How to Make a Vegan Pistachio Cream Cold Brew with Pistachio Creamer

Quick Answer

To make a vegan pistachio cream cold brew, brew cold brew coffee concentrate, then stir in a pistachio creamer like Elmhurst 1925's Pistachio Barista Edition or Unsweetened Oat Creamer with pistachio syrup. Serve over ice for a creamy, dairy-free iced coffee that's easy to customize at home.

Cold brew coffee is smooth, low-acid, and naturally sweet—making it the perfect base for a creamy, nutty vegan coffee drink. Instead of reaching for dairy cream or sugary syrups, you can use a clean pistachio creamer to add richness and flavor without any artificial ingredients.

In this guide, you'll learn how to make a vegan pistachio cream cold brew from scratch, including how to brew the coffee concentrate, how to choose the right creamer, and how to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking.

Why Pistachio Creamer Works in Cold Brew

Pistachio creamer brings a rich, buttery nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the smooth, chocolatey notes of cold brew coffee. Unlike dairy creamers, plant-based options like Elmhurst 1925's Pistachio Barista Edition are made with simple ingredients and no added gums or oils, so they blend cleanly without separating or leaving a chalky residue.

The key is to choose a creamer that is creamy enough to stand up to cold brew's bold flavor but not so sweet that it overpowers the coffee. Unsweetened options let you control the sweetness, while lightly sweetened versions add a subtle indulgence. Either way, you get a dairy-free cold brew that feels like a café treat.

• Look for a pistachio creamer that is barista-style for better blending and frothing, even when cold.
• If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of maple syrup or vanilla extract to the creamer before mixing.

Choosing Your Creamer: Barista vs. Unsweetened

When making a pistachio cream cold brew, you have two main options: a barista-style pistachio milk or an unsweetened oat creamer with pistachio flavor. The barista edition is crafted specifically for coffee, with a rich and buttery texture that froths well and complements any roast. It's ideal if you want a creamy, indulgent cup without added gums or oils.

If you prefer a lighter, less sweet drink, an unsweetened oat creamer like Elmhurst 1925's Unsweetened Oat Creamer provides a neutral base that lets the pistachio flavor shine. You can add a few drops of pistachio extract or a spoonful of pistachio butter to boost the nuttiness. Both options are vegan, dairy-free, and free from artificial flavors.

• For a true pistachio-forward flavor, choose a pistachio-specific creamer like Pistachio Barista Edition.
• If you're watching calories, an unsweetened oat creamer keeps the drink light while still adding creaminess.

How to Brew Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Cold brew concentrate is the backbone of this drink. To make it at home, combine coarsely ground coffee and cold water in a jar or French press, using a ratio of about 1 part coffee to 4 parts water. Stir gently, cover, and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and smoother the concentrate becomes.

After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the grounds. Store the concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks. This method yields a smooth, low-acid coffee that won't get watered down when you pour it over ice.

• Use a coarse grind to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
• Don't steep for more than 18 hours, or the coffee can become overly bitter.

Assembling the Vegan Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

To build your drink, fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in about 1/2 cup of cold brew concentrate. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pistachio creamer, depending on how creamy you like it. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust sweetness if needed. For a frothier texture, shake the creamer and coffee together in a sealed jar before pouring over ice.

If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon on top. The salt enhances the nuttiness, while cinnamon adds warmth. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade vegan pistachio cream cold brew.

• For a layered look, pour the cold brew over ice first, then slowly add the creamer.
• If you like your cold brew extra creamy, use a 1:1 ratio of coffee to creamer.

Step-by-Step: Make Your Vegan Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

1. Brew the cold brew concentrate: Combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups cold water in a large jar. Stir, cover, and refrigerate for 12–18 hours. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Checkpoint: The concentrate should taste smooth and not overly bitter. If it's too strong, dilute with a little water when serving.
2. Chill your glass and creamer: Place a glass in the freezer for 10 minutes and shake your pistachio creamer well before measuring. Checkpoint: A cold glass keeps your drink cold longer without diluting it.
3. Measure and pour: Fill the chilled glass with ice. Pour 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate over the ice, then add 1/4 to 1/2 cup pistachio creamer. Checkpoint: Start with less creamer and add more to taste—you can always add, but you can't take away.
4. Stir and taste: Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a touch of maple syrup or a pinch of sea salt if desired. Checkpoint: The drink should be creamy and nutty, not overly sweet or watery.
5. Serve and garnish: Top with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a dusting of cinnamon. Serve immediately with a straw. Checkpoint: Enjoy your homemade vegan pistachio cream cold brew—perfect for a summer afternoon or a cozy treat any time.

Products We Recommend

• Pistachio Barista Edition: Our Pistachio Barista Edition was made for coffee. Crafted with the help of baristas and only using the simplest ingredients, we’ve bottled the elegance of pistachios to complement any coffee roast. Rich and buttery, with a touch of sweetness, for a perfectly creamy and indulgent cup without added gums or oils. Froth hot or cold, steam for lattes & the... This barista-style pistachio milk is specifically designed to blend and froth well in coffee, making it an excellent choice for a creamy cold brew without the need for added thickeners.
• Unsweetened Oat Creamer: Enjoy a perfectly creamy coffee experience made with whole grain oats and no added sugar. Shelf-stable: no refrigeration needed until opened. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 7-10 days. 15 calories or less per serving of oat milk creamer. Half the fat of other oat creamers. 0g sugar per serving. No added gums or emulsifiers. Vegan, dairy-free, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, no artificial flavors. If you prefer a lighter, unsweetened base, this oat creamer adds creaminess without sugar, letting you control the sweetness while keeping the drink dairy-free and clean.

Making a vegan pistachio cream cold brew at home is simple and rewarding. With a smooth cold brew concentrate and a clean pistachio creamer, you can create a dairy-free coffee drink that's creamy, nutty, and perfectly customizable. Experiment with the ratios and toppings to find your ideal cup.