What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee? Benefits, Taste & How to Make

Nitro cold brew is not just another coffee drink; it is a phenomenon that has taken the coffee world by storm. You might have noticed it popping up on the menus of major coffee chains and even in grocery stores. What makes it so special? The appeal lies in its unique texture and flavor profile, setting it apart from your regular cup of joe.

So, what is nitro cold brew coffee? Simply put, it is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. This infusion process gives the coffee a creamy, velvety texture and a foamy head, much like a dark stout beer. It is a refreshing twist on traditional coffee that has captured the attention of coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

In this blog post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about nitro cold brew coffee. We’ll explore its many benefits, how it stands apart from other coffee beverages, and, most importantly, how you can easily make this delightful drink in your home. Get ready to elevate your coffee experience!

What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?

Nitro cold brew coffee is essentially cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, giving the coffee a unique texture and appearance. Nitro cold brew is a cold-brewed coffee infused with nitrogen and served from a tap. The infusion of nitrogen gas creates microbubbles, resulting in a cascading, frothy texture and a creamy head of foam. The result is a coffee with enhanced flavor and aroma, a less acidic taste with a hint of sweetness, and a rich, creamy texture.

The brewing process for nitro cold brew begins like regular cold brew but has an additional step: nitrogen infusion. To make regular cold brew, coffee grounds are steeped in chilled water for 12-24 hours to extract the flavor. Nitro cold brew then infuses nitrogen gas into the coffee. It creates microbubbles, enhancing the drink’s texture and providing stability, allowing it to be stored in kegs and served on tap. Understanding this unique brewing process can make you feel more informed about your coffee choices.

Nitro cold brew coffee’s inspiration comes from the beer industry, specifically nitrogen-infused stouts and ales like Guinness. Guinness beer utilizes nitrogen rather than carbon dioxide, giving it a creamy taste and stable foam. Similarly, nitro cold brew coffee aims to replicate this creamy texture in coffee.

While the exact origins of nitro cold brew coffee are disputed, several individuals are credited with its creation. Stumptown in Portland, Oregon, led by Nate Armbrust, a food scientist, is often cited as one of the pioneers. Armbrust experimented with nitrogen infusion to make cold brew fizzy. Other sources point to Mike McKim, owner of Cuvee Coffee Roasting, who experimented with nitrogen-infused cold brew in 2012 and later sold it in cans as Black and Blue. Lorenzo Perkins in Austin, Texas, also claims to be the first to serve it publicly.

Nitro Cold Brew Vs Other Coffee Drinks: Key Differences

When considering nitro cold brew coffee, it is helpful to understand how it differs from other popular coffee drinks, such as regular cold brew and iced coffee. The primary distinctions lie in texture, flavor, brewing methods, and caffeine content.

Here is a breakdown of the key differences:

• Texture: Nitrogen gas infusing nitro cold brew gives it a creamy, velvety texture, often compared to a stout beer or milkshake. This is due to the nitrogen gas creating tiny bubbles in the coffee, resulting in a foamy head and a smooth mouthfeel. In contrast, regular cold brew is smooth but lacks the same creamy mouthfeel. The texture of regular cold brew is much thinner and best compared to a standard serving of traditional drip coffee.
• Flavor Nitro cold brew offers a unique flavor profile, with hints of sweetness and lower acidity. The nitrogen infusion enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars or milk products. Regular cold brew, made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, has a slightly sweeter taste due to its long steeping process. Nitro cold brew further decreases acidity and provides a less harsh drinking experience.
• Presentation Nitro cold brew stands out with its visually appealing cascading effect and foamy head, similar to a dark beer. This presentation enhances the drinking experience, making it a popular choice in coffee shops. Regular cold brew, while still refreshing, does not have the same visual appeal.
• Brewing Method: Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it with ice. This method can sometimes lead to a watered-down taste as the ice melts. On the other hand, Nitro cold brew starts with a cold brewing process, steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. This results in a coffee concentrate that is then infused with nitrogen gas.
• Caffeine Content: Iced coffee typically has less caffeine than nitro cold brew due to its faster brewing process. The cold brewing process for nitro cold brew allows more caffeine to be extracted from the coffee grounds. A standard 16-ounce cup of nitro cold brew contains approximately 280 mg of caffeine, while iced coffee has less.
• Acidit.The hot brewing of iced coffee can produce a more acidic beverage than nitro cold brew. Because nitro cold brew is brewed at lower temperatures, many acids never enter the beverage, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste.

By understanding these key differences, you can better appreciate the unique qualities of Nitro Cold Brew coffee. This understanding can help you make an informed choice based on your preferences, making you feel more appreciative and discerning about your coffee selection.

Exploring the Unique Taste and Texture of Nitro Cold Brew 

The sensory experience of drinking nitro cold brew coffee is unique, involving a delightful interplay of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. The infusion of nitrogen gas creates microbubbles, giving the coffee a smooth and creamy texture that sets it apart from regular cold brews. The nitrogen gas also contributes to a foamy texture and silky mouthfeel, enhancing the overall flavor experience. The aroma of nitro-brewed coffee is more pronounced, further enriching the flavor profile. The tiny nitrogen bubbles injected into the beverage offer a pleasant sweetness by cutting the coffee’s natural acidity while maintaining those well-loved coffee aromas. It is a taste and texture experience that intrigues and excites any coffee lover.

Nitrogen infusion significantly affects nitro cold brew coffee’s perceived sweetness and mouthfeel. The nitrogen creates a perception of sweetness without adding sugar, making it a lower-calorie option. Many people find nitro coffee a good alternative to regular coffee because it renders extra sugar unnecessary. The creamy mouthfeel can eliminate the need for milk or cream for some drinkers. The nitrogen gas adds a natural sweetness to the flavor of the coffee and a creamy mouthfeel, and a part of the appeal of nitro coffee is that you may not need to add sugar or dairy.

The visual appeal of nitro cold brew is also a key part of the experience. As it is poured from a tap, it produces a coffee cascade of careening, beautiful bubbles. The drink has a cascading effect and foamy head, enhancing its visual appeal. The nitrogen bubbles create a creamy, tan-colored head on top. Like well-known draft beers, as the coffee cascades down the cup, the nitrogen settles in and pushes the foamy head to the top.

Health Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Nitro Cold Brew 

Nitro cold brew coffee offers potential health benefits alongside possible side effects, primarily linked to its caffeine content.

One noted advantage of nitro cold-brew coffee is its lower acidity, which can be gentler on sensitive stomachs. The cold brewing process extracts fewer acids compared to hot brewing methods. This reduced acidity can make nitro cold-brew a more comfortable choice for individuals prone to heartburn or acid reflux.

Nitro cold brew contains antioxidants, beneficial compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of various diseases, including certain types of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, the inherent characteristics of nitro cold brew, such as its natural sweetness and creamy texture, may reduce the need for added sugars and creams. This can lead to a lower-calorie coffee option, which benefits those monitoring their sugar and calorie intake.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the potential side effects of nitro cold brew, mainly due to its high caffeine content. A 16-ounce cup of nitro cold brew can contain approximately 280 mg of caffeine, sometimes even more. High caffeine intake can lead to side effects such as:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate

Individuals sensitive to caffeine should be particularly cautious with nitro cold brew. You should ease your way in by sipping smaller portions when first trying it. Due to the nitrogen infusion, some individuals might experience digestive issues like bloating. While nitrogen gas is generally safe, it can affect some people’s digestive systems.

Moderation is key to mitigating potential side effects. Knowing your caffeine tolerance and limiting your intake accordingly is essential.

How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home

To create nitro cold brew coffee at home, here’s a step-by-step guide based on the provided sources:

I. Equipment and Ingredients

To begin, assemble the necessary equipment and ingredients:

• Coffee Beans: Coarsely ground coffee beans are essential, with medium or dark roasts often recommended for a fuller, chocolatey, and earthy flavor. The beans should be freshly ground to a coarse consistency.
• Water: Filtered water is best for extracting the optimal flavor from the coffee.
• Steeping Container: A large container or French press is used to steep the coffee grounds.
• Straining Tools: After steeping, the coffee grounds must be filtered out using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter.
• Nitrogen Infusion Device: For infusing cold brew with nitrogen, choose between a cream whipper, a NitroPress, a mini-keg system, or a Zulay Nitro Coffee Dispenser.
• Nitrogen Cartridges: These are required to charge the chosen infusion device with nitrogen gas.

II. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make nitro cold brew at home:

1. Prepare the Cold Brew Base:
   • Mix coarsely ground coffee with cold water in a 1:4 ratio (1 to 4 parts water). Adjust the ratio to 1:2 for a more potent brew.
   • Steep the mixture in a large container or French press at room temperature for 12-24 hours (or up to 48 hours for a more potent brew).
   • Keep the mixture refrigerated.
2. Strain the Mixture:
   • After steeping, filter the coffee through a fine strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove the grounds.
   • Repeat the filtering process as needed to ensure all grounds are removed.
3. Set Up Nitrogen Infusion:
   • Cream Whipper or NitroPress: Fill the device with the cold brew coffee concentrate and some cold water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, leaving space for the nitrogen.
   • Keg System: Fill the keg with the cold brew mixture, attach the nitrogen tank, and set the regulator to the appropriate pressure to infuse the cold brew.
4. Charge with Nitrogen:
   • Insert a nitrogen cartridge into the cream whipper or NitroPress and seal it securely.
   • If using a cream whipper, shake the device lightly to infuse the nitrogen into the coffee.
5. Dispense the Nitro Coffee:
   • Dispense the coffee into a glass by pulling the trigger on the cream whipper or NitroPress.
   • For a keg system, pour the coffee from the tap.
   • Allow the coffee to settle, and watch for the cascade of tiny bubbles and the formation of a creamy head.
6. Serve Cold: Nitro coffee is best served cold and black to appreciate its creamy texture and smooth flavor fully.

III. Tips for the Perfect Nitro Cold Brew

To enhance the quality of your homemade nitro cold brew, consider these tips:

• Coarse Grind: Use a coarse grind to ensure optimal flavor extraction without over-extraction. A coarse grind allows water to filter through easily, preventing bitterness.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio based on your preferred strength. A 1:4 ratio is generally recommended, but you can use 1:2 for a more potent brew.
• Serving: Serve the nitro cold brew without ice to maintain its creamy texture and prevent dilution. Chilled glasses can help keep the temperature frozen.
• Experiment with Flavors: While nitro cold brew is often enjoyed black, you can experiment with light syrups like caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut. Consider adding Irish whiskey, Kahlua, or Baileys for a boozy twist.

Following these steps and tips, you can create delicious nitro cold brew coffee at home and enjoy its unique texture and flavor.

Exploring Creative Variations and Flavor Combinations

When serving nitro cold brew coffee, many creative variations and flavor combinations exist to explore. For optimal enjoyment of the drink’s unique qualities, consider these suggestions:

• Presentation: Serve nitro cold brew in a tall, clear glass to showcase its cascading effect. Pour the coffee at a 45-degree angle, then straighten the glass as it fills to create a beautiful, creamy head.
  
• Appreciating the Natural Flavors: Nitro cold brew is often enjoyed in black to appreciate its natural smoothness and creamy texture fully. The nitrogen infusion enhances the coffee’s sweetness, potentially eliminating the need for added sugars or milk.
  
• Adding Sweetness: For those who prefer a sweeter coffee, light syrups like caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut can be added. These syrups enhance the brew’s inherent sweetness without overpowering it.
  
• Boozy Twists: For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of Irish whiskey, Kahlua, or Baileys to transform nitro cold brew into a coffee cocktail.
  

Coffee shops in Chiang Mai, Thailand, offer signature drinks with nitro cold brew coffee, mixing ingredients with syrups, fruit juices, spices, and herbs. These combinations include Nitro Cold Brew Coffee with tomato juice and lemon or rosewater. A content creator named Mel explored coffee shops in Chiang Mai and found drink menus that read “like the cocktail menus of the best bars in your city!”. She tasted “crazy and interesting combinations” such as Nitro Cold Brew Coffee with tomato juice and lemon, or Nitro Cold Brew Coffee with rosewater.

One should be aware that heating Nitro cold brew is not recommended, as it causes the coffee to lose nitrogenation and make it go flat more quickly.

The Environmental and Ethical Considerations

The sources provide insights into coffee production, ethical sourcing, and sustainability regarding nitro cold brew’s environmental and ethical considerations. However, they do not directly compare Nitro Cold Brew’s carbon footprint to other coffee preparation methods or explore the sustainability of nitrogen gas production. Further independent research may be required to thoroughly address those aspects of your query.

The environmental impact of coffee production and transportation involves several factors. Traditional coffee production can contribute to deforestation, pesticide use, and water consumption. Transportation of coffee beans over long distances adds to the carbon footprint through fuel consumption and emissions.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, sustainable coffee farming practices are essential. These practices include:

• Organic Farming: Reduces the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
• Agroforestry: Integrates coffee plants with trees, promoting biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
• Water Conservation: Employs efficient irrigation methods to minimize water waste.

Another critical consideration is the ethical sourcing of coffee beans. Many coffee farmers, particularly those in developing countries, face economic challenges and may be subject to unfair labor practices. To address these issues, certifications like Fair Trade ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their coffee beans and that ethical labor standards are followed. Purchasing single-origin coffees can also support small producers operating sustainable and ethical coffee bean farms. Consumers are willing to pay a higher premium for Fair Trade-certified coffee.

While the provided documents do not directly address the environmental impact of nitrogen gas production or the carbon footprint of nitro cold brew compared to other coffee preparation methods, they give some broader context. To thoroughly evaluate these aspects, you may consider researching:

• Nitrogen Gas Production: Investigate the energy consumption and emissions associated with industrial nitrogen production methods, such as air separation.
• Carbon Footprint Comparison: Compare Nitro Cold Brew’s energy use and emissions (including cold brewing, nitrogen infusion, and refrigeration) to other methods like hot drip coffee or espresso-based drinks.
• Resource Consumption: Assess the water and material usage in each coffee preparation method, considering factors like coffee grounds, filters, and packaging.

Implementing sustainable practices can help reduce the environmental footprint of coffee businesses. Some of these practices include:

• Sourcing beans from farms using sustainable methods.
• Reducing waste by composting coffee grounds and using recyclable packaging.
• Conserving energy by using energy-efficient equipment.

Buying Guide: Top Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers and Equipment

Different nitro coffee makers and draft systems offer various features and prices, and there are also DIY methods for creating a nitro cold brew setup at home.

Nitro Coffee Makers and Draft Systems

• Keg Systems: Keg systems are typically used in coffee shops and allow for storing and dispensing large quantities of cold brew coffee while maintaining its quality and freshness. A cold brew keg system includes a stainless steel keg to store the coffee, a nitrogen tank for pressurization, and a tap system for easy pouring. The nitrogen tank pushes the coffee out of the keg and helps preserve its flavor by preventing oxidation.
• Cream Whippers: A cream whipper is a cost-effective way to make nitro coffee at home, though it requires careful use. To make nitro coffee using a cream whipper, fill the whipper with cold brew, insert a nitrogen cartridge, and secure the lid tightly. Then, shake the whipper lightly, flip it upside down, and give the trigger a quick press to release a small amount of gas into the glass. Repeat this process 2-3 times to minimize splattering and then hold down the trigger to entirely dispense the nitrogen-infused coffee.
• NitroPress: NitroPress is a user-friendly device designed to create nitro beverages at home. To use it, fill the press with cold brew coffee, charge it with a nitrogen cartridge, and then dispense the coffee. The NitroPress costs more than the cream whipper, but it has better features, is easy to carry around, and lasts longer.
• Zulay Nitro Coffee Dispenser—Mini Keg: The Zulay Cold Brew Nitro Coffee Dispenser is a 64-ounce stainless steel keg and nitrogen infusion system that allows you to enjoy the creamy texture and cascading effect of coffee shop nitro coffee at home. Just fill it with cold brew and charge it with a nitrogen cartridge.

DIY Methods for Creating a Nitro Cold Brew Setup at Home

To make nitro cold brew at home, you will need cold brew coffee, a nitrogen cartridge, and a device to infuse the nitrogen, such as a cream whipper, NitroPress, or a small keg system. The most cost-effective method is to use a whipped cream dispenser.

Here is a six-step process for drinking homemade nitro coffee:

1. Grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency.
2. Combine ⅓ cup (78.86 ml) of ground coffee with 1½ cups (354.88 ml) of cold or room temperature water in an airtight container.
3. Allow the mixture to steep at room temperature for 12 hours or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. Strain the coffee using a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a paper coffee filter.
5. Mix 1 cup (236.59 ml) cold water with 1 cup (236.59 ml) concentrated cold brew into a whipped cream dispenser and seal it.
6. Charge the cold brew with a nitrous oxide cartridge, shake the drink roughly 10 times, and let it sit until the container feels cold. Pour into a glass slowly and enjoy.

Factors that Affect Coffee Maker Prices

BROOD’s proprietary nitro infusion technology eliminates the need for kegs, tanks, and other costly consumables. BROOD’s tankless nitro technology erases the complicated infusion process. You simply set up the plug-and-play system (it takes less than 2 minutes!), and you will have tasty, cold-flashed nitro cold brew almost instantaneously.

Nitro cold brew costs more because of the innovation, science, and equipment necessary to deliver a proper nitrogen infusion, not to mention the longer steeping process that ensures higher caffeine potency. Infusing nitrogen gas into coffee requires patience, precision, and technical “know-how” to do it right. When choosing the keg route, there is a high cost in purchasing and maintaining the necessary equipment.