Nitro cold brew coffee is a unique option for coffee lovers because of its mesmerizing cascade of tiny bubbles and smooth, silky texture. Nitro cold brew is often found in specialized coffee shops, but its rich flavor profile and unique creamy mouthfeel have won over coffee enthusiasts all over the world. However, what if you could make this beloved café dish in the convenience of your own house?
Key Takeaways
- Nitro cold brew coffee enhances texture and flavor through nitrogen infusion.
- Essential tools include a cold brew coffee maker, a quality grinder, and a nitrogen dispenser.
- Steps include brewing a cold brew concentrate, infusing with nitrogen, and proper serving techniques.
What you will need to make Nitro cold coffee
Essential Tools for Nitro Cold Brew
These are the appropriate tools you will need to prepare the ideal batch of Nitro cold brew coffee:
- Cold Brew Coffee Maker – if you’re just getting started or prefer a DIY approach, a simple mason jar paired with a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth will do the job effectively.
- Coffee Grinder – A quality burr grinder is ideal as it provides consistent grind sizes which are crucial for cold brewing. The grind size should be coarse, akin to raw sugar, to ensure optimal extraction and prevent over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.
- Nitrogen Cartridge and Dispenser – Ensure the dispenser is compatible with nitrogen, not just N2O (nitrous oxide), as the gases affect the coffee differently.
- Nitrogen Cartridges – Be sure to purchase cartridges compatible with your dispenser.
- Scales and Measuring Tools – This helps in achieving a consistent flavor in every batch.
How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Creating the base of your nitro cold brew starts with the actual cold brewing process. Here’s how you can brew your own cold brew concentrate at home, step-by-step:
Step 1: Choosing Your Coffee
Select a coffee bean that suits your taste preference. Medium to dark roasts work well for nitro cold brew, as the nitrogen infusion amplifies the coffee’s natural sweetness and smoothness. Opt for a high-quality, freshly roasted bean to ensure the best flavor.
Step 2: Grinding the Coffee
Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency, similar to coarse kosher salt. This coarse grind prevents over-extraction and bitterness during the long brewing process, ensuring a smooth, sweet flavor in your brew.
Step 3: Mixing Coffee and Water
In your chosen brewing vessel, mix the ground coffee with cold, filtered water. The standard ratio is 1:8 (one part coffee to eight parts water), but feel free to adjust according to your strength preference. Stir gently to make sure all grounds are fully saturated.
Step 4: Steeping
Cover the vessel and let it steep at room temperature for about 12-24 hours. The steeping time can be adjusted based on how strong you like your coffee. Longer steeping times lead to a richer and more robust flavor.
Step 5: Filtration
After steeping, it’s time to filter out the coffee grounds. If you’re using a mason jar, pour the brew through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another container. For those using a dedicated cold brew coffee maker, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to filter the brew.
Step 6: Diluting the Concentrate (Optional)
The result of this process is a coffee concentrate. You can enjoy it as is or dilute it with water to taste. Before nitrogen infusion, make sure your cold brew is cold; you can chill the concentrate in the refrigerator.
Nitrogen Infusion Techniques for Nitro Cold Brew
Now that you have your cold brew concentrate prepared, it’s time to transform it into a creamy, silky nitro cold brew through nitrogen infusion. Here’s how to effectively infuse nitrogen into your cold brew coffee:
Step 1: Setting Up Your Nitrogen Dispenser
Prepare your nitrogen dispenser by ensuring it is clean and dry. Insert a nitrogen cartridge into the dispenser according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to use a dispenser that’s specifically designed for nitrogen to achieve the best results.
Step 2: Filling the Dispenser
Pour your cold brew concentrate into the nitrogen dispenser. Do not fill the dispenser to the brim; leave some space to allow the nitrogen to mix thoroughly with the coffee. Typically, filling it up to three-quarters is advised.
Step 3: Charging with Nitrogen
Securely close the dispenser. Charge it with one nitrogen cartridge to start. Shake the dispenser gently for a few seconds. This helps the nitrogen dissolve into the coffee, creating the microbubbles that contribute to the creamy texture of nitro cold brew.
Step 4: Letting It Rest
Once charged, let the dispenser rest for at least one minute. This resting period allows the nitrogen to fully infuse throughout the coffee.
Step 5: Dispensing
Invert the dispenser and gently squeeze the handle to pour the coffee into a clear glass. You should see a rich, creamy cascade of coffee filling the glass, topped with a thick, frothy head similar to that of a stout beer.
Step 6: Adjustment and Recharge (If Necessary)
Depending on your preference, you may find you want more or less nitrogen infusion. If the coffee isn’t as creamy as desired, you can charge it with an additional nitrogen cartridge and repeat the shaking and resting process.
How to serve Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
With your nitro cold brew ready, it’s important to know the best ways to serve and enjoy it to fully appreciate its unique qualities. Here are some tips to enhance your nitro cold brew experience:
1. Choosing the Right Glass
Serve your nitro cold brew in a tall, clear glass. This not only showcases the beautiful cascade effect but also enhances the overall drinking experience. The visual appeal is an integral part of enjoying nitro cold brew.
2. Optimal Serving Temperature
Nitro cold brew is best enjoyed cold. Serve it straight from the refrigerator or pour it over a single large ice cube. Avoid using multiple small ice cubes, which can melt quickly and dilute the flavor.
3. No Need for Additional Cream or Sugar
One of the beauties of nitro cold brew is its natural creaminess and slight inherent sweetness, enhanced by the nitrogen infusion. Before adding cream or sugar, taste your brew as it is. Many find that no additional additives are needed.
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of making nitro cold brew coffee at home. From understanding the essential equipment and brewing process to mastering nitrogen infusion and serving techniques, you’re equipped to enjoy this gourmet coffee shop staple without stepping out of your door. The process of making nitro cold brew at home is not just about drinking coffee; it’s an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby that combines the science of brewing with the art of coffee making.
Stay tuned for more coffee brewing guides, recipes, and bean roasts.
