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How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee at Home or While Traveling

Originally Published: July 27, 2024
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Nitro cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm with its smooth, creamy texture and cascading effect that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. While it’s a staple in many coffee shops, you don’t need to rely on baristas to enjoy this trendy brew. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can create cafe-quality nitro cold brew at home or even while traveling. This guide will walk you through the process, from brewing the perfect cold brew to infusing it with nitrogen for that signature nitro effect.

What is Nitro Cold Brew?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand what makes nitro cold brew special:

  • It’s cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas
  • The nitrogen creates a creamy, smooth texture with a cascading effect
  • It typically has a sweeter taste profile than regular cold brew, even without added sweeteners

Why Make Nitro Cold Brew at Home or While Traveling?

  1. Cost-Effective: Save money compared to buying from cafes
  2. Customization: Control the strength and flavor to your liking
  3. Convenience: Enjoy nitro cold brew anytime, anywhere
  4. Freshness: Always have the freshest nitro cold brew on hand
  5. Impress Friends: It’s a great party trick or gift for fellow coffee lovers

Equipment Needed

For Cold Brew:

  • Large container or pitcher
  • Coarse ground coffee
  • Filtration system (cheesecloth, fine-mesh strainer, or cold brew bags)

For Nitro Infusion:

Choose one of these options:

  1. Whipped cream dispenser with nitrogen chargers
  2. Portable nitro cold brew maker (e.g., GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro)
  3. Keg system with nitrogen tank (for home use)

Additional Equipment:

  • Funnel
  • Airtight storage containers

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nitro Cold Brew

Part 1: Brewing the Cold Brew

  1. Grind the Coffee:

    • Use a coarse grind, similar to what you’d use for a French press
    • Ratio: 1 cup of ground coffee to 4 cups of water

  2. Combine Coffee and Water:

    • Place the ground coffee in your brewing container
    • Slowly pour room temperature or cold filtered water over the grounds
    • Gently stir to ensure all grounds are saturated

  3. Steep:

    • Cover the container and let it steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours
    • Longer steeping times result in stronger brew

  4. Filter:

    • After steeping, strain the coffee through your chosen filtration method
    • For extra clarity, you can filter twice

  5. Store:

    • Transfer the filtered cold brew to an airtight container
    • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Part 2: Creating the Nitro Effect

Option 1: Using a Whipped Cream Dispenser

  1. Fill the dispenser about 3/4 full with cold brew
  2. Screw on the lid tightly
  3. Attach a nitrogen charger and charge the dispenser
  4. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds
  5. Turn the dispenser upside down and dispense into a glass

Option 2: Using a Portable Nitro Cold Brew Maker

  1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fill the device with cold brew
  2. Charge with the included nitrogen cartridge
  3. Shake or roll the device as directed
  4. Dispense into a glass, following the specific pouring instructions

Option 3: Using a Keg System (Home Setup)

  1. Transfer cold brew to a clean keg
  2. Connect the keg to a nitrogen tank
  3. Set the pressure to about 30-40 PSI
  4. Let it sit for a few hours to fully infuse
  5. Dispense through a stout faucet for the best cascading effect

Tips for the Perfect Nitro Cold Brew

  1. Use Fresh, Quality Beans: The better your coffee, the better your nitro cold brew
  2. Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to find your preferred strength
  3. Chill Everything: Use cold brew and chill your glasses for the best texture
  4. Pour Vigorously: A hard pour helps create the cascading effect
  5. Serve Immediately: The nitro effect is best right after infusion
  6. Skip the Ice: Nitro cold brew is best served without ice to maintain the creamy texture

Flavor Variations

Enhance your nitro cold brew with these additions:

  • Vanilla extract or syrup
  • Caramel syrup
  • Chocolate syrup for a mocha version
  • Cinnamon or other spices
  • A splash of your favorite milk or non-dairy alternative

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Not Enough Foam

  • Ensure you’re using enough nitrogen
  • Check that your coffee-to-water ratio isn’t too weak
  • Try a longer infusion time

Bitter Taste

  • Reduce steeping time for the cold brew
  • Use a coarser grind
  • Try a different roast level of coffee

Flat Texture

  • Make sure you’re using food-grade nitrogen, not CO2
  • Check for any leaks in your system
  • Increase the pressure if using a keg system

Making Nitro Cold Brew While Traveling

Enjoying nitro cold brew on the go is possible with some preparation:

  1. Pre-brew Your Cold Brew: Make and bottle your cold brew before your trip
  2. Pack a Portable System: Travel with a compact nitro cold brew maker
  3. Use Hotel Ice Buckets: In a pinch, these can serve as brewing containers
  4. Bring Nitrogen Chargers: TSA allows these in carry-on and checked bags
  5. Consider Concentrate: Pack cold brew concentrate to save space

Sustainability Considerations

Make your nitro cold brew habit more eco-friendly:

  1. Use reusable filters for cold brew
  2. Compost coffee grounds
  3. Opt for refillable nitrogen systems when possible
  4. Choose glass or stainless steel containers over plastic

Health and Safety Tips

  1. Always use food-grade nitrogen
  2. Follow manufacturer instructions for all equipment
  3. Be cautious when handling pressurized systems
  4. Remember that cold brew typically has higher caffeine content than regular coffee

The Science Behind Nitro Cold Brew

Understanding the science can help you perfect your technique:

  • Nitrogen bubbles are smaller than CO2, creating a smoother texture
  • The cascading effect is similar to that seen in nitro beers like Guinness
  • Nitrogen is less soluble in liquids than CO2, which is why the effect is best right after infusion

Conclusion

Creating nitro cold brew at home or while traveling is not only possible but can be a fun and rewarding process. With the right equipment and technique, you can enjoy this smooth, creamy coffee anytime, anywhere. Remember, perfecting your nitro cold brew may take some practice and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to adjust your methods and ratios to find your perfect brew.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, sharing with friends, or impressing fellow travelers, homemade nitro cold brew is sure to elevate your coffee experience. So grab your gear, start brewing, and enjoy the smooth, cascading delight of nitro cold brew wherever your coffee journey takes you. Cheers to great coffee, anytime, anywhere!