How To Make The Nitro Cold Brew At Home (Step-By-Step)

Are you tired of the same old coffee routine? Ready to upgrade to something truly exciting? Nitro cold brew is the answer!

This unique coffee drink combines the smoothness of cold brew with the creamy texture of nitrogen infusion, creating a refreshing and indulgent experience.

In this blog post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about nitro cold brew—from its fascinating history and easy steps to make it home to its surprising health benefits and common mistakes to avoid. So, let’s start brewing!

What’s A Nitro Cold Brew?

Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, which creates a creamy texture and a frothy head similar to a stout beer.

This process brings out the cold brew’s natural sweetness, making it smooth and indulgent. Nitro cold brew is usually served straight from a tap, offering a unique and refreshing coffee experience.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee vs. Nitro

Cold Brew: Made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This method produces a smooth, less acidic coffee often served over ice or mixed with water or milk.

Iced Coffee: Brewed hot and then cooled down. The coffee is poured over ice, causing it to have a more bitter taste than cold brew because of the quick cooling process. It’s a fast way to enjoy cold coffee but lacks the smoothness of cold brew.

Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro cold brew coffee is infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy texture and frothy head. Served from a tap, it has a velvety smoothness and natural sweetness.

Brief History About Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro coffee, also known as nitro cold brew, started during the third-wave coffee movement, which focused on high-quality, artisanal coffee.

In the early 2010s, cold-brew coffee became popular for its smooth, less acidic taste. Innovators began experimenting with ways to improve it. Mostly inspired by nitro beers like Guinness, they started infusing cold brew with nitrogen gas.

Cuvee Coffee, a Texas-based coffee shop, is often credited with introducing nitro coffee commercially in 2013.

They showcased it at coffee events, attracting fans with its creamy texture and cascading bubbles. The concept quickly spread, and by 2015, larger chains like Starbucks added nitro cold brew to their menus, increasing its popularity.

Today, nitro coffee is widely available in coffee shops, ready-to-drink cans, and home brewing kits.

Is Nitro Cold Brew Healthy?

Nitro cold brew can be a healthy choice because of its lower acidity, fewer calories, and rich antioxidant content. However, it’s essential to drink it in moderation and be mindful of high-calorie additives.

Health Benefit	Description
Lower Acidity	Easier on the stomach and teeth, reducing the risk of acid reflux and tooth enamel erosion.
Fewer Calories	Virtually calorie-free when consumed black, with natural sweetness and creamy texture.
Rich in Antioxidants	It contains compounds that help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Caffeine Content	Higher caffeine can boost energy and focus but should be consumed in moderation.
Customizable	It can be customized with healthier alternatives like almond or oat milk instead of syrups.

Nitro Cold Brew: Tips and Tricks

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks to make the perfect cup. Here are three unique insights from my brewing adventures:

1 – Use Freshly Roasted Beans

Freshness matters! Always use freshly roasted beans for the best flavor. I love using Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ Hair Bender blend.

Its balance of sweetness and complexity shines in cold brew. You should grind the beans just before brewing. This preserves their natural oils and flavors, resulting in a superior taste.

2 – Experiment with Steeping Times

I’ve found that steeping times can greatly affect the flavor. For a smoother brew, steep your coffee for about 16 hours.

If you prefer a stronger taste, try the full 24 hours. You should adjust the steeping time until you find your perfect match.

3 – Infuse with Flavored Nitrogen

A unique trick I enjoy is infusing the nitrogen with natural flavors.

Before charging your cold brew, you can add a bit of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to the nitrogen canister. This trick gives your cold brew a unique taste.

Nitro Cold Brew Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your nitro cold brew equipment in top condition. This ensures you enjoy delicious, high-quality coffee every time.

Frequency	Task	Description
Daily	Rinse After Use	Rinse the nitrogen-infused coffee maker or whipped cream dispenser with warm water.
	Clean the Nozzle	Remove and clean the nozzle using a small brush or toothpick to prevent blockages.
Weekly	Deep Clean	Disassemble equipment, soak removable parts in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes, rinse, and air dry.
	Check for Wear and Tear	Inspect for signs of wear or damage; replace any worn parts.
Monthly	Descale Equipment	Remove mineral buildup using a descaling solution or vinegar and water mixture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
	Lubricate Seals and Gaskets	Apply food-grade lubricant to seals and gaskets to maintain tight seals and prevent leaks.
Storage Tips	Store Properly	Store equipment in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight and damp areas.
	Keep It Dry	Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and storing to prevent mold and mildew.

Nitro Cold Brew: Common Mistakes

Here are three common mistakes I’ve encountered and how to avoid them.

1 – Using the Wrong Grind Size

One of my first mistakes was using the wrong grind size for my coffee beans. If the grind is too fine, it can result in a muddy and overly strong cold brew.

On the other hand, a grind that is too coarse can lead to a weak and under-extracted coffee. I suggest you use a coarse grind similar to the consistency of raw sugar. This allows for optimal extraction during the steeping process, resulting in a smooth and balanced cold brew.

2 – Inconsistent Steeping Times

When I first started, I didn’t pay much attention to the steeping time, which led to inconsistent results.

Steeping your cold brew for too short a time can produce a weak flavor, while oversteeping can make it overly bitter.

I found that steeping for 16 to 24 hours strikes the right balance, depending on your taste preference.

3 – Improper Nitrogen Infusion

Another mistake I made was not properly infusing the nitrogen. Initially, after charging it with nitrogen, I didn’t shake the whipped cream dispenser enough.

This resulted in a flat, less creamy coffee. Shaking the dispenser well is crucial to thoroughly mix the nitrogen with the cold brew, creating that signature creamy texture and frothy head.

Nitro Cold Brew: Favorite Recipes

Over the years, I’ve experienced a few recipes and came up with these favorites:

1 – Vanilla Almond Nitro Cold Brew

The combination of vanilla and almond adds a delightful twist to the smoothness of nitro cold brew.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cold brew concentrate
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 1 nitrogen cartridge

Instructions:

1. Mix the cold brew concentrate with vanilla extract and almond milk.
2. Pour the mixture into a whipped cream dispenser.
3. Charge the dispenser with a nitrogen cartridge and shake well.
4. Dispense into a chilled glass and enjoy the creamy, nutty flavor.
5. Cinnamon Maple Nitro Cold Brew

2 – Cinnamon Maple Nitro Cold Brew

This recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for something with a bit of warmth and sweetness. The cinnamon and maple syrup create a comforting and rich flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cold brew concentrate
• 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 nitrogen cartridge

Instructions:

1. Combine the cold brew concentrate with maple syrup and ground cinnamon.
2. Pour the mixture into a whipped cream dispenser.
3. Charge the dispenser with a nitrogen cartridge and shake well.
4. Dispense into a chilled glass and enjoy the cozy, spiced flavor.
5. Coconut Mocha Nitro Cold Brew

3 – Coconut Mocha Nitro Cold Brew

This tropical-inspired recipe is perfect for a refreshing and indulgent treat. The blend of coconut and chocolate makes it a standout.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cold brew concentrate
• 2 tbsp of coconut milk
• 1 tbsp of chocolate syrup
• 1 nitrogen cartridge

Instructions:

1. Mix the cold brew concentrate with coconut milk and chocolate syrup.
2. Pour the mixture into a whipped cream dispenser.
3. Charge the dispenser with a nitrogen cartridge and shake well.
4. Dispense into a chilled glass and savor the tropical, chocolaty goodness.

These three delicious recipes bring out the best in nitro cold brew. Give them a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this unique coffee drink! If you’d like to learn more recipes, check out “11 Easy Cold Brew Coffee Drinks.”

Last Thoughts

Nitro cold brew is a unique and enjoyable coffee experience. It has a rich, creamy texture and a smooth, naturally sweet flavor.

Whether you want to try something new or enjoy the craft of home brewing, nitro cold brew can be a tasteful and fun experience.

Now you understand the history, benefits, common mistakes, and how to properly clean and maintain your equipment.

Also, remember to use freshly roasted beans, experiment with steeping times, and infuse the nitrogen to achieve the best results.

Do you have any tips or questions you’d like to ask? Leave them in the comment section below. I’d love to hear them.