Nitro Coffee is another term for Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. This type of coffee is created by adding nitrogen gas to it. Sounds exciting, right! Wait until you taste it. In this article, we will cover every detail essential to understanding this type of coffee. We will examine not only the process of creating a nitro cold brew, but also the comparison to regular coffee brewing, the background of this beverage, and other ways to prepare it.
What is a Nitro Cold Brew?
Let us start with what this drink really is. If you have purchased coffee from a cafe or supermarket, then you more than likely have spotted adverts for nitro coffee. This beverage used to be something of a rarity, though it has now become broadly accepted and is one of the more sought-after types of coffee.
Nitro coffee is a kind of cold-brewed java that has had nitrogen gas forced into it via a pressurized valve.
It’s not simple to put together nitro coffee, but this article will demonstrate exactly how to do so.
What ingredients do you require to prepare this unique type of coffee? You’ll require some hardware ranging from hoses to keg connectors, taps, and pipes. If you’re looking at putting out nitro coffee in large amounts, you will need to put a great deal of money into it. You will need the equipment mentioned if you wish to make it at home.
Incorporating nitrogen into your cold brew coffee has various outcomes. Adding cream to coffee improves the texture and feel of the drink. Also, this nitrogen adds some sweetness to your cup. When nitrogen is introduced to iced coffee, it enhances the smell and taste.
The caffeine levels in nitro cold brew coffee are greater than those in a typical cup of coffee.
How is a Nitro Cold Brew Different from Regular Cold Brew?
It is evident, according to the definition, that nitro cold brew and regular cold brew share some commonalities. Nevertheless, there are characteristics that distinguish them from one another.
Main Differences
The primary distinction lies in the taste and the way they are produced.
Flavor Differences
One of the most conspicuous variances between the two varieties of coffee is the flavor. It is arguably the biggest difference between them. The two primary types of cold brew coffee, regular and nitro, have a delicate sweet taste, while nitro cold brew provides drinkers a remarkably creamy, full-bodied, and flavorful experience. This sort of coffee has a special quality due to its creamy foam topping that is much like what is found on beer on tap.
Differences in Brewing
Cold brew coffee is brewed by soaking the grounds in room temperature water over a period of up to 24 hours. Next, the coffee grounds are removed, and the coffee liquid is served cold.
Nitro cold brew is a form of cold brew coffee that has been enhanced with nitrogen. This coffee is brewed using the same method as that of a cold brew. Then the nitrogen is added.
Who Invented Nitro Cold Brew?
The earliest known instance of nitro cold brew being offered was in 2013. Nate Armbrust, a food scientist from Portland, Oregon, came up with the idea for this. The aim of the process was to create a cold brew coffee flavor that was more distinctive and superior. He made his cold brew coffee special by putting tiny nitrogen bubbles in it by forcing it out through a faucet with a small opening.
Nate was encouraged to make additional batches of the beverage after it was met with enthusiasm from those that sampled it.
Incorporating nitrogen into drinks has been a practice of beer brewers for a while now and is not something novel.
How to Make a Nitro Cold Brew at Home
We have taken into account what sets this kind of coffee apart from the other varieties on the market. You must be excited to give it a go now that you’ve taken into account the distinctions and all of that. It’s possible to create your own nitro coffee, not just what’s offered in large coffee shops and eateries. In this portion, we give you precise guidelines for creating nitro cold brew from your own home.
Making this specific drink can be challenging for some. This is why it is commonly found in coffee establishments, but not typically consumed in people’s homes. A major factor in this is that specific gear is required in order to commence the activity. Investing in the necessary equipment for coffee shops is quite substantial, and baristas need guidance on how to operate it.
The cost of creating cold brews, even without nitro, is already quite high due to the lengthy process required for production. It is fortunate that people can now get nitro cold brew in cans, just like they can with other beverages like beer. If you desire additional, then you can make your own at home.
Necessary Ingredients
These are the essential components needed to brew nitro cold coffee from the comfort of your own home.
- Filtered water at room temperature
- Medium roast coffee beans
- Kosher salt (optional)
- Milk (optional)
The main items required will largely depend on the recipe you are following. Nevertheless, these are the essential components that are necessary to craft this kind of coffee. Other than nitrogen, the components used for making this form of coffee are exactly those employed for preparing iced coffee and traditional cold brew coffee.
Necessary Equipment
- Nitrogen tank
- Nitrogen regulator
- Keg
- Gas and liquid disconnects
- Gas lines
- Beverage lines
- Stout faucet
- Container
- Mesh strainer
- Coffee grinder
You have all the necessary supplies ready, now you can start brewing your nitro cold coffee. Here are the directions to create it yourself.
Find below the steps to make nitro cold brew coffee at home:
1 – Freshly ground coarse coffee
Pick out freshly roasted coffee beans to prepare your own nitro cold brew. I would advise buying them from a small local coffee roaster instead of a large, generic corporation that offers coffee that has been sitting for far too long.
Once you have acquired your preferred coffee beans, grind them in a coarse manner.
In general, using coarser grounds of coffee is optimal for French press, percolator, and cold brew brewing techniques. If you don’t know how these coffee grounds should appear, they should have a texture that feels similar to that of sea salt.
2 – Cold Brew Coffee Making
Then, you’ll need to brew the cold-brewed beverage or create cold brew concentrate. There are two methods for creating a cold brew. Both have their fans. Get a pre-mixed cold brew ready for drinking. Make a stronger solution to dilute as desired.
Cold brew concentrate has firm believers due to its accessibility for storage and its capacity to make a variety of beverages. However, there’s no right or wrong answer. Go ahead and experiment with both and decide what you prefer.
Put the coffee in the refrigerator for around seven hours after you have added water to it. Many people advocate for allowing cold brew coffee to steep for longer periods of time. Studies indicate that at around 400 minutes, the extraction will almost cease.
Put differently, a longer steep time doesn’t enhance the taste, smell, and amount of caffeine.
Separate the coffee grounds from the cold brew concentrate by either filtering or straining the liquid after steeping it in cold water, depending on the equipment you have.
Put away any cold brew coffee concentrate that you won’t be using right away. Utilize filtered water to make the solution for nitro cold brew coffee even.
If you are unfamiliar with the process of preparing cold brew coffee, experiment with a small quantity of the concentrate before diluting it. Take note of the ratio of the concentrate to the water in order to determine how to combine the remainder.
For example, use 30 ml of diluted cold brew concentrate for every 300 ml. If you are satisfied with the flavor when you add 30 ml of water, you understand that you can make your cold brew with an equal amount of concentrate and water.
3 – Add Nitrogen
The ultimate thing to do is to incorporate nitrogen into the cold brew coffee. You have the option of purchasing a nitrogen tank kit or utilizing a whipped cream canister.
Put nitrogen into the fill line of the container that holds your cold brew beverage that has been mixed with water. Using the charging station on the container, give it power and shake it for a few moments. Finally, serve your nitro cold brew coffee and enjoy.
How to pick the best nitro cold brew coffee maker for you
Nitro cold brew coffee makers that offer superior performance are ideal. Before buying, there are some things you should take into account.
These are things to think about: the magnitude of the appliance, its usability, and if it has added perks. You can locate the ideal nitro cold brew coffee maker for yourself as long as you take all of these factors into consideration.
Capacity: Single-Serving or Crowd-Binging?
The Kit: Check what’s in the box
To make a great nitro cold brew coffee beverage from the beginning, it’s important to have the correct equipment.
Any nitro cold brew coffee maker should include:
- Canister: This is the main piece of equipment in a nitro cold brew setup. It should be made of sturdy materials, like stainless steel, and include a spout and tap handle system so you can quickly pour your coffee
- Spout and tap handle system: This part attaches to the canister and lets you pour your coffee without any hassle
- Pressure valve: This is important for maintaining the proper pressure in the system as you brew, ensuring that your coffee is adequately nitroed
- Cartridge holder: This holds the nitrogen cartridges that keep your coffee cold and bubbly
- Hoses: These connect all of the different parts of the system
- Nitrogen cartridges: you can’t simply make any nitro cold brew coffee without nitrogen cartridges. Surprisingly, many systems don’t include them in their default kits, so pay attention to this if you need to get the compatible cartridges separately
One must take note of all the specifics when purchasing their nitro cold brew system. Some valuable extras are:
- Cleaning brushes: help keep your coffee maker clean
- Carry bags: to make transporting your coffee maker easy
- Tap plugs: to prevent leaks between pours
- Serving mat: to protect your countertop and keep everything looking tidy
Affordable Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Setup
Whipped Cream Dispenser
Using a whip cream maker for making coffee is more affordable than purchasing an apparatus specifically for nitro cold brew.
Despite having to switch gas cartridges and doing purges more frequently, it is still worth your while to consider this option.
Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Our Selection
Nitro cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular. And for a good reason. It’s smooth, rich, and full of flavor. I did some research and found the most effective nitro cold brew coffee makers on the internet if you’re looking for an apparatus to help you make your own brew at home.
You can get additional information about each of the goods below.
GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Our Top Pick
Investing in the GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker might cost a bit more than some of the other options, but it is worth the extra money.
This gleaming stainless steel keg and its accompanying hardware give your kitchen an attractive touch. You can take it to parties without any fear since it is effectively insulated twice, which means it will not heat up.
This coffeemaker doesn’t include nitro gas charges. Everything you need to store and serve your cold brew is included in this full set – 50 oz keg, filter bag, funnel, uKeg tool, stainless steel faucet and required components, nitrous oxide holder, and pressure regulator so that your drink will stay at its best for an extended period.
Hatfield’s London NitroPress – Best for travel
Considering a nitro cold brew coffee machine and don’t want something too large? The Hatfield’s London NitroPress is ideal if you’re looking for an easier to manage gadget that is simple to use and clean.
This model has a shiny stainless steel finish and comes with all the components necessary for you to begin using it. The package comprises a charger stand, nitrous mouthpiece, piston valve, cylinder top, and swappable handgrip strap. It has 10 Nitropress N2 chargers included, so you can begin preparing superb nitro cold brew coffee right away.