Nitro cold brew coffee has a firm grasp on cafes and home countertops across the country. A new take on your everyday cup of Joe, this drink stands out for its bold flavor and energizing effects. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a rookie to the caffeinated world, nitro cold brew is sure to become your go-to choice.
But what does nitro mean in coffee? Is it a buzzword or actually worth the hype? Let’s take a look at what exactly nitro cold brew is, its taste profile, and the many ways in which it can be brought to life.
What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?
Let’s start things off by getting the big, burning question out of the way – what is a nitro cold brew, exactly?
In its simplest form, nitro coffee is a cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. It begins the same way any other cup of cold brew does, with freshly ground coffee beans slowly steeped in cool water for 12 to 24 hours. The resulting liquid is then infused with nitrogen gas using a special tap system, giving it a smooth and creamy texture unlike any other coffee.
Nitrogen infusion makes beverage flavor more intense, with a rich and full-bodied taste that’s both sweet and slightly bitter. It creates a characteristically velvety mouthfeel similar to that of a latte, while the small bubbles produced by the nitrogen gas also give nitrogen coffee a cascading effect when poured.
Nitro Cold Brew in Coffee Culture
Nitrogenated cold brews are newer to the coffee scene, having first made their mark in the early 2010s. The beverage’s official origin is disputed between industry players in Oregon and Texas which were both experimenting with carbonated and nitrogenated drinks at the time. Whichever case is true, people loved the new take on coffee. It didn’t take long for shops and cafes across the United States and around the world to get wind of nitro cold brew and start offering their own specialty cups.
How is Nitro Cold Brew Differ from Regular Coffee?
Nitro infused coffee has exploded in popularity for being different. While it and an average cold brew share the same bean of origin, this specialty beverage embodies a thicker texture. Requiring less milk and sugar to achieve its sweet taste, nitrogen coffee has fewer calories when you compare those of nitro cold brew vs. iced coffee.
Does Nitro Cold Brew Have More Caffeine?
The amount of caffeine in nitro cold brew isn’t fixed – it depends on what type of coffee you use, how much you dilute it, and more. With that being said, this type of beverage tends to be stronger than the average hot brew because it steeps longer. A basic nitro cold brew contains 215 micrograms of caffeine per cup.
Is Nitro Coffee Stronger Than Cold Brew Coffee?
Although there’s no mistaking a strong nitro cold brew taste for any other drink, the drink itself isn’t actually stronger than traditional iced coffee. Both start out the same way – steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time. The only difference is that nitro infusion makes cold brews sweeter and sometimes more full-bodied.
Why Nitro Cold Brew Coffee is Served Without Ice
Unlike the regular variety, a nitrogenated cold brew should always be served without ice so as to maintain its delicate balance of elements. Natural carbonation gives it a creamy, cool texture and intense flavor anyway – there’s no need to add anything extra.
Nitrogenated cold brew can be served in a range of ways, from straight from the tap to pre-filled bottles and cans. The drink is best enjoyed when served cold, but can also be heated up if desired.
How to Make Nitro Coffee at Home
If the above nitro cold brew caffeine disclosure didn’t scare you off, you’re probably just about ready to make your very own nitro cold brew at home and actually see what all of this talk is about.
The process is surprisingly straightforward; simply follow these steps:
Gather Your Equipment
Start by gathering the ingredients and tools that go into making a nitro coffee.
These include:
• Coffee Beans
• Coffee Grinder
• Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• Filtered Water
• Nitro System
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Determine your coffee-to-water ratio based on how strong and concentrated you’d like your cold brew. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend using anywhere from 1 part coffee to 2-3 parts water.
Brewing Process
Next comes grinding the coffee, combining it with water, steeping, filtering, and transferring.
Nitrogen Infusion
WHOOSH! A nitro system will make your drink a true nitro cold brew.
Serve and Enjoy!
Enhance The Nitro Cold Brew Experience
With the above steps being provided, it’s worth acknowledging the fact that not every nitro infused cold brew out there tastes the same. A beverage’s quality always comes down to the tools used to make it. In this specific context, nitro technology will play a large role in how your final product comes out.
BROOD is proud to offer a cutting-edge range of nitrogen infusion machines for cold brew coffee, alcohol, tea, and so much more. As a leader in the space, our brand’s tankless systems set high standards while delivering an unbeatable flavor profile that simply can’t be replicated.
It’s no surprise that nitro coffee is on the rise, and our three flagship machines have been a key driving force in this revolution:
DRNX
The first of BROOD’s nitro coffee machine offerings, DRNX gives everyday coffee makers the opportunity to craft exceptional sipping experiences from the comfort of their own homes. This system is high-capacity, capable of dispensing as many as five cups of liquid in under a minute.
It’s also versatile; use DRNX as an espresso martini machine, basic coffee infuser, or tea maker and you’ll get the same high-quality, delicious results every single time. Little to no maintenance is required to keep the system at its best, while its durable construction ensures it will last for years.
DRNX DUO
Next up on the nitro coffee chain, we have DRNX DUO. Per the name, this machine comes with not one, but two nitrogen dispensing taps for twice the drink-making capacity. Its ability to seamlessly switch between modes is ideal for busy environments like coffee shops and bars. Whatever your patrons prefer to drink, there’s no limit to the range of beverages or unique flavor profiles you can create with an advanced nitrogen infusion system like this one.
DRNX BRW
Now, do you want to make nitro cold brew coffee or make nitro cold brew coffee? DRNX BRW does the latter. topping our offering of nitro cold brew coffee maker units, this completely self-contained system packs in more functionality and power than any other machine of its kind. The internal reservoir keeps liquid cool and ready to brew, while the dedicated nitrogen gas tank creates a smooth cascading pour that carbonates the coffee in an instant.
18 Delightful Nitro Cold Brew Experiences to Try
Matcha Latte
How do you like your nitro brew? If you’re anything like most coffee drinkers, it’s with tons of cream. An infused matcha latte is perfect for casual and sophisticated occasions alike. Its composition can be adjusted to cater to various preferences as well. Caffeine, no caffeine, cow’s milk or almond milk, it’s up to you!
Anistini Pour
Sure, a matcha latte is great, but what if you want to make your nitro infused cold brew a classy one? An Anistini Pour is the answer. This recipe blends traditional coffee flavors with those of multiple sweet syrups to create a final product that oozes with fragrance.
Classic Nitro Cold Brew
You can always choose to keep things simple with a classic nitro cold brew coffee. Uncomplicated but oh-so-good, the traditional drink calls for nothing more than coffee beans, water, and a trusty nitrogen infusion machine. Starting off this way gives you the option to the coffee flavor as-is or add creams or syrups to your liking.
Nitro Float
A sophisticated twist on a childhood classic, the nitro float is favored among coffee lovers with a sweet tooth. Make it by crafting a cold brew, adding creamer or ice cream to the cup, and topping it off with an infusion from a nitro cold brew machine for that extra kick. Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic while treating yourself to an afternoon break!
Old Fashioned
They just don’t make nitro brew like this anymore. So why not make it yourself? This recipe uses the same basic ingredients as its modern counterpart – coffee beans and water. The difference lies in how the coffee is flavored; old fashioned cold brews are mixed with finely-grated orange peel to create a sharper taste.
London Fog
This next nitro infused cold brew is a quintessential British classic. Take your cold brew and add a splash of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup or honey to it. Top it off with nitrogen infusion for an extra smooth finish and you have yourself a delicious London Fog that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
Watermelon Gimlet
Who doesn’t love watermelon? It’s a hard flavor to hate when mixed in with the various lime fruit juices and syrups this recipe calls for. A nitrogenated cold brew Watermelon Gimlet is even better – those tiny bubbles dance on your tongue and add a bit of effervescence to the experience.
Blueberry Ginger
If nodes of natural flavor are your thing, try a Blueberry Ginger nitrogenated cold brew. The easy-to-make drink consists of only five ingredients – blueberry concentrate, ginger juice, lemon juice, water, and coffee – but tastes like a complex cocktail with layers of flavor. Tart from the blueberry and citrus, sweet from the ginger syrup, and lightly caffeinated for that extra kick.
Juniper Bliss
The Juniper Bliss is a great introductory beverage for those who want to start out with nitrogenated cold brew in an unconventional way. The beverage embodies an unmistakably tart and sweet tone, with a strong hint of juniper berry – the signature ingredient – alongside tastebud-tingling cold brew coffee.
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a well-loved drink for its sweet, sour and bitter flavors. It’s even better when infused with nitro cold brew – the added nitrogen serves to enhance the drink’s taste while changing its texture into a smooth, creamy, and iced-coffee like experience.
Pornstar Martini
Although it isn’t among the most tastefully named nitro cold brews, the infused Pornstar Martini is certainly tastefully crafted. This recipe combines three simple ingredients – premix with non-alcoholic vodka or spirit and water – and turns them into a creamy concoction that packs plenty of punch.
Cinnamon Nitro Cold Brew
Cinnamon cold brew is a refreshing and unique twist on the traditional iced coffee. It’s relatively easy to make and requires just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment beyond a BROOD machine. Whip up this tasty beverage for your next gathering and tantalize guests’ taste buds with its unique flavor profile any time of year.
Caramel Nitro Cold Brew
Maybe a plain old nitrogen cold brew isn’t your thing. Maybe you’re the type that likes their coffee so sweet, rich, and decadent that it almost tastes like a milkshake. If that’s the case, this one’s for you! The caramel nitro cold brew is a heavenly combination of freshly brewed cold coffee, nitrogen bubbles, and creamy caramel flavoring. The result? An incredibly smooth yet indulgent beverage that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning of coffee drinkers.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
The great thing about nitro brew is that there’s a variation of the drink for pretty much every month of the year. Come spooky season, you’ll definitely want to try an infused pumpkin spice espresso martini. It effectively takes everything great about the traditional beverage up a notch.
Mocha Nitro Cold Brew
Nitro infused coffee is rich in flavor by design, but you can make it even more so with additional ingredients like chocolate. The Mocha Nitro Cold Brew is a simple and delicious way to take a classic cold brew and make it into something special. There are plenty of ways to get the enriched flavor too, from syrup to shavings.
Creamy Espresso Martini
Ah, the creamy espresso martini. There’s nothing quite like it in the world. A generous pour of Irish cream plus smooth liquor and tantalizing nitrogen bubbles, every cup serves as a reminder of the joys of a boozy treat. Topping this nitro brew off with a maraschino cherry adds an extra layer of sophistication and elegance.
Almond Joy Nitro Cold Brew
Picture this: nitro coffee meets iconic candy bars. Almond Joy Nitro Cold Brew is a delicious, refreshing way to end the day, or start it, if you’re having one of those mornings. Simply add almond syrup, coconut milk and a drizzle of chocolate syrup to your cold brew for an instant flavor upgrade. The nutty sweetness of the almond and coconut pair perfectly with the cold brew and create an indulgent experience that’s sure to satisfy.
Nitro Cold Brew Affogato
Looking for a good nitro cold brew caffeine hit? You’ve found it in the nitro cold brew affogato. This beverage is potent in all the right ways, harnessing the power of cold brew coffee and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to make a delicious combination of cold, creamy and energizing caffeine goodness.
Pro Tips for Crafting Nitro Cold Brew Cocktails
We’ve established that there are plenty of ways to make a nitro brew. But whichever flavor concept or recipe you try, it’s important to go about the mixing process right. Take a look at these pro tips before getting started:
Prechill Glassware
Nitro cold brews can be made even more refreshing if you pre-chill your glassware before serving. Put them in the fridge for at least an hour to get a nice, cold cup when it’s time to serve.
Try Different Garnishes
Garnish has the capacity to elevate any drink. We highly recommend experimenting with them as you try different recipes.
Use a Good Shaking Technique
Shaking seems stupidly simple, yet it’s something that all too many home baristas fail to do correctly. Making a decent drink of any kind means thoroughly mixing it in a shaker for at least 10 seconds. You’ll know for sure you’re doing it right when the metal shaker is frosty to the touch.
Experiment with Sweetness
Experimenting with different sweeteners is a great way to get just the taste you’re looking for, whether that’s a hard cold nitro cold brew caffeine hit or sugary delight.
How to Make Perfect Nitro Cocktails in Minutes
Though it may seem simple, cold brew nitro is a science. It requires diligence and precision to make a batch that is smooth, creamy, and delicious – or at least to make them consistently. A solution designed with messy pourers in mind, BROOD’s line of premixes simplifies the mixing process by conolidating everything you need for one of several classic recipes into one bottle. Choose from a variety of tasteful options, including our popular Espresso Martini Premix, Earl Grey Martini Premix, Pêche Blanche Premix, or Sicilian Fade Premix, and take your drinking experience to the next level.
Wrapping Up
The world of nitro cold brew coffee is expensive to say the least. You could spend a lifetime exploring the various tastes and drinks there are to try and still not cover them all.
Whether you like it sweet, spicy, or bitter; creamy or foamy; nitrogen bubbles have the capacity to make any beverage that much better.
Browse BROOD’s catalog of cold brew machines, recipes, premixes, and pro tips to find the perfect way to make your cold brew stand out. With all of these options, you’re sure to find a flavor that will hit the spot. Go ahead and explore – you won’t regret it!
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