How to Make Cold Brew Nitro Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cold brew nitro coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its smooth and creamy texture and rich flavor. Nitro cold brew coffee is made by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, creating a velvety texture and a foamy head similar to that of a Guinness beer. While it may seem like a complicated process, making homemade nitro cold brew coffee is actually quite simple and can be done with just a few basic tools.

To make cold brew nitro coffee at home, the first step is to prepare the cold brew coffee. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. This slow brewing process results in a smooth and less acidic coffee concentrate that is perfect for making nitro cold brew. Once the cold brew coffee is ready, it can be infused with nitrogen gas using a nitro cold brew coffee maker or a whipped cream dispenser. With a little practice and patience, anyone can make delicious and refreshing cold brew nitro coffee right at home.

Understanding Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro cold brew is a type of coffee that is infused with nitrogen gas, which gives it a creamy and smooth texture, similar to that of a Guinness beer. Nitrogen gas, also known as N2, is an odorless and colorless gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Nitrogen gas is used to create the velvety texture of nitro cold brew, which is achieved by infusing the coffee with tiny nitrogen bubbles. The nitrogen bubbles create a cascading effect when the coffee is poured, giving it a beautiful and mesmerizing appearance.

Nitro cold brew is often served on tap, just like beer, and is becoming increasingly popular in coffee shops and cafes. Starbucks was one of the first coffee shops to introduce nitro cold brew to the market, and it has since become a staple on their menu.

To make nitro cold brew, baristas typically use a keg or a canister that is filled with nitrogen gas. The coffee is then brewed using cold water and a slow extraction process, which results in a less acidic and smoother coffee.

In conclusion, nitro cold brew is a unique and delicious way to enjoy coffee. Its smooth and creamy texture, combined with its beautiful appearance, makes it a popular choice among coffee lovers.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make cold brew nitro coffee, you will need a few key ingredients and equipment. Here is a list of what you will need:

Ingredients

• Coffee beans: Choose high-quality, fresh beans that are roasted for cold brew.
• Filtered water: Use cold, filtered water to make the coffee.
• Cream (optional): Add cream to taste.

Equipment

• Coffee filter: Use a coffee filter to strain the coffee.
• Coffee grinder: Grind the coffee beans to a coarse grind.
• French press: Use a French press to brew the coffee.
• Nitrous oxide cartridge: Use a nitrous oxide cartridge to infuse the coffee with nitrogen.
• Keg: Use a keg to store and serve the coffee.
• Whipped cream dispenser: Use a whipped cream dispenser to infuse the coffee with nitrogen.
• Cartridges: Use cartridges to infuse the coffee with nitrogen.
• Mason jars: Use mason jars to store the coffee.
• Growlerwerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Use this specialized device to make and store the coffee.

With these ingredients and equipment, you will be able to make delicious cold brew nitro coffee at home.

Cold Brew Preparation

Making cold brew nitro coffee is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic steps. The first step in making cold brew nitro coffee is to prepare the cold brew concentrate.

To prepare the cold brew concentrate, a cold brew ratio of 1:4 should be used. This means that for every 1 part coffee, 4 parts water should be used. The coffee and water should be combined in a container and left to steep for at least 12 hours, but preferably 24 hours using the 24-hour steep method.

Once the cold brew concentrate has steeped for the desired amount of time, it should be strained to remove the coffee grounds. The cold brew concentrate can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

To make cold brew nitro coffee, the cold brew concentrate should be mixed with water to achieve the desired strength. The ratio of cold brew concentrate to water will depend on personal preference and the strength of the cold brew concentrate.

It is important to note that the cold brew concentrate should always be refrigerated and used within two weeks of preparation to ensure the best taste and quality.

Overall, the cold brew preparation process is relatively simple and straightforward. By following the steps outlined above, anyone can make a delicious cold brew nitro coffee at home.

Nitro Infusion Process

To achieve the smooth, creamy texture and unique flavor of nitro cold brew coffee, the nitrogen infusion process is crucial. Nitrogen gas, which is odorless, tasteless, and non-reactive, is used to create tiny bubbles in the coffee, resulting in a velvety texture and a foamy head.

The nitrogen infusion process typically involves using pressurized nitrous oxide cartridges or a quick-brew canister method. In both cases, the coffee is brewed and cooled before being infused with nitrogen gas at a high pressure.

The most common way to infuse nitrogen into cold brew coffee is by using a trigger that releases the nitrogen gas into the coffee. The pressure required for this process is typically around 30-40 psi.

It’s important to note that nitrous oxide should not be used in place of nitrogen gas, as it can affect the taste and texture of the coffee. Additionally, the use of nitrogen gas should be done with caution, as it can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Overall, the nitro infusion process is a key component in creating the smooth, creamy texture and unique flavor of nitro cold brew coffee. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can enjoy this delicious and refreshing beverage.

Serving and Enjoyment

Once the cold brew nitro coffee is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy the luxurious mouthfeel and micro-bubbles that make this drink so special. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your cold brew nitro coffee experience:

• Creamy head: The creamy head on top of a nitro coffee is one of its defining features. To achieve this, make sure to use a nitro cold brew system or a whipped cream dispenser with nitrous oxide cartridges. The nitrogen gas creates a creamy texture and a smooth mouthfeel.

• Sweetness: Nitro coffee is naturally sweet, but you can add a sweetener like simple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter taste.

• Milk: If you like your coffee with milk, add it after the nitro coffee is poured. This will help preserve the creamy head on top.

• Stir: If you prefer a milder brew, stir the nitro coffee before drinking to mix the full-strength coffee with the nitrogen-infused micro-bubbles.

• Filter and strain: To remove any sediment or coffee grounds, filter the cold brew concentrate through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer before adding it to the nitro system.

• Iced coffee: Nitro coffee can be served over ice for a refreshing and caffeinated summer drink.

• Guinness comparison: Nitro coffee is often compared to Guinness beer because of its creamy head and smooth mouthfeel.

Overall, cold brew nitro coffee is a delicious and unique way to enjoy a well-extracted concentrate with a bold and full-bodied flavor. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to experience a new way of drinking coffee with a high caffeine content and a luxurious mouthfeel.