It was the year 2012 when nitro brewing first rose to prominence, giving us one of the most ingenious and chillingly invigorating beverages in all the world of drinks. That was 10 (!!!) years ago, and now we pretty much can’t imagine our lives without it.
If you’re late to the cold brew game and aren’t entirely sure what it is (or you love it and are just curious to know more), just picture a tall frosty glass containing the perfect amount of foam and boasting a smooth, refreshing taste.
The only thing is, it’s coffee . . . not beer! So if you’re someone that can’t function without their daily coffee (or coffees), we’ve put together this little primer. That way, the next time you spot a cup of nitro on the menu at your local coffee shop, you can order one with total confidence.
In this article:
- What is a nitro cold brew coffee?
- Cold brew vs. nitro cold brew — what’s the difference?
- How to make nitro cold brew
- How much caffeine is in a nitro cold brew?
- How much does a nitro coffee cost?
- Nitro coffee tips
- FAQs
What Is a Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?
You’ve probably heard of an iced coffee before. And if you haven’t, WOW are you missing out. (Seriously, get on that ASAP.) A nitro cold brew is similar to a standard iced coffee in the sense that they’re both served chilled, but it’s also very distinctly different.
Nitro brew coffee, as you may have guessed, is a form of cold brew. The big difference is that this one has been infused with nitrogen.
Brewed in metal kegs, like a beer, the coffee is infused with a high-pressure nozzle that shoots nitrogen into the mixture, creating bubbles that become that classic, frothy foam.
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Cold Brew vs. Nitro Cold Brew — What’s the Difference?
Firstly, you can make nitro coffee with the exact same beans you use to make any iced coffee, but that doesn’t mean it’ll taste the same.
Nitro is like traditional cold brew (or water that’s been infused with coffee grounds overnight for a richer, more concentrated coffee), but with a defining twist. Nitrogen is the pièce de resistance, the chef-d’œuvre, the not-so-secret ingredient that adds pizazz and flair to that ol’ cup o’ joe.
Nitrogen has a way of tamping down acidity while bringing out the bean’s inherent sweetness. Think about the way a Guinness differs from a regular stout — the principle is basically the same here.
The added bonus? A sweeter, creamier flavor means there’s even less need for cream and sugar. It’s also going to have a thicker mouthfeel than you’re used to, so if you really hate that watered-down flavor of iced coffee, nitro brew might just be perfect for you.
Plus, if you’re looking for an extra jolt, it has the benefit of being a bit more caffeinated, too.
With regular iced and cold-brew coffee, they’re made in the following ways:
How to make regular iced coffee
- Use your favorite ground coffee (you can find some amazing coffee deals here on Groupon!)
- Add hot water
- Brew for a few minutes
- Filter to remove the grounds
- Let it cool and refrigerate
- Add ice cubes before serving
How to make cold-brew coffee
- Use your favorite ground coffee
- Add cold water
- Let it steep for at least 12 hours
- Filter to remove the grounds
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy
How to Make Nitro Cold Brew
- Choose your favorite coffee grounds.
- In an airtight container, combine the grounds with 1.5 cups of water.
- Leave to steep at room temperature for 12 hours, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Strain the mixture to remove the coffee grounds, and store in an airtight container (it will keep for up to 10 days).
- Combine a cup of the cold brew concentrate you made earlier with a cup of cold water.
- Pour into a cream whipper dispenser and seal. Charge with one nitrous oxide cartridge and shake it for 30 seconds.
- Let the dispenser sit for another 30 seconds, until it starts to feel cold to touch.
- Hold a glass at a slight angle and dispense the coffee through the nozzle.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Nitro Cold Brew?
Want that lightning bolt wake-up call from your coffee in the morning?
Well, when you compare the caffeine in nitro cold brew vs. regular coffee, it’s nitro that takes the gold.
In fact, some companies have claimed that nitrogen-infused coffee has up to 30% more caffeine per ounce than regular classic coffee. To put it into perspective, Starbucks’ product information states that Grande (16 ounces) nitro cold brews have 280 milligrams of caffeine. A regular unsweetened Grande cold brew, meanwhile, has 200 milligrams.
How Much Does a Nitro Coffee Cost?
Prices will vary. If you buy from a coffee shop, you’re typically looking at between $3.25 to $3.95 a cup — but it obviously depends on the size you want and the place you get it from.
Nitro Coffee Tips
- Adding a few pumps of your favorite syrup helps boost the flavor – Buy syrups to use at home, or if you’re having one made professionally, choose from the ones available in the store.
- Don’t serve with ice – While other cold coffees use it, nitro brew coffee doesn’t. Ice can water the creamy texture down, and it should already be REALLY chilled without the need for any.
FAQs
Where did nitro coffee come from?
There’s some debate about this in the foodie world. While Eater points to Cuvée Coffee in Texas as the first proprietor to offer nitro brew coffee in 2012, Esquire claims the first was The Queens Kickshaw in New York in 2011. Regardless, it’s still a recent trend. Even Starbucks got in on the fad, adding the drink to their menu in 2015 at more than 500 stores.
Don’t live near one of those Starbucks branches or a hip indie coffee house? Don’t worry; just like Guinness, nitro cold brew can be canned — just check your local supermarket, gourmet food shop or online store to order yourself a six-pack.
Is nitro cold brew good for you?
Nitro cold brew is fine in moderation — just like any drink with caffeine in it. Most healthy adults can consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day, so don’t forget that caffeine is also found in other things like chocolate, tea and more!
Is nitro cold brew stronger than espresso?
Yes, nitro cold brew is stronger than espresso. It may not have the same sharpness you get from espresso, and may even seem “velvety” by comparison, but nitro brew really does pack a punch.
Interested in trying a nitro coffee? Find great offers and discounts near you with our local deals.
