What Is Nitro Coffee?
If you’re a true coffee lover, you may have noticed grocery stores and coffee shops touting `Nitro Coffee’. And it’s quickly making its way into the mainstream. So, what is nitro coffee?
What Is Nitro Coffee?
This is a unique type of cold-brewing coffee infused with nitrogen gas. Unlike regular coffee, it’s believed to be superior in terms of texture and taste.
Like beer, the nitrogenized coffee creates small bubbles to give the drink a thick, creamy texture. Besides changing the texture of the drink, nitrogen helps to form a dense head that is likened with that of a beer. Also, changing the texture helps to reduce the acidity and bitterness of coffee. This is great news for coffee enthusiasts who want to cut sugar or cream in their morning cup of Joe.
Along with the sultry effect of the drink, you should expect better flavor than what you’d find in a cup of cold coffee. To brew the coffee, you need a specialized nitro coffee tap. This equipment is designed to handle the acidity of the coffee without wearing you down.
Nitro Vs Cold Brew – What Is The Difference?
While both of these beverages can be served as an iced option, the main difference we find is texture and flavor. Here are the differences that should be expected.
1. Cold brew coffee gives a strong coffee flavor, this is due to steeping time anywhere between 12 – 24 hours of coarse grinds
2. Nitro cold brew delivers a smooth crème flavor, rich in body, and super-smooth taste
3. Cold brew compared to nitro is described as acidic, and bitter taste
4. Nitro gives off a draught beer type texture, this is attributed to millions of nitrogen bubbles hitting your tongue with each sip
5. Nitro coffee contains a higher caffeine content, this is due to the brewing process by adding nitrogen to each cup of coffee
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How To Make Nitro Cold Brew At Home?
Nitro coffee has become a popular brew for coffee enthusiasts. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the pricey $5 per cup. So, why not brew the coffee at home? Before you make the coffee through the cold brew method, you should ensure you have the right equipment to infuse nitrogen – a whipped cream dispenser.
1. To start with, pick a method for storing cold brew coffee. For smaller batches a large glass or container large enough that fits in the fridge. Either plastic container, glass, or specific cold brewing machine such as a mini keg or whipped cream container
2. For a stronger cup combine 1 cup of coffee grounds to 5 cups of water per batch. Furthermore this ratio of 1 to 5 will produce a desired strength per cup
3. Next, you should store and refrigerate between 24 – 48 hours. Let it sit for 12 hours before stirring it or shaking it thoroughly
4. After steeping the coffee, use a cheesecloth or a strainer to separate the coffee concentrate and the grounds
5. You can now transfer the freshly cold brew coffee into either a Mini Keg or Whipped Cream Container
6. Charge cannister with nitrous oxide cartridges, shake, and allow it to steep for about five minutes
7. Serve and enjoy!
What Is Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew?
Starbucks has it’s own version of nitro cold brew coffee, the method is slowly steeped for 20 hours and infused with nitrogen as it pours from a specifically designed nitro coffee tap. This process creates microbubbles, furthermore creating a frothy/foam like texture.
Our Top 3 Recommended Nitro Coffee Products
Nitro cold brew is one of the most trendy types of coffees on the market so.. What exactly is this popular product? Classic cold-brewed coffee with the addition of nitro finishes the beverage off with a smooth, tantalizing texture.
Due to the high demand for this variation of cold-brew, many companies are creating their own take on the drink. Below are three unique products that provide an interesting taste of this type of coffee.
Starbucks Nitro Cold-Brew, Black and Unsweetened
Starbucks is no stranger in attempts to be innovative with products, furthermore this is particularly true for their nitro cold-brew. Black and unsweetened has a smooth taste from the moment it is opened and the first sip is taken.
The instant satisfaction of nitro smooth taste is best served in an ice-cold glass or mug, moreover perfectly sized at 9.6fl oz, making it perfect for on the go.
PROS
- Comes in three variations: black and unsweetened, dark caramel, and vanilla sweet cream
- It is low in sugar. The black variation has zero sugar while the caramel only has 8 grams and the vanilla sweet cream only has 11 grams.
- Also low in calories, containing 10 calories per 284ml serving. However, the vanilla sweet cream has 70 calories if you’re looking for something sweeter.
Cons
- The nitrogen effect isn’t always present. Considering that it’s called “nitro cold-brew”, it should certainly be present. The directions imply that the can should be gently titled before opening with a small “rush” followed by the smooth flavor. The addition of nitrogen to these drinks is to create a creamy texture when combined with the nitrogen
- Bitter aftertaste, especially if the nitrogen aspect of the can fails. While cold brew coffee is supposed to be less bitter in taste, the nitro is the key to making it a smooth finish
- It can’t be purchased in a variety pack with the other exclusive flavors per order. This means that each variation needs to be purchased separately
Rise Brewing Co. Oat Milk Mocha
Oat milk is one of many milk alternatives that has made its way into coffee shops all over the world. Through the use of oat milk, this drink becomes vegan which is great for those avoiding dairy or lactose tolerant.
Moreover, oat milk makes this drink irresistibly smooth, and with the addition of nitrogen gives an amplified velvety texture. Mocha is a delicious flavor for coffee and it pairs well with cold brew drinks quite well. Between the oat milk and the mocha, this cold brew brand truly feels indulgent.
Pros
- It is responsibly sourced. Part of Rise Brewing Co.’s mission to bring flavorful coffee to its customers includes responsibly sourcing it. All of their products are GMO-free, gluten-free, and USDA organic certified.
- It company keeps its promise on the nitro effect upon opening the can, furthermore a distinct “swoosh” sound when opened enhances its smooth texture.
- It comes in three other flavors including classic oat milk latte, black unsweetened, and classic latte. All of them have the silky flavor of oat milk per can (except for the black unsweetened) providing a drink with layers of flavors.
Cons
- It’s only a 7 fl oz can. Those looking for a bigger cup of morning coffee should look elsewhere, however smaller size does make it more accessible for on-the-go. While the small size could be considered a con, it is also a pro for those who only need a small perk up in their day.
- The flavored varieties, like the oat milk mocha, are pretty high in carbs and sugar. Compared to other brands, it does have half of the sugar content. Moreover, each can has 15 grams of sugar and 25 grams of carbs, including 3 grams of added sugar. For those watching their sugar intake, it might be best to stick to the black nitro cold brew.
High Brew Coffee Double Espresso
Made with 100% direct trade Arabica beans, High Brew coffee proves that it has a delicious cold brew flavor. Overall quality of beans used produce a less bitter taste and a lower acidity than other brands.
Moreover, this product has simple ingredients inside: coffee, milk, and a little sugar. Good products don’t have to be overly complicated with ingredients and high brew coffee delivers to its customers this way.
Pros
- It has naturally occurring caffeine in every can, equivalent of about two cups of coffee per can (237ml). This makes them super energizing!
- It is a rich espresso taste. For a coffee lover taste is everything. This double espresso flavor really showcases its flavor profile.
- It only has 6 grams of sugar and 50 calories per can. This makes it perfect for those watching their sugar or calorie intake who still wants to enjoy a delicious cold brew drink.
Cons
- It is smaller in size compared to similar products. The can is only 8 fl oz and literally can fit in the palm of someone’s hand. Furthermore, great for people who are caffeine sensitive or only need a little bit of coffee to get them going
- The brand’s other variations have a lot of sugar, usually upwards of 16 grams per can
- There’s no real nitro effect. While it is a traditional cold brew coffee, there isn’t the addition of nitro to the can
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How Much Caffeine In Nitro Cold Brew?
Unlike regular drip coffee, nitro coffee has 30% more caffeine. Generally, the ratio of coffee grounds to water is higher. Plus, steeping for many hours increases the caffeine content. It’s also believed that nitrogen gas helps to process caffeine faster. In a 6 – 24 oz. cup, you should expect about 280mg of caffeine. This is one of the best caffeinated cold beverages in case you’re looking for something to fuel you up in the morning.
However, there’s a caveat to this. The type of coffee beans and grind size matters. While most people see nitro coffee as the caffeinated version of cold brew, that’s not the case. To get a clear picture of how much caffeine is in nitro coffee, you should first understand how much is in cold brew. While the caffeine content may look the same as that of hot coffee, you should expect cold brew to have higher caffeine content.
A Simpler Method Of Making Nitro Cold Brew
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Alternatively, you can use the cold-brew canister method. This eliminates a few steps keeping it simple.
1.Combine 3 cups of cold water with 9 ounces of coarsely ground coffee
2. Steep between 12 – 24 hours. Next step, you should charge with nitrous oxide cartridges, shake, and allow it to steep for about five minutes
3. After that, press the trigger on the canister to discharge the gas while holding the nozzle to minimize stress
4. Let it stand for one hour before you discharge the gas again
While these two methods will give a great nitro coffee, the taste of the 24 hour method is slightly stronger. Keep in mind, these methods can be split per preference.
It’s worth mentioning that the drink is designed to give a leisurely sipping experience rather than gulp it down to get a speedy caffeine fix.
Once the coffee is ready, you can take it unsweetened or without milk. Nevertheless, you can add almond milk, soy milk, or any other type of creamer agent. If you want to enjoy the authentic taste of the beverage,
you should avoid adding more stuff that can interfere with the texture.
Be sure to choose the brewing method that suits you best.
Final Thoughts
Nitro Coffee looks more like a stout beer. As it fills the cup, you’ll see a froth of fine bubbles that slowly separates as they rise to the top. This type of coffee has a smooth texture compared to regular coffee and is less acidic.
However, it has high caffeine content and great nutritional value. Whether you’re looking for a healthier way to get your morning fix or you just want to enjoy a caffeinated coffee beverage, Nitro coffee can be a sure bet.
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