Nitro Cold Brew
Ingredients
&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
- 2 1/2 ounces ground coffee beans
- 10 ounces water – filtered
- 8 ounces water – filtered, chilled
- 2 cartridges nitrogen (N2)
Instructions
1. Grind the coffee beans coarsely, similar to raw sugar.
2. Combine the grounds and 10 ounces filtered water in a clean jar; stir to fully wet the coffee.
3. Cover and steep at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until the concentrate tastes smooth and low in acidity (16 hours is a reliable midpoint).
4. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a paper filter or clean cloth; let drip without squeezing, then discard the grounds.
5. Filter once more through a fresh paper filter for clarity, if needed.
6. Chill the filtered concentrate until very cold, 1–2 hours, until it feels thoroughly chilled to the touch.
7. Dilute the cold concentrate 1:1 with 8 ounces filtered, chilled water to make 16 ounces ready-to-drink cold brew.
8. Pour the cold brew into a 1-pint (16-ounce) cream whipper rated for cold liquids, leaving just a little headspace; seal tightly.
9. Charge with 1 nitrogen (N2) cartridge, shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds, then add a second N2 cartridge and shake again for 20–30 seconds.
10. Rest the canister 30 seconds, then invert and dispense into a chilled glass at a slight angle; straighten the glass near the end to build a thick, cascading head.
11. Serve immediately while the foam settles into a creamy cap over the coffee.
Nitro Cold Brew is a chilled coffee served straight from a pressurized vessel, infused with nitrogen for a velvety, cascading pour and a creamy head reminiscent of stout on draft. The nitrogen softens perceived acidity and emphasizes chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes, creating a naturally sweet impression without added sugar. Its texture is the hallmark: tiny nitrogen bubbles produce a smooth, silky mouthfeel and a lasting foam, delivering a luxurious coffee experience that remains light and refreshing.
Born from the intersection of specialty coffee and draft beverage culture, Nitro Cold Brew emerged in the United States in the early 2010s. Inspired by nitro-dispensed beers, roasters and cafes began pushing cold brew through nitrogen to enhance body and presentation. The style spread rapidly across roaster cafes and national chains, becoming a signature pour that highlights the craft of cold extraction and precise gas infusion.