Nitrogen Infused Coffee: What Is Nitro Cold Brew?

Nitrogen infused coffee, often referred to as nitro cold brew, is a trendy coffee drink that has exploded in popularity over the past few years. As the name suggests, it involves infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas to create a drink with a unique texture and flavor.

You’ll almost always find nitrogen infused coffee served cold rather than hot. The nitrogen alters the texture and taste profile of the cold brew, creating a smooth, creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of a Guinness or other nitro beer. The nitrogen also lends a subtle sweetness to the coffee’s flavor.

In this article, I’ll provide a brief history of nitrogen infused coffee, explain what it tastes like, how to get it…and even how to make it at home!

How Did Nitrogen Infused Coffee Start?

The origins of nitro coffee are a bit murky, but it seems to have first appeared in coffee shops around Portland and Seattle in the early 2010s. These pioneering Pacific Northwest cafes were likely inspired by the velvety mouthfeel of nitrogenated beers like Guinness. The cold, cascading bubbles and luscious foam of a properly poured pint of Guinness perhaps made coffee shop owners wonder if the same technique could work for cold brew.

And indeed it did! Those early coffee shops found that by infusing cold brew concentrate with nitrogen before serving, they could create an ultra-smooth, creamy cold coffee that people went crazy over. It offered a completely new texture and experience compared to regular iced coffee. From those first shops in Portland and Seattle (probably), the nitro cold brew trend began to spread to independent coffee shops across the country.

Around 2015, Starbucks got on board and introduced nitro cold brew on tap at some locations. Other large chains like Dunkin Donuts followed. This helped expose even more coffee drinkers to the joys of velvety, nitrogen-infused cold brew.

Nowadays, it’s easy to find nitro cold brew at all kinds of coffee shops and cafes, often served on tap from a specialized nitro tap.

What Does Nitrogen Infused Coffee Taste Like?

So what makes nitro cold brew taste so unique? And why are coffee lovers so enamored with it?

It comes down to the effect the nitrogen gas has on the texture and flavor. Nitro cold brew is much smoother and creamier than regular iced coffee. The tiny nitrogen bubbles give it an almost frothy, foamy texture reminiscent of a thick stout beer. This ultra-smooth mouthfeel makes the coffee taste rich and luscious.

The nitrogen also seems to enhance the natural sweetness of the coffee subtly, while reducing any acidic or bitter flavors. Overall, nitrogen tends to deliver a round, mellow, and mildly sweet coffee flavor.

Drinking a nitro cold brew is an experience—the cascading bubbles, the frothy foam, the ultra-smooth mouthfeel. It’s almost like drinking a delicious pint of creamy beer, but with the unmistakable flavor of great coffee. For coffee purists, nitro cold brew offers an exciting new dimension of texture and taste.

Where Can You Get Nitro Cold Brew?

Originally found mainly at hip, indie coffee shops, nitro cold brew is now easy to find at all kinds of cafes. Larger chains like Starbucks, Peet’s, and Dunkin’ have even added it to their menus. These days, many local coffee shops still offer the smooth, velvety beverage.

Nitro cold brew is also increasingly available in canned and bottled beverages you can grab at the grocery store. Popular national brands like Chameleon, Rise, Stumptown, and Califia Farms offer nitro cold brew in cans or bottles. They offer an easy way to get your nitro fix at home.

I’m a big fan of the canned nitro cold brew options from Stumptown and Rise Brewing. The Stumptown comes in an easy-to-drink 10 oz can, while the Rise Brewing nitro cold brews come in 8 oz sleek cans with a widget that releases nitro bubbles when you pop the tab. Both taste amazing!

Can You Make Nitrogen Infused Coffee at Home?

One question I get all the time is whether you can make your own nitro cold brew at home. And the answer is yes! Although you’ll need some equipment, you can easily nitrogenate cold brew concentrate in your own kitchen.

The easiest DIY method uses a device called a nitro coffee maker, which is specifically designed for home use. Devices like the GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker allow you to infuse any cold brew concentrate with nitrogen without expensive equipment or giant canisters of gas.

Just add your coffee, charge with nitrogen from a small canister, and you’ve got homemade nitro in minutes! I’ve personally used this and love it for easy at home nitro cold brew.

Other home options include making or buying a kegerator or small keezer and investing in a canister of nitrogen gas. I added a small hookup for nitrogen cold brew to a keezer I made for homebrewed beer, and it works beautifully. If you don’t already have the keezer, though, expect to spend around $400 making it yourself.

You can also use the iSi whipper devices, which are whipped cream makers that you can use to make DIY nitro cold brew. Just add nitro chargers and coffee concentrate, give it a shake, and dispense the nitro cold brew! This will get expensive over time, but it’s an easy way to give it a try.

For most home use, I recommend keeping it simple with an appliance like the GrowlerWerks uKeg. While building a kegerator or keezer and kegging your nitro cold brew is awesome, it’s probably overkill unless you’re a hardcore cold brew fanatic or already have the setup for homebrewed beer!

Wrapping Up: Why Nitro Cold Brew Is All the Rage

Nitro cold brew has become a full-blown phenomenon, and for good reason. The ultra-smooth, frothy texture gives cold brew an entirely new dimension of taste and mouthfeel. The subtle sweetness and lack of acidity make nitro an incredibly easy, enjoyable coffee to drink straight or with milk or creamers.

It’s no wonder nitro cold brew is showing up on menus everywhere from indie cafes to Starbucks. Experiencing the cascading nitrogen bubbles and that irresistible, foamy texture is something every coffee lover should try.

The convenience of canned options makes enjoying nitro easier than ever. But it’s also fun to experiment with making your own homemade nitro if you’re feeling adventurous! However you get your hands on it, give nitro cold brew a taste if you haven’t already—it’ll change how you think about cold coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nitro cold brew stronger than regular cold brew?

Nitro cold brew is not inherently stronger than regular cold brew. They are typically brewed with the same coffee-to-water ratios. However, the nitrogenation process can subtly smooth and mellow the flavor which may make nitro taste less intense and less acidic. The nitrogen also lends a slightly sweet flavor. So while not higher in caffeine, nitro cold brew may taste a bit milder and sweeter than regular cold brew.

How long does nitro cold brew last in the fridge?

Like regular cold brew, a nitrogen-infused batch will last up to about 2 weeks refrigerated, but you need to store it in an airtight container or the nitrogen will escape from the coffee. It may lose some carbonation and frothiness after several days, but it should maintain good flavor for up to 14 days. For maximum freshness and that just-tapped taste, aim to drink nitro cold brew within 3 to 5 days. Properly stored canned or bottled nitro cold brew can last for several months.

Can you use a whipped cream dispenser to make nitro cold brew?

Yes, whipped cream makers like the iSi Gourmet Whip can be used to make nitro cold brew at home with relative ease. Simply add cold brew concentrate and one or two nitrous oxide chargers, shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, then dispense into a glass. The nitrogen infuses the coffee, creating a smooth nitro-like effect. Just be sure to use a high-quality dispenser safe for use with food, and follow the instructions carefully.