Introduction

Nitro cold brew is one of the most dramatic and most satisfying cold coffee experiences available. The combination of cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas and poured through a pressurised tap produces a dark, velvety liquid with a creamy, cascading pour that looks exactly like a pint of Guinness being pulled. The nitrogen creates tiny bubbles that produce a smooth, slightly sweet texture without any added dairy, making it simultaneously rich and light, dark and creamy.

Replicating this at home without a nitrogen canister and a draught system is approximately possible using a whipped cream dispenser, also known as an iSi or cream whipper, with N2O (nitrous oxide) cartridges rather than nitrogen. The result is not identical to true nitro cold brew but it produces a similar creamy, pressurised texture that is significantly more interesting than still cold brew and that produces the cascading pour effect that makes the drink so visually dramatic.

The technique requires no special barista skills. Fill the canister with cold brew concentrate, charge with a cartridge, shake twice, and release. The pressurised cold brew cascades into the glass in a cascade of dark, creamy liquid that slowly settles into a drink with a small head of foam. It is one of the most impressive home coffee preparations available.

History and Background

Nitro cold brew was pioneered by Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Texas around 2012 and Stumptown Coffee in Portland, Oregon who released canned nitro cold brew in 2013. The format spread rapidly through the specialty coffee world and was adopted by Starbucks nationally in the United States in 2017, bringing nitro cold brew to mainstream consumer awareness.

The use of nitrogen rather than carbon dioxide distinguishes nitro cold brew from sparkling coffee. Nitrogen produces much smaller, less soluble bubbles than CO2, creating a smooth, creamy texture rather than the sharp effervescence of carbonated water. The technique was borrowed from craft beer, where nitrogen is used to create the characteristic smooth texture of stouts and porters.

Canned nitro cold brew became a significant commercial product in the late 2010s with brands including Stumptown, Chameleon, and Starbucks competing in the category. The home whipped cream dispenser method emerged as a practical approximation for home baristas seeking the nitro experience without commercial equipment.

Nitro Cold Brew Style Coffee

Recipe by By butter u0026 berries

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

20

kcal

Ingredients

• 300ml cold brew concentrate chilled

• Whipped cream dispenser iSi or similar

• 1 to 2 N2O cartridges

• Ice optional for serving

• Simple syrup optional

Directions

• Ensure the cold brew concentrate is very cold. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Pour cold brew concentrate into the clean whipped cream dispenser.
• Seal the canister tightly.
• Charge with one N2O cartridge. Shake gently twice.
• Refrigerate the charged canister for 5 minutes.
• Hold the canister upside down over a glass.
• Release the handle slowly to allow the cold brew to cascade into the glass.
• The liquid should pour dark and creamy with a small head of foam forming.
• Allow the cascade to settle for 30 seconds before drinking.
• Serve without ice for the most authentic nitro experience.

Tips

• The cold brew must be very cold before charging. Room temperature cold brew does not create the same smooth texture. Always charge cold.
  Shake the charged canister gently only twice. Over-shaking creates too much turbulence and reduces the smooth cascading effect.
  Refrigerate the charged canister for 5 minutes before dispensing. This extra chill time improves the texture significantly.
  Release the handle slowly. Fast release produces an uncontrolled gush rather than the characteristic cascade. Practice produces a more controlled pour.
  Serve without ice for the most authentic nitro experience. Ice dilutes the concentrated cold brew and obscures the creamy texture. A well-charged nitro is cold enough without ice.
  A second cartridge produces a more intensely carbonated, creamier result. Start with one and assess before adding a second.
  The small head of foam that forms on the surface is intentional and desirable. Allow it to settle for 30 seconds before drinking, exactly as you would with a Guinness.

Variations

Add a tablespoon of vanilla simple syrup to the cold brew before charging for a vanilla nitro cold brew. Add a small amount of heavy cream to the cold brew before charging for a richer, creamier result similar to Starbucks Nitro with sweet cream. Make a flavoured nitro cold brew by adding any simple syrup to the cold brew before charging. Try with cold brew made from a blend of coffee and chicory for a more complex, slightly bitter New Orleans style nitro cold brew.

Storage and Serving

Serve immediately after dispensing. Allow 30 seconds for the cascade to settle before drinking. Do not add ice for the authentic experience. The charged canister keeps for up to 2 weeks refrigerated. Dispense individual glasses as needed. Do not store dispensed nitro cold brew as it quickly loses its creamy texture.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between N2O and nitrogen for nitro coffee?
A: True nitro cold brew uses nitrogen gas which creates smaller, less soluble bubbles. N2O cartridges create a similar but slightly different texture. The N2O result is excellent and practically indistinguishable to most people.

Q: Where do I buy whipped cream dispensers?
A: Kitchen shops, department stores, and online retailers carry them. iSi and Liss are reliable brands. N2O cartridges are available wherever the dispensers are sold.

Q: Can I use sparkling water instead?
A: Sparkling water produces carbonated cold brew which is different from nitro cold brew. Both are good but the textures are different. Sparkling is sharper. Nitro is smoother.

Q: Why is my nitro flat rather than creamy?
A: The cold brew was not cold enough, the canister was not shaken enough, or the release was too fast. Ensure everything is very cold and shake twice before dispensing slowly.

Q: How many charges does one canister of cold brew need?
A: One cartridge per 300ml of cold brew is the standard. A second cartridge produces a more intensely textured result.

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