using distilled water. That's also why coffee tastes better at a cafe than it does at home. Minerals can also be added to distilled water that gives your coffee a unique flavor, along with providing added health benefits. For example, quality coffee-brewing water contains magnesium and calcium. Magnesium helps extract "eugenol," which produces brighter notes, and calcium helps highlight darker nuances. 

Depending on the method of brewing, your water needs to reach a certain temperature for best results. While a traditional drip machine takes cold water, if you prefer a French press-style brew, the ideal temperature is 195 degrees Fahrenheit. If you've been using boiling water, that's definitely one coffee mistake you're making at home. Caffeine lovers may literally keep a thermometer on hand just for situations like these. According to Homegrounds, 195 degrees Fahrenheit is also ideal for making espresso, but to brew a perfect cappuccino, you'll need your water between 195 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

When maximum and flavor are used to describe something, you know you're in for a real treat. An easy-to-overlook hack that will ensure a more satisfying experience when brewing coffee at home is to avoid using pre-ground beans. Think of the coffee bean as a safe haven for everything you love — it's the great protector of flavor. After it's ground, the taste begins to gradually dissipate. On top of that, pre-ground beans are packaged, shipped, and stocked on a shelf before they get to you. That's why for a better cup, we recommend grinding your own beans.

From the look of the bean to the water temperature used to brew it, and the type of water itself, there's a lot that goes into making a better cup of coffee. For example, choosing the right coffee grinder can prevent unnecessary mistakes. Quality blades are key — they're better at evenly grinding the beans, which brings out a fresher taste. Multi-bladed grinders are superior and will offer more refined results. Another benefit to small coffee grounds is reduced acidity, commonly produced from uneven pieces. Take it from us: A well-made coffee grinder is worth the investment.

When it comes to coffee, the grind never stops. Cheesy tagline aside, once you have a trustworthy coffee grinder, it's important to know when to put it to work. For a better-tasting cup of joe, it's recommended that you only grind right before you're about to brew. Beans begin to lose their appeal immediately once they're ground because oxidation exposes them to air, allowing oils and aromatics (i.e. the good stuff) to escape. You'll definitely notice baristas take this same exact approach on your next cafe run, and when it comes to beans, baristas know best.

At its best, the sweet science of coffee making requires careful consideration at every step in the process. The wrong water temperature will affect taste just as easily as the quality of the beans you use. Adding to coffee's long list of essential hacks is knowing the ideal ratio of coffee beans to water. While seasoned sippers can probably wing the brewing process without issue, any experience or lack thereof shouldn't keep you from considering this simple hack: Measure your coffee beans. Simply put, doing so will result in better taste and reduce unnecessary waste.

Timing is of the utmost importance when it comes to coffee. The slightest over or under-measurement can alter desired outcomes. After you've figured out how to pinpoint a quality bean, another indicator to look for is the roast date. The roast date is when the beans were roasted. If you don't see the roast date on the package, it's a clear sign to run for the hills. We recommend that you purchase beans only three months removed from the roast date. It's a brewing tip sure to give you a stronger cup of coffee.

Another part of the coffee-making process to keep in mind is your coffee-to-water ratio. Too little coffee equals a watery morning whereas too much can make for a bitter breakfast. According to NBC News, for traditional coffee makers, 20 grams per 10 ounces of water is the delicious coffee equation you've been looking for. Considering, 20 grams is roughly four teaspoons and 10 ounces is a standard-sized coffee mug. Preference and a little patience definitely play a part here, so that's why we suggest testing out various ratios to see which ones excite your palate. 

Although bitterness can add to coffee's complex flavor profile, too much will sour the experience. Thankfully, bitterness can be controlled and balanced to a level of your liking. When you're getting your grind on, according to WikiHow, it's important to be mindful of how fine the grounds become. Bitterness is directly related to grind size, and the size will vary depending on what type of coffee you brew. Coarse ground is best for French presses while medium fine works best for drip coffee. Run a quick Google for the size best suited to your brew method.

How you store coffee can lead you astray, or to the promised land. There's nothing worse than waking to groggily retrieve your coffee beans, only to find they've grown stale. To avoid that frightening experience, the absolute best ways to keep coffee beans fresh are to store them at room temperature in an airtight container, in their original packaging, or in the freezer. Exposure to the elements spells certain death for coffee beans. And of course, the original package is great because that's what it was made for. You can also freeze some for future enjoyment.

You know, sometimes you just have to have coffee by any means necessary. This next hack is definitely proof of that because whoever invented using a popcorn maker to roast beans must've faced dire circumstances. But the design of popcorn poppers is actually perfect for roasting coffee beans. Its shape allows you to move the beans around, which lets them roast more evenly. While we won't go so far as to suggest replacing your coffee maker, we definitely recommend giving this fun hack a try. Sometimes the most unexpected things yield the most exciting surprises.

If there's anything to keep in mind when making coffee, it's that quality brewing requires proper measurement and even distribution. Different from the drip variety, the method for making espresso comes with its own set of rules. One particular rule of thumb has to do with tamping. Tamping is the act of pushing down the coffee ground until it's dense and compact. Inconsistent tamping is an espresso mistake you should never make at home that can cause spikes in bitterness and sourness. You should apply between 20 and 30 pounds of pressure to the tamp. The grounds should only reach as high as the basket's rim.

A punch of espresso will kick your day into high gear, but en route to coffee heaven, there are some roadblocks to steer clear of. Resting comfortably atop your beverage of deliciousness is a layer of brown foam called "crema." Crema is a mixture of fats and oils that coffee naturally produces, along with microbubbles of carbon dioxide (CO2). According to MokaFlor, crema was originally coined in 1938. Over the years "caffè creme" became as synonymous with espresso as overwhelming bursts of energy. The downside is increased bitterness, which is why many suggest scooping the crema out for a better cup of espresso.

Cleanliness is next to coffee-ness, er ... something like that. This next hack probably goes without sharing, but a great way to upgrade your morning coffee is to simply make sure to clean your coffee maker. Allowing your caffeine machine to go long periods without cleaning can produce bitter and funky coffee. In fact, if your coffee has a rank taste, that's probably a sign it's due for a cleaning. Coffee oils and mineral sediment also accumulate over time and disrupt the brewing process. And of course, we can't forget those pesky little beings called germs.

Keurig revolutionized the coffee game with its streamlined approach to brewing. A small cup gives you a big cup. There is a caveat though — you absolutely must be mindful of the amount of water you use. Keurig cups are the equivalent of one to two tablespoons of ground, which only requires six ounces of water. If you use too much, then your taste buds will be swimming in watery disappointment. That's why we suggest lowering the brew size of your Keurig to get more flavor out of the coffee pods. You can also double pod it up for stronger results.

Convenience comes with its downside — what you make up for in time, you may lose out on quality. The same can be said for Keurig machines, which certainly get the job done, albeit with some short changes in taste. One extra step you need to take before brewing your Keurig is to heat up your water. It may seem counterintuitive, but warming your water before pouring it into the sink can help produce tastier coffee. There are two reasons why: The first is that dark roast beans require hotter water for extraction, and the other is that coffee loses its flavor as it cools. It helps bring more flavor out of the Keurig, giving you an overall better cup.

The Keurig cult followers are probably familiar with this next hack, but did you know that you can avoid watery coffee by removing the cup? As the Keurig gets closer to finishing its brew cycle, it releases leftover coffee liquid that's watery and bitter-tasting. That's why the working theory is to remove the Keurig cup before it releases those last bitter bits into your chalice of caffeine. If you keep a close watch, you'll be able to better time when the actual coffee stops and the watery remnants creep out to ruin your day. 

Coffee pairs great with every season. A steaming cup of joe might be the most popular way to consume it, but when the temperature rises and the sun decides to stay out longer — a hot brew is the last thing you want. Good thing it's pretty easy to make homemade cold brew, albeit with a little patience. It takes longer for the flavors to surface in cold brew because it's steeped at room temperature, according to the Joe's, 18 hours to be exact. That should be enough time to properly extract deliciousness.

Cold brew lovers will love this next nifty hack. A French press is a perfectly suitable substitute for a cold brew maker, the main differences are water temperature and the time it takes to brew. There's also an additional step to take that will ensure the beverage you desire. After filling your French press, and before actually pressing it, store it inside the fridge away from light. After 18 hours or more, press the plunger tool down. We recommend using two filters, which will help prevent coarse grounds from falling in.

Real-deal coffee connoisseurs will no doubt enjoy this next hack. If you're guilty of brewing more coffee than you drink, raise your hand. There are only so many times you can reheat the same pot before the coffee tastes of burnt beans. One useful solution to avoid wasting leftover brew is to make coffee ice cubes. It's a quick and easy brewing trick for iced coffee and you're probably smacking yourself in the forehead for not trying sooner. You literally just pour the caffeinated remnants into an ice cube tray, let it freeze overnight, and just like that, "Hello world!"

Ever heard the phrase, "Consistency is key?" Well, it applies to coffee too. Inconsistent coffee grounds can be an acidic and bitter pill to swallow. When the grounds are fine particles, you'll extract bitterness, and when it's coarse, you'll get higher levels of acidity. Luckily, there's a "cool" hack for achieving a more consistent grind: freezing your coffee beans. According to a study from Scientific Reports, when a bean is chilled it grinds down into more uniformly-sized particles, which produces fuller flavor. You just gotta make sure that you store them in an airtight container.

The thing about making a big pot of coffee is that you end up having to reheat it every time you need a refill, which progressively reduces its freshly brewed taste. Well, just like every aspect of the brewing process, there's even a nifty hack for reheating coffee. While many of us might settle for the boost of energy a bland cup of microwaved coffee will provide, you can avoid that entirely by using the stovetop. Reheating it on low will help retain its "first sip" flavor. It's really that simple, all you need is a bit of extra patience.

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Keurig is one of the most recognizable brands in the world of coffee, rivaling companies like Nespresso when it comes to selling single-serve coffee makers. If you've got a trusted Keurig machine at home that helps you power through sleepy mornings, you're expecting the machine to have a long lifespan. But much of that lifespan depends on regular maintenance. Keurig recommends a consistent cleaning schedule for its coffee makers, which requires daily, weekly, and quarterly maintenance. Not only will this prolong the life of your coffee machine, it will also ensure the best flavor of your cup of joe.

Having a cleaning schedule for a coffee machine can seem like a lot of extra work, but the regular maintenance won't take more than a few minutes. The effort pays off in the long run, as buying a new machine arguably costs more time and money. Before you start cleaning your coffee maker, please unplug it from electricity and wait for it to cool down if you had just been brewing coffee. Safety first!

The daily maintenance starts by removing used coffee pods after each use. You should definitely wait for them to cool down first, but it's great to make a habit of tossing them asap. The closed, warm, and wet environment inside the pod holder can harbor bacteria, so keeping it clean makes for a safe and tasty coffee experience. You'll also want to do a quick wipe of your machine, especially if there are other people sharing it with you. The drip tray and water reservoir should be rinsed daily, too, as should the carafe and the coffee grounds basket if you own a Keurig with the drip-coffee setup.

When using flavored pods, you should be rinsing any single-serve Keurig after each brew; otherwise, once weekly is enough. One way to rinse is by running a so-called "cleansing brew," which is really just a regular brew without the pod. Keurig especially recommends doing a cleansing brew after using pods that contain cocoa or milk for hygiene reasons. Another way to rinse the coffee maker is by using special rinse pods, which are stronger than the regular cleansing brew.

There are several mistakes you could make as a Keurig owner — never cleaning the pod holder is one of them. You should be cleaning that part of your coffee machine on a weekly basis. First, you'll want to take the pod holder out of the machine and disassemble it by pulling it apart so that you get two separate parts: The top part that holds the pod and the funnel on the bottom. Wash both of the two parts by hand with water and dish soap.

Your Keurig machine has two needles, the role of which is to pierce the K-cup coffee pods and ensure a smooth brew. Both of the needless need to be cleaned weekly because coffee grounds can get stuck inside them. The first needle is attached to the pod holder and becomes visible once you remove the funnel off the bottom. The second needle is attached to the head of the coffee machine. If you're having trouble locating them, you can always refer to Keurig's video instructions. Use a paper clip or another thin wire to clean the needles — keep in mind they are sharp, so use caution.

Every three months, the parts of your machine that are constantly in contact with water will need some extra TLC. You'll notice that the water tank on your Keurig starts to build up scale over time, and while that process is not dangerous, it can lower the quality of your brews and compromise the machine. To keep your Keurig in top condition, quarterly descaling is a must. The most effective way to descale your coffee maker is by using citric acid, but white vinegar is another common option. Alternatively, you can purchase Keurig's descaling solutions that are designed to be used with the Descale Mode on your coffee maker.

Finally, if your coffee maker has a water filter, you'll want to change it every few months. With time and regular use, the filter will become less effective, and regular replacement is important for clean and fresh water — a key component of any good coffee.

If you're feeling slightly overwhelmed by the full cleaning schedule, consider purchasing a quarterly maintenance kit to easily stay on top of things. The kit comes with a descaling solution, two water filters, and four rinsing pods — equipping you with everything you'll need for routine cleaning.