What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee? The Complete Guide
Let’s dive into something that’s been taking the coffee world by storm! I remember the first time I had nitro cold brew – the cascading bubbles, the creamy texture… it was a total game-changer. And judging by how many cafes are now offering it, I’m not the only one hooked. What is nitro cold brew coffee, exactly?
This blog post is your complete guide. We’ll cover everything from its history to how it’s made, plus all the incredible benefits and even how you can whip up Nitro cold brew coffee in your kitchen. Ready to get started and discover Nitro cold brew coffee? Get ready to learn and enjoy!
What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?
So, what sets nitro cold brew coffee apart? It’s not just cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. This infusion process gives nitro cold brew some key characteristics that make it truly unique and intriguing:
- Creamy, velvety texture: The nitrogen gas creates tiny bubbles, resulting in a smoother and richer texture than regular cold brew or iced coffee.
- These microbubbles enhance the drinking experience, making each sip of nitro cold brew incredibly smooth and indulgent.
- Many find that nitro cold brew has a natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars or sweeteners and offering a unique flavor profile that will entice your taste buds.
- Cascading effect: When poured, you’ll notice a visually appealing cascade of bubbles, similar to a Guinness beer.
Concerning Guinness, another critical point when considering nitro cold brew coffee is its appearance. The cascading effect and foamy head look similar to a stout beer. Like Guinness, nitro cold brew coffee is typically made with just a few core components: coffee, water, and nitrogen. That’s it!
A Brief History of Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
The concept of infusing beverages with nitrogen dates back to the 1960s. However, this idea did not enter the coffee world until much later.
Two key figures are often credited as pioneers of what is nitro cold brew coffee:
- Nate Armbrust: A food scientist at Stumptown in Portland, Oregon, Armbrust experimented with nitrogen infusion to make cold brew “fizzy”. In June 2013, Stumptown began offering nitro cold brew coffee on tap.
- Mike McKim: Owner of Cuvee Coffee Roasting, McKim also experimented with nitrogen-infused cold brew, serving it from a keg in 2012. 2015, he began selling his nitro cold brew in “Black and Blue” cans.
Today, nitro cold brew coffee has become a global phenomenon, uniting coffee lovers worldwide. The global nitro-infused beverages market reached $69.17 million in 2021 and is expected to grow to $366 million by 2030.
The Science of Nitrogenation
Nitrogen, represented as N2, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It’s entirely safe for consumption and makes up much of our air. It’s the key to creating its signature texture in nitro cold brew coffee.
Thermodynamically, nitrogen dissolves best in cold brew under ideal pressure and gas volume. The cold temperature helps the nitrogen gas dissolve more effectively into the liquid.
The nitrogen infusion process creates microbubbles much smaller than the carbon dioxide bubbles found in sodas. This difference in bubble size gives nitro cold brew coffee its unique, creamy, and velvety texture. Carbon dioxide creates a fizzier, sharper sensation, while nitrogen provides a smoother mouthfeel.
Nitrogen infusion also impacts the coffee’s acidity. While cold brew is already less acidic than hot brewed coffee, the nitrogen can further reduce the perceived acidity, resulting in a naturally sweeter taste. The nitrogen bubbles contribute to the sweetness by cutting the coffee’s natural acidity.
Finally, nitrogen plays a role in preservation. Bubbling nitrogen through the coffee removes oxygen, helping preserve the flavors that might otherwise be lost to oxidation.
Comparing Nitro Cold Brew with Other Coffee Types
Here’s how what is nitro cold brew coffee stacks up against other popular coffee drinks:
Cold Brew:
- Brewing process: Cold brew involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. This extended steeping time is key to its unique characteristics.
- Taste: The result is smooth, less acidic, and naturally sweeter than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
- Texture: Compared to nitro cold brew coffee, cold brew has a thinner texture.
Iced Coffee:
- Brewing process: Iced coffee is simply regularly brewed coffee served over ice.
- Taste: It tends to have a sharper, more acidic flavor than cold brew.
- Texture: Iced coffee has a lighter body but can easily become diluted as the ice melts.
Nitro Cold Brew:
- Key Difference: Nitro cold brew coffee’s defining characteristic is the nitrogen infusion, which significantly impacts its texture and taste.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Cold Brew | Iced Coffee | Nitro Cold Brew |
| Brewing Method | Cold water steeping (12-24 hours) | Hot brewed, then chilled | Cold water steeping, then infused with nitrogen |
| Taste | Smooth, less acidic, naturally sweeter | Sharper, more acidic | Enhanced coffee flavor and aroma, less acidic with a hint of sweetness |
| Texture | Thinner | Lighter body, can be watery | Creamy, velvety, thick |
| Acidity | Low | High | Very low |
| Caffeine Content | 130mg-230mg (16 ounce) | 95mg (8 ounce) -120mg (16 ounce) | 280mg (16 ounce) |
Exploring the Benefits of Nitro Cold Brew
Here are some benefits of nitro cold brew coffee:
- Enhanced Flavor and Texture: Nitro cold brew coffee’s nitrogen infusion creates a creamy, smooth texture that significantly improves the drinking experience. The nitrogen bubbles provide a velvety mouthfeel, setting it apart from other coffee types.
- Reduced Acidity: Cold-brewing coffee results in lower acidity, making it gentler on the stomach than traditionally brewed coffee.
- Natural Sweetness: Nitro cold brew often has a perceived sweetness without adding sugar, offering a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. The nitrogen bubbles injected into the beverage provide a pleasant sweetness by cutting the coffee’s natural acidity.
- Caffeine Levels: Nitro cold brew typically contains more caffeine than regular coffee. A standard 16-ounce cup contains approximately 280 mg of caffeine.
- Antioxidant Properties: Nitro cold brew coffee retains the antioxidant properties found in regular coffee. These antioxidants can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and they have been linked to a reduced risk of various diseases, providing a reassuring aspect to your coffee choice.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Here are some potential drawbacks to consider regarding what nitro cold brew coffee is:
- High Caffeine Content: Nitro cold brew typically has higher caffeine levels than regular coffee due to the higher coffee-to-water ratio, which may lead to side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues for some individuals.
- Cost Factor: Nitro cold brew can be more expensive than other coffee beverages due to the specialized equipment and nitrogen infusion process.
- Lack of Chlorogenic Acid: Because nitro cold brew is brewed at a low temperature, it may lack beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid, which is present in hot coffee and has numerous health benefits.
- Nitrogen and Bloating: Some individuals may experience bloating or gas discomfort due to the nitrogen infusion.
Crafting Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Crafting nitro cold brew coffee at home is achievable with the right equipment and techniques. Here’s how:
Equipment Choices:
- Cream Whipper: This is a cost-effective method. Fill the whipper with cold brew, insert a nitrogen cartridge, seal it tightly, and shake it lightly. Dispense carefully to minimize splattering.
- NitroPress: This user-friendly device simplifies the nitrogen infusion process. Fill it with cold brew, charge with a nitrogen cartridge, and dispense.
- Mini Keg System: A mini keg system includes a stainless steel keg, a nitrogen tank for pressurization, and a tap for dispensing. The nitrogen tank pushes the coffee out and preserves its flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare Cold Brew: Mix coarsely ground coffee with cold water in a 1:4 ratio and steep for 12-24 hours. Strain the mixture to remove the grounds.
- Dilute: Combine cold brew concentrate with cold water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, depending on taste.
- Nitrogen Infusion:
- For a cream whipper or NitroPress, pour the diluted cold brew into the device and seal. Charge with a nitrogen cartridge and shake lightly. Dispense into a glass.
- Attach the nitrogen tank and set the regulator to the appropriate pressure for a keg system. Pour the coffee from the tap.
Serving Tips:
- Serve what is nitro cold brew coffee chilled and without ice to maintain its creamy texture and prevent dilution.
While the sources do not provide step-by-step photos or videos, many online tutorials can visually guide you through making cold brew coffee.
N2 versus N2O: What’s the Best Choice?
N2 (nitrogen) is generally considered the better option when making nitro cold brew. It produces a denser, creamier foam head with microbubbles, leading to a smoother, more velvety body.
N2O (nitrous oxide) creates larger bubbles and imparts a slightly sweeter flavor. It is often used for home brewing because N2O cartridges are readily available for cream whippers.
Serving Suggestions and Complementary Flavors
Here are serving suggestions and complementary flavors to enhance your nitro cold brew experience:
- Serving Recommendations: Nitro cold brew is best served in a tall, clear glass to showcase the cascading effect of the nitrogen bubbles.
- No Ice: It should be served without ice to preserve the creamy texture and flavor.
- Flavor Pairings:
- Syrups: Light syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can enhance the brew’s inherent sweetness without overpowering it.
- Alcoholic Additions: transform it into a delightful coffee cocktail, add a splash of Irish whiskey, Kahlua, or Baileys
- Coffee Cocktails: Nitro coffee can be used as a base for cocktails like Nitro Espresso Martini or Nitro Irish Coffee.
Nitro Cold Brew and Dietary Plans
Regarding dietary plans, Nitro Cold Brew is naturally vegan and keto-friendly. When ordering, it’s essential to be cautious of added milk, cream, or sweeteners in coffee shops, as these additions may not align with vegan or keto diets.
Environmental Responsibility
Here are some ecological considerations for nitro cold brew coffee:
- Cartridge Disposal: The production and disposal of nitrogen cartridges can have ecological impacts. The sources do not specify details on these impacts.
- Energy Use: Refrigeration for cold brew and the operation of draft systems consume energy. The sources do not quantify the energy consumption of refrigeration and draft systems.
- Sustainable Sourcing: It is essential to encourage using sustainably and ethically sourced coffee beans.
- Eco-Friendly Choices: The BROOD system decreases the need for kegs and tanks. Tankless nitro-infusion systems produce instantly chilled cold brew.
It is important to note that information about environmental responsibility is limited in the provided sources.
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Worldwide Trends and Regional Differences
Here are some worldwide trends and regional differences for what is nitro cold brew coffee:
- Serving and Preparation: Regional variations exist in how nitro cold brew is prepared and served globally. For example, it can be served both hot and cold.
- Emerging Trends:
- Coffee shops are infusing black or green teas with nitrogen.
- In barista championships, competitors prepare their drinks using a Nitro Flush or liquid nitrogen. The food industry also uses it when sealing coffee bags to remove oxygen from the packaging while ensuring the freshness of the packaged food and the coffee.
- Global Flavor Preferences:
- In Southeast Asia, resourceful syrup manufacturers create mixed drinks with nitro cold brew and their syrups. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, coffee shops create concoctions with syrups, fruit juices, spices, and herbs. Some interesting combinations include nitro cold brew with tomato juice, lemon, or rosewater.
- Coffee roasters in Frankfurt, Germany, had a super fruity nitro cold brew, but they switched to a chocolaty Brazilian coffee because it was too sour for the guests.
Dispelling Common Myths
Here are some common myths about nitro cold brew dispelled:
- Does it contain alcohol? Nitro cold brew does not contain alcohol. It is simply coffee infused with nitrogen gas, which gives it a beer-like texture and cascading effect.
- Is it safe during pregnancy? The sources do not contain information on the safety of nitro cold brew during pregnancy.
- Is it inherently healthier? Nitro coffee retains all the health benefits associated with regular coffee. It’s rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Nitro coffee tastes sweeter and creamier, it decreases the need for added sweeteners and dairy products, making it a healthy option that also tastes delicious. However, nitro coffee is high in caffeine, which can lead to side effects like anxiety, insomnia, jitters, or dizziness, especially in those sensitive to caffeine.
Food Pairings for Nitro Cold Brew
The provided sources do not offer specific food pairings for nitro cold brew. Information in the sources does, however, provide valuable details about the flavor profile of nitro cold brew that may help you determine good food pairings, including:
- Nitro cold brew has enhanced coffee flavor and aroma, a less acidic taste with a hint of sweetness, and a rich, creamy texture.
- The brewing process that helps lessen acidity enhances the swirling coffee scent.
- The nitrogen infusion imparts a sweeter taste and smoother sensation.
Given these characteristics, you may want to consider the following potential food pairings, though they are not directly supported by the sources:
- Breakfast: The sources do not mention pastries, donuts, or bagels.
- Dessert: The sources do not mention chocolate cake, brownies, or ice cream.
- Savory: The sources do not mention cheese or nuts.
In conclusion, nitro cold brew offers a unique coffee experience with its smooth texture, enhanced flavor, and visual appeal. It infuses cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, creating a creamy, cascading effect. Brewing it at home is achievable with tools like a cream whipper, NitroPress, or mini keg system. To fully appreciate its qualities, serve it chilled, without ice, in a clear glass.
Nitro cold brew is naturally vegan and keto-friendly, but watch out for added ingredients when ordering. While offering a distinct taste and energy boost, consider the higher caffeine content and potential environmental impacts from cartridge disposal and energy consumption. Whether a coffee aficionado or new to the concept, try nitro cold brew and share your experiences or questions.
