How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home [2023]

Are you ready to learn “How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home”? This delicious variation on the delicious cold brew recipe is infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy, velvety texture and a natural sweetness. It’s a refreshing and tasty treat that is sure to impress, and the best part is that you can make it at home with just a few simple steps.

In this article, I’ll share my expertise as a coffee enthusiast and home barista to guide you through making nitro cold brew at home. Whether a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find all the information you need to make this delicious drink at home. So, let’s learn how to make nitro coffee at home!

What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?

Nitro cold brew is a type of cold brew coffee that is infused with nitrogen gas. It is made using the same basic cold brew process as regular cold brew, where coffee beans are ground and steeped in cold water in the fridge. I’d recommend steeping for at least 24 hours.

The resulting coffee concentrate is then strained and diluted to the desired strength. The key difference is that the nitro coffee is then infused with nitrogen gas through a unique dispensing system, such as a whipped cream dispenser or mini-keg.

This process gives the nitro cold brew its signature texture and flavor, which is creamy and velvety with a natural sweetness. Nitro coffee is often served chilled and on tap, similar to draft beer. Its unique characteristics and smooth, refreshing taste have recently gained popularity.

Nitro Cold Brew Coffee History

Nitro coffee has a fascinating history dating back to the early 2010s, when it was first introduced in third-wave coffee shops. The precise origins of this unique beverage are disputed; it is widely believed that it was developed in the US around 2013.

One of the key figures in the rise of nitro cold brew is Nate Armbrust, a food scientist at Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Armbrust is credited with inventing this innovative type of coffee, which he developed by drawing inspiration from brewers who used carbon dioxide and nitrogen to create fizzy beers.

After experimenting with carbon dioxide in his coffee, Armbrust discovered that it added unwanted acidity and destroyed the flavor. However, he eventually succeeded in creating bubbles in cold coffee using nitrogen instead, leading to the creation of nitro cold brew.

Why Make Nitro Cold Brew at Home Yourself?

You should consider making nitro cold brew at home for several compelling reasons. One of the main benefits is cost savings. Nitro cold brew can be expensive at coffee shops, especially if you’re a daily drinker. By making it yourself at home, you can save money over time and enjoy your favorite beverage at a lower cost.

In addition to cost savings, making nitro coffee at home can also be more convenient. You can brew it whenever you like, without leaving the house or waiting in line at your local cafe. This can be especially useful if you live in an area with limited nitro brew options or prefer to have your coffee at home.

Another advantage of making nitro cold brew at home is controlling the ingredients. By brewing your nitro coffee, you can choose the type of beans and other ingredients you use, ensuring you get the best possible flavor and quality. This can be especially important for those who are particular about their coffee beans.

With the right beans and equipment, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious nitro cold brew at home.

Difference between Nitro & Cold Brew Coffee

As a coffee lover, you may have heard of nitro cold and regular cold brew. But what’s the difference between these two types of coffee, you might be wondering? To put it simply, nitro cold brew is a variation of the classic cold brew recipe infused with nitrogen gas. This gives it a creamy, velvety texture and a natural sweetness that sets it apart from a regular cold brew.

One of the key differences between nitro brew and regular cold brew is the brewing method. Both types of coffee are made by steeping coffee beans in cold water for an extended time, but the finished product is treated differently. Regular cold brew is typically served chilled and undiluted, while nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas and served chilled on tap, similar to draft beer. This process gives nitro cold brew its signature texture and flavor, which is smooth and creamy with a natural sweetness.

In terms of flavor profile, nitro coffee and regular cold brew are pretty different. Nitro cold brew tends to be smoother and sweeter than regular cold brew, with a natural taste that does not require added sugar or milk. On the other hand, regular cold brews can be more acidic and bold in flavor, with a more robust coffee taste.

So, if you’re trying to decide between nitro coffee and regular cold brew, it comes down to your preference. If you like a creamy, velvety texture and a natural sweetness, nitro brew might be the way to go. If you prefer a bolder, more acidic flavor, regular cold brew might be more up your alley. Either way, both types of cold brew are delicious and offer a refreshing, caffeine-packed pick-me-up on a hot day.

Nitro vs Cold Brew Coffee

When choosing between nitro cold brew and regular cold brew, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Both types of coffee have their unique characteristics and can be enjoyed in different situations.

One of the main benefits of nitro cold brew is its creamy, velvety texture and natural sweetness. Nitro cold brew is made by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, which gives it a smooth, refreshing taste that does not require added sugar or milk. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile.

On the other hand, regular cold brew tends to be more acidic and bold in flavor, with a stronger coffee taste. This can be a plus for those who prefer a more intense coffee experience but may be less appealing to those who prefer a smoother, sweeter flavor.

As for when to choose one over the other, it comes down to personal preference. If you like a creamy, velvety texture and a natural sweetness, nitro brew might be the way to go. If you prefer a bolder, more acidic flavor, regular cold brew might be more up your alley. Either way, both types of cold brew are delicious and offer a refreshing, caffeine-packed pick-me-up on a hot day.

Pros of Nitro Cold Brew:

• Creamy, velvety texture

• Natural sweetness

• Smooth, refreshing taste

• Does not require added sugar or milk

Cons of Nitro Cold Brew:

• More expensive to purchase at a coffee shop

• Requires special equipment to make at home (such as a nitrogen cartridge and whipped cream dispenser or mini-keg)

• Limited availability at coffee shops and other outlets

Pros of Cold Brew:

• Bold, intense flavor

• Made at home with minimal equipment (such as a French press or mason jar)

• Widely available at coffee shops and other outlets

Cons of Cold Brew:

• Can be more acidic and harsh in flavor

• May require added sugar or milk to improve taste

• Can be less refreshing than nitro cold brew on a hot day

How to Make Nitro Cold Brew at Home

If you’re interested in making nitro cold brew at home, it’s easier than you might think. With a little time and the right equipment, you can brew your nitro cold brew and enjoy it anytime you like.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment: You’ll need coarsely ground coffee beans, cold water, a French press or mason jar for brewing, a nitrogen cartridge, and a whipped cream dispenser or mini-keg for dispensing the finished product.

2. Brew your cold brew coffee: Combine the coffee and cold water in your French press or mason jar. The ratio of coffee to water will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is 1:10 (1 part coffee to 10 parts water).

3. Steep the coffee: Steep for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you steep the coffee, the stronger the flavor will be.

4. Strain Coffee: Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove the grounds.

5. Transfer cold coffee to Nitrogen infuser: Transfer the brewed coffee to your nitrogen infuser container.

6. Attach the nitrogen cartridge: Infuse the coffee with nitrogen gas. Shake the coffee for several minutes to allow the coffee to absorb the nitrogen. Allow the coffee to rest in the fridge for an hour for the best results.

7. Pour nitro cold brew coffee into a cold glass and enjoy.

To give your nitro cold brew a unique twist, you can add flavors to the basic recipe, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or even Bailey’s Irish Cream. Making nitro cold brew at home can be a bit of a process, requiring time and specialized equipment. If you’re short on time or don’t have access to the necessary equipment, consider purchasing nitro cold brew from your local cafe. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, homemade nitro cold brew rewards are well worth it.

Dispensing Nitro Cold Brew at Home

Once you’ve brewed your cold brew coffee at home, the next step is figuring out how to dispense it. There are a few different options for dispensing nitro cold brew at home, each with pros and cons. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Whipped cream dispenser: A whipped cream dispenser is a small, handheld device designed to dispense whipped cream and other frothy substances. To use it for nitro cold brew, you’ll need to fill the dispenser with your brewed coffee and attach a nitrogen cartridge to the spout. The dispenser will infuse the coffee with nitrogen as you dispense it, creating a creamy, velvety texture. The main advantage of using a whipped cream dispenser is that it’s portable and easy to use. However, it can only dispense small amounts of nitro cold brew at a time, so it may not be practical for larger gatherings.

2. Mini-keg: A mini-keg is a small, portable keg designed to dispense draft beer and other beverages. To use it for nitro cold brew, you’ll need to fill the keg with your brewed coffee and attach a nitrogen cartridge to the spout. The keg will infuse the coffee with nitrogen as you dispense it, creating a creamy, velvety texture. The main advantage of using a mini-keg is that it allows you to dispense larger quantities of nitro cold brew at once. However, it can be more expensive and less portable than a whipped cream dispenser.

Ultimately, the best option for dispensing nitro cold brew home will depend on your needs and preferences. A whipped cream dispenser might be the way to go if you’re looking for an affordable, portable solution. A mini-keg might be better if you’re hosting a more extensive gathering or want to dispense larger quantities of nitro cold brew at once.

It’s also worth noting that a whipped cream dispenser and a mini-keg will require a nitrogen cartridge to infuse the coffee with nitrogen. These cartridges can be purchased online or at specialty kitchen supply stores and are relatively inexpensive.

Overall, a whipped cream dispenser and a mini-keg can effectively dispense nitro cold brew at home. With a little bit of experimentation and practice, you’ll be able to find the solution that works best for your needs. So, give it a try and see what you think!

Why Use N2 instead of N2O Cartridges for Nitro Cold Brew

Nitrogen gas (N2) is commonly used in the production of nitro cold brew coffee because it is relatively tasteless and odorless and does not react with the coffee or alter its flavor. Nitrogen gas is also relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, making it a convenient choice for use in the production of nitro cold brew.

In contrast, nitrous oxide (N2O) is a gas commonly used as a whipping agent in whipped cream dispensers. It is also known as laughing gas.

Nitrogen gas is a safe, tasteless gas that does not alter the flavor of the coffee, while nitrous oxide can alter the flavor. It is also important to note that nitrous oxide cartridges may not be able to be used in place of nitrogen gas cartridges. Nitrogen gas (N2) cartridges are wider and may not fit into a regular whipped cream dispenser.

Storing and Serving Nitro Cold Brew at Home

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your homemade nitro cold brew:

1. Refrigerate your nitro cold brew: Nitro cold brew is best stored in the refrigerator, as it will stay fresher and maintain its creamy, velvety texture. You can store your nitro cold brew in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Serve your nitro cold brew over ice: Nitro cold brew is best served chilled, and one of the best ways to do this is by serving it over ice. Simply fill a glass with ice, pour your nitro cold brew over the ice, and serve.

3. Add milk or cream: Nitro cold brew is naturally sweet and creamy, but you can enhance the texture and flavor by adding milk or cream. Simply pour a splash of milk or cream into your nitro cold brew and stir to combine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nitro cold brew coffee?

Nitro cold brew coffee is a variation on the classic cold brew recipe that is infused with nitrogen gas. This gives it a creamy, velvety texture and a natural sweetness.

What equipment do I need to make nitro cold brew at home?

To make nitro cold brew at home, you will need a French press or mason jar for brewing, a nitrogen cartridge for infusing the coffee with nitrogen gas, and a whipped cream dispenser or mini-keg

How long can I store nitro cold brew?

Nitro cold brew can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending on the storage conditions. It’s best to store it in an airtight container to prevent contamination and maintain its freshness.

Final Thoughts: How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home

In conclusion, making nitro cold brew at home is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a delicious cold brew coffee. You can easily brew your nitro cold brew at home with the right ingredients, equipment, and instructions. Start with high-quality ground coffee, a french press coffee maker, and filtered water. I’ve also included an article on cold brew vs iced coffee.

Follow the steps for making cold brew: steeping the ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours and then infusing it with nitrogen gas. Once your nitro cold brew is ready, you can store it in the fridge overnight or dispense it using a whipped cream dispenser or mini-keg.

Nitro cold brew is a refreshing, creamy, and flavorful alternative to regular coffee, and it offers all the flavors of a regular cold brew with a little more caffeine. So why not give it a try? With a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to brewing delicious nitro cold brew at home. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!