Nitro coffee has taken the coffee world by storm with its smooth, creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you make nitro coffee?—you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of making this trendy, nitrogen-infused cold brew right in your own kitchen, using easy-to-follow steps and common equipment.
What Is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro coffee is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas instead of carbon dioxide. This nitrogen infusion gives the coffee a velvety, creamy mouthfeel and a frothy head, similar to a draft beer like Guinness. It also enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and reduces its acidity and bitterness, making for a smooth, refreshing drink.
What You’ll Need to Make Nitro Coffee at Home
Before diving into the process, gather these essentials:
– Coarsely ground coffee beans (medium to dark roast is ideal)
– Cold, filtered water
– A large jar or pitcher for brewing
– A fine filter or coffee filter paper
– A whipped cream dispenser or a nitro coffee maker
– Nitrogen gas cartridges (N2, not nitrous oxide N2O)
– A container or keg for storing and dispensing (optional but helpful)
If you have a nitro coffee maker or keg system, it makes the process easier, but you can also use a whipped cream dispenser with nitrogen cartridges for a DIY approach.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nitro Coffee
Step 1: Brew Your Cold Brew Coffee
Start by making a cold brew concentrate:
– Add coarsely ground coffee to your jar or pitcher. A good ratio is about 1 part coffee to 10 parts water.
– Pour in cold or room temperature water and stir gently to combine.
– Cover and let it steep in the fridge or at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
– After steeping, filter the coffee through a fine mesh or coffee filter to remove the grounds, leaving you with smooth cold brew concentrate.
Step 2: Infuse the Coffee with Nitrogen
There are two common ways to nitrogenate your cold brew:
Using a Whipped Cream Dispenser:
– Pour the filtered cold brew into the whipped cream dispenser.
– Attach a nitrogen (N2) cartridge to the dispenser — not nitrous oxide (N2O), which is used for whipped cream.
– Shake the dispenser vigorously to infuse the nitrogen into the coffee.
– Dispense your nitro coffee directly from the nozzle into a glass. Let it sit briefly to allow the creamy foam to rise to the top.
Using a Nitro Coffee Maker or Keg System:
– Mix your cold brew concentrate with filtered water if needed (usually a 1:1 ratio).
– Pour the coffee into the keg or nitro coffee maker.
– Connect the nitrogen gas canister and set the pressure to around 30 to 50 psi.
– Shake the keg gently to help the nitrogen dissolve into the coffee.
– Let the coffee chill and settle in the fridge for at least 12 hours.
– When ready, adjust the pressure to 13-15 psi for serving and pour your nitro coffee from the tap, enjoying the cascading bubbles and creamy head.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Pour your nitro coffee into a glass without ice to preserve the creamy texture. You can enjoy it black or add a splash of sweet cream or your favorite creamer for extra indulgence. Some people even make coffee ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting it.
Tips for the Perfect Nitro Coffee Experience
– Use freshly ground, high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
– Cold brew for at least 12 hours to extract rich, smooth flavors.
– Always use nitrogen gas (N2) cartridges, not nitrous oxide (N2O).
– Chill your coffee and equipment well before nitrogenating for optimal texture.
– Experiment with adding vanilla sweet cream or flavored syrups to customize your drink.
Why Nitro Coffee Is Worth the Effort
Nitro coffee isn’t just a cool-looking drink; it offers a unique sensory experience. The nitrogen bubbles create a creamy mouthfeel and a natural sweetness that often means you don’t need added sugar or cream. Plus, it has lower acidity, making it gentler on your stomach.
Making nitro coffee at home is easier than you might think and a fun way to elevate your coffee game. With just a few simple tools and some patience, you can enjoy this café favorite anytime.
Enjoy your smooth, creamy nitro coffee!