How to Make Nitro Cold Brew: Science Meets Flavor

Walk into any specialty coffee shop these days, and you’ll probably find a barista who knows how to make nitro cold brew coffee. But may I let you in on a little secret? You, too, can make this coffee at home!

So, why are people losing their minds over nitro brew? 

Well, this is no regular cold brew. It’s a one-of-a-kind taste experience – effortlessly smooth, frothy and velvety. Secondly, it’s relatively easy to make, provided you have the right equipment. 

Stick around to learn why nitro cold brew is the hottest (or should I say, coolest?) coffee trend. Better still, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make this coffee at home. 

Overview: What Is Nitro Cold Brew?

Learning how to make nitro cold brew isn’t rocket science, but it’s pretty darn close to coffee magic! As I said before, it takes your average cold brew and gives it a serious upgrade. How? By blasting it with nitrogen gas. Yep, you heard right! The same nitrogen gas that makes up most of the air we breathe. 

Here’s the deal: When you infuse cold brew with nitrogen gas, you end up with a sweeter, smoother brew. Tiny nitrogen bubbles create a creamy, velvety mouthfeel unlike any other coffee. This cold coffee cascades like a waterfall, settling into your glass like a craft IPA or Irish stout. 

Furthermore, it’s sweet and creamy all on its own. The best part is, you can embrace fourth-wave coffee philosophy and brew this coffee in the comfort of your kitchen. Just don’t blame me when you’re hooked – this stuff is seriously addictive!

What’s the History Behind Nitro Cold Brew?

Before we master how to make nitro cold brew, let’s uncover its roots with a short trip down memory lane. Believe it or not, this delicious brew wasn’t cooked up in some fancy lab. Nope, nitro brew got its start in the land of craft beer! 

Back in 2012, coffee geeks at The Queens Kickshaw, NYC, had a light bulb moment. They thought, “Hey, if nitrogen can make beers awesome, why not coffee?” And so, they experimented with infusing nitrogen into cold-brewed coffee. 

Meanwhile, over in Austin, folks at Cuvée Coffee Bar were also playing around with the same idea. In 2013 they were the first to sell nitro cold brew on tap. Naturally, Texans went nuts for it. 

But this coffee craze really took off when Starbucks got in on the action in 2016. Soon enough, every coffee joint from Portland to Miami jumped in on the game. What started as a wacky experiment had turned into a full-blown flavor revolution.

Is Nitro Cold Brew Safe?

Short answer: Yes. Nitro cold brew is just regular cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. That’s it. No funky chemicals and no weird additives. 

Furthermore, this nitrogen is food-grade, so it is safe to consume. What about rumors about it being super strong? Well, that’s true. 

Nitro cold brew packs quite a caffeine punch. In fact, it has 200-300 milligrams per 16-ounce (473-milliliter) serving. But that’s mainly because cold brewing requires (and, therefore, results in) a higher coffee-to-water ratio. 

So unless you’re downing nitro cold brews like water (which might have you bouncing off the walls), you’re in the clear.

What Does Nitro Cold Brew Taste Like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to sip on a cloud? Well, nitro cold brew might be the closest thing. Seriously, I mean it! As soon as you sip this coffee, it hits you with its silky-smooth, creamy, lighter-than-air texture. 

Flavor-wise, nitro cold brew is less acidic than regular coffee. It may also boast hints of chocolate, nuts or fruits. Naturally, these flavor notes depend on the coffee origin and roast profile. 

Moreover, nitrogen bubbles also give this brew a subtle, natural sweetness. As for mouthfeel, this coffee is thick and velvety, almost like a pint of Guinness. In fact, it’s so smooth that you might forget you’re drinking coffee at all!

Equipment for Making Nitro Cold Brew at Home

Before you master how to make nitro cold brew at home, you’ll need to gear up first, because this coffee is very equipment-specific. As such, you may not get quality results without the right tools.

While some of this equipment might seem like an investment, it’ll pay off in countless, delicious cups of joe. And save you big bucks in the process! 

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

A cold brew coffee maker simplifies the brewing process. It allows you to steep coffee grounds in cold water over a 12-24 period. In the process, it extracts the coffee’s natural flavors while reducing acidity and bitterness. 

By their very design, these coffee makers also ensure even saturation and optimal extraction.Plus, the built-in filtration system guarantees a clean, mess-free and grit-free brew. 

The result is a rich, full-bodied cold coffee concentrate, perfect for cold brew lattes and, indeed, nitro cold brew. Popular cold brew coffee makers include:

Whipped Cream Dispenser

Whipped cream dispensers work well for making whipped cream. But did you know they are also excellent for nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee? This dual use has made them invaluable for home brewers. 

When choosing, opt for stainless steel whippers. These are durable, won’t affect coffee flavor and, by virtue of vacuum insulation, maintain temperature well. 

A 1-quart (1-liter) dispenser is enough for home use. Crucially, whatever dispenser you choose, ensure it’s compatible with nitrogen (N2) chargers. Why? Because some only work with whipped cream nitrous oxide (N2O) chargers. 

Importantly, don’t skimp on safety! Your whipper must have a pressure relief valve that prevents high-pressure accidents. 

With these factors in mind, here are my top recommendations:

Remember, whichever whipper you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, ensure you clean it after each use to maintain coffee quality.

Nitrogen Chargers

Nitrogen chargers are small metal cylinders filled with compressed, food-grade nitrogen gas (N2). They’re used with whipped cream whippers or specialized nitro cold brew keg systems. Most chargers contain 8 grams of nitrogen as standard. 

Before buying, ensure your charger fits your particular model of whipped cream dispenser. Importantly, you should always use food-grade nitrogen chargers, not industrial ones. 

Also, it’s important to note that nitrogen (N2) chargers are different from nitrous oxide (N2O) chargers. These two types are not interchangeable.

Whatever brand charger you choose, make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. Additionally, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before brewing. Typically, you’ll need one charger per pint (473 millimeters) of cold brew.

Once you’re done brewing, dispose of used chargers responsibly. Thankfully, unlike coffee pods, these chargers are recyclable, so there’s no need to puncture or incinerate them. 

Lastly, avoid direct skin contact with the gas when dispensing. I mean, nobody likes (or wants) frostbite!

Nitro Cold Brew Keg System

A keg is a specialized brewer that stores, infuses and dispenses nitro cold brew coffee. It consists of a pressurized container, gas inlet and dispensing tap. Most keg bodies consist of double-vacuum-insulated stainless steel. This guarantees durability and helps keep coffee cold and fresh for hours. 

Nitro cold brew kegs also have pressure gauges for precise control. In addition, the specialized faucet ensures that the brewed coffee comes out with a special cascading effect.

These keg systems come in various sizes:

For home use, I would recommend a mini keg, especially if you’re still learning how to make nitro cold brew. They offer the benefits of a full-size system but in a manageable size for your refrigerator.

Crucially, you also want a nitro brew keg that can keep your coffee under constant nitrogen pressure. This continuous infusion ensures that every pour has that signature cascade. 

My top recommendations include:

Buying a good keg system isn’t the be-all and end-all. It’s also important that you start with a high-quality cold brew concentrate. A nitrogen infusion enhances the flavors already present in the coffee. 

Thus, using a well-crafted cold brew is crucial for best results. 

Also, look for dishwasher-safe components and adjustable pressure regulation for precise control.

Accessories

For the best nitro brew coffee flavor, I recommend grinding your coffee beans just before brewing. To this end, opt for an electric burr grinder or manual grinder. These grinders ensure a consistent, coarse grind, ideal for cold brew. 

Some solid choices include:

Precision is also key in cold-brewed coffee brewing. In this regard, a digital coffee scale will help you maintain the required coffee-to-water ratios. 

The Fellow Tally Pro Digital Coffee Scale is one of my favorites. Its pinpoint accuracy improves consistency and coffee quality by preventing under/over-dosing.

To fully appreciate the cascading effect of nitro cold brew, I recommend serving this coffee in clear glasses. Collins or pint glasses are perfect for showcasing this delightful effect. I also recommend my double-walled coffee glasses for superior insulation.

Alternatively, you may invest in insulated travel mugs if you prefer enjoying your coffee on the go.

How to Make Nitro Cold Brew at Home

Let’s jump into how to make nitro cold brew at home. So far, things might sound complicated. But I assure you, making nitro brew at home is easier than you think. 

So, what’s the secret? Precise measurements, careful brewing and lots of patience. Oh, and nitrogen to impart that sweet, velvety finish. 

Here are two easy at-home brewing methods for the best nitro cold brew: 

Cold Brew Maker and Whipped Cream Dispenser

This method involves two main steps: Making cold brew coffee and infusing it with nitrogen. It’s easier for beginner home brewers but requires a more hands-on approach. 

To begin:

Nitro Cold Brew Keg System

Once you’ve mastered how to make nitro cold brew using a whipped cream dispenser it may be time for an upgrade. A specialized nitro brew keg does the job. It not only guarantees you consistent results but is also ideal when making larger coffee quantities. 

Final Thoughts on Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

So there you have it–the lowdown on how to make nitro cold brew at home. This novel brewing method has elevated coffee into a smooth, velvety art form. 

What’s more, it isn’t that hard a nut to crack. Provided you have the know-how, equipment and lots of patience, you too can master nitro cold brew at home. 

So, the next time you’re jonesing for a caffeine fix or want to surprise friends and family, why not give nitro cold brew a whirl? It truly is a taste sensation!