Ready-to-drink offerings are increasingly popular, especially among specialty roasters that continually enhance the coffee experience. In 2024, coffee trends are receiving widespread attention, and one standout is Nitro Cold Brew. This delightful beverage offers a smooth caffeine experience with a creamy texture, thanks to infused nitrogen bubbles. Its popularity soared after a viral TikTok video shared recipes. 

Still, Nitro Cold Brew is more than just an online sensation—it's a refined version of cold brew, delivering a smoother and more intimate caffeine experience than other RTD options.

But is it worth the extra dollar? The refined flavor, texture, and convenience justify the cost for busy lifestyles and on-the-go coffee aficionados. However, making homemade Nitro Cold Brew is on the cards for those who enjoy a hands-on approach! It's an option that impresses friends and family while saving trips to the convenience store.

Care to learn more about what makes Nitro Cold Brew unique and how you can enjoy it from home? Join in!

What is Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro Cold Brew is a delightful twist on traditional cold brew coffee. Infused with tiny nitrogen bubbles, it offers a silky mouthfeel and visually stunning cascading effect reminiscent of draft beer. 

As its name suggests, the brewing process involves infusing cold brew with tiny nitrogen bubbles into the coffee through a keg or the canning process. These bubbles are responsible for the drink's signature creamy texture, which adds a luxurious mouthfeel to each sip. 

Additionally, incorporating milk or alternative options like chocolate oat milk can enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor, making Nitro Cold Brew a versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Nitro cold brew and Regular cold brew comparison

History of Nitro Brew

The Stumptown Coffee Roasters, an industry pioneer, started offering the best versions of Nitro Cold Brew in 2013. The concept traces back to the 1950s, when Michael Ash, alongside other innovators in Ireland, developed a system for serving draft beer over Nitrogen. 

Coffee roasters, alongside other companies, would adopt the technique, offering teas, fruit drinks, root beer, and now coffees. 

Since then, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, among other national chains, have served the Nitro Cold Brew from a tap or can. This innovation eventually extended to coffee, tea, and other beverages.

Nitro Cold Brew tap pouring the beverage into a glass

What Nitro Cold Brew Tastes Like

Nitro Cold Brew delivers a rich, bold flavor with a thick, fizzy, and creamy texture. It offers a satisfying caffeine experience beyond quenching thirst, inviting drinkers to savor its boldness. You will do more than quench your thirst with the Nitro Cold Brew. 

Beyond its taste and texture, Nitro Cold Brew also delights the senses with its visual appeal. When poured, it resembles nitro beers, boasting a rich color, foamy head, and cascading bubbles dancing down the sides of the glass. 

This aesthetic charm adds to the overall experience, making Nitro Cold Brew a treat for the taste buds and a visually captivating beverage that begs to be shared and admired.

Variations of the Nitro Cold Brew now include coffee, fruit, beer, or tea. 

Nitro cold brew served

How to Make Nitro Cold Brew

While Nitro Cold Brew is pricier than standard Cold Brew, making it at home is simple and cost-effective. Regardless of your location, it is likely to dig a dollar or two deeper into your wallet than its substitutes. 

Here's a homemade recipe to bring the trendy café experience to your kitchen:

Recipe: Homemade Nitro Cold Brew

Ingredients:

• Coarsely ground beans (Dark or medium roasts recommended)
• Cold, filtered water
• Whipped cream dispenser or Nitrogen gas cartridge
• Optional: milk or flavored syrups

Instructions:

Step 1

1. Mix 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of chilled filtered water in a pitcher. 
2. Stir gently to saturate the coffee grounds.
3. Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, adjusting the time to achieve the desired caffeine strength.
4. Strain the coffee concentrate using a fine mesh or cheesecloth-lined strainer. 

Step 2: Infusing with Nitrogen

1. Pour the cold brew concentrate into a mason jar or glass growler.
2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the dispenser to the Nitrogen gas cartridge. 
3. Slowly introduce the cold brew concentrate to the dispenser, leaving some space at the top.
4. Seal the dispenser tightly and shake vigorously for about a minute to infuse the cold brew with Nitrogen.

Step 3: Serving

1. Serve the Nitro Cold Brew in a wide-mouthed, chilled glass to maximize the cascading effect. Customize with syrups, cream, or milk for added flavor.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring the trendy café vibe to your kitchen and impress friends and family with your homemade Nitro Cold Brew creations.

What distinguishes it from regular cold brew or other beverages?

Nitro Cold Brew distinguishes itself from regular cold brew and other beverages primarily through its unique texture, flavor profile, and presentation. Here are some key distinctions:

Texture	Nitro Cold Brew has a creamy and velvety texture, thanks to nitrogen infusion, while regular cold brew lacks this creaminess.
Flavor	Nitro Cold Brew offers a smooth and slightly sweet taste, enhancing the coffee's natural flavors, unlike regular cold brew, which may require additional ingredients for flavor.
Presentation	Nitro Cold Brew has a visually appealing cascading effect when poured, similar to nitro beers, making it stand out from other beverages.
Smaller Bubbles	Nitrogen bubbles in Nitro Cold Brew are smaller, creating a smoother effervescence than beverages using carbon dioxide.
Extended Shelf Life	Nitro Cold Brew's compatibility with canning processes extends its shelf life, making it convenient for grocery store purchases.
Versatility	Nitro Cold Brew is a versatile base for customization, allowing for adding milk or flavored alternatives to suit individual preferences.

Whether you're a busy coffee enthusiast on the go or a home brewing aficionado, Nitro Cold Brew offers a premium coffee experience worth savoring. 

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