Coffee lovers are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enjoy their morning cup of joe. One increasingly popular trend is nitro coffee – coffee infused with nitrogen gas to create a smooth, creamy, and almost Guinness-like texture.
While nitro coffee originated in trendy coffee shops, there’s no need to spend $5-6 on a single cup when you can easily make your own version at home. In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple process of making nitro coffee using just a few key pieces of equipment. With just a cold brew, a whipped cream dispenser, and a few extra steps, you’ll learn how to turn plain old coffee into a luxurious, stout-like treat.
Equipment Needed
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A cold brew coffee maker is the most important piece of equipment you’ll need to make nitro cold brew coffee at home. There are three main types of cold brew coffee makers available: immersion brewers, steep-and-release brewers, and drip brewers.
a. Immersion Brewers:
Immersion brewers involve steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. They are simple to use and require minimal effort. You just add coffee grounds to the brewer, pour in water, and let it sit in the refrigerator until the desired strength is reached.
b. Steep-and-Release Brewers:
Steep-and-release brewers also involve steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in water, but they have a mechanism that allows you to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid after the steeping process. This makes it easier to serve the coffee without the grounds getting into the cup.
c. Drip Brewers:
Drip brewers use gravity to slowly drip water through a bed of coffee grounds, which results in a smoother, more balanced flavor. They are typically more expensive than immersion brewers but produce a higher volume of coffee.
Nitrogen Gas Cartridge:
To create the signature cascading effect of nitro cold brew coffee, you’ll need a nitrogen gas cartridge. These cartridges contain compressed nitrogen gas that is released when you pour the coffee, creating a smooth, creamy head.
When choosing a nitrogen gas cartridge, consider the following factors:
- Size: Choose a cartridge that will fit in your brewer and provide enough nitrogen gas for your needs.
- Brand compatibility: Make sure the cartridge is compatible with your brewer brand. Some brewers may only work with specific cartridges.
- Cost: Nitrogen gas cartridges can vary in price depending on the brand and size. Look for one that fits within your budget.
Milk Frother or Steam Wand:
If you want to create a latte or cappuccino-style nitro cold brew coffee, you’ll need a milk frother or steam wand. These devices allow you to heat and froth milk to the perfect consistency for a creamy, velvety texture.
There are two main types of milk frothers: automatic and manual. Automatic frothers use electricity to froth the milk, while manual frothers require you to froth the milk by hand. Steam wands are typically attached to espresso machines and use steam pressure to froth milk.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Measuring and Grinding the Coffee Beans
- Start by measuring out the right amount of coffee beans for your batch size. A general rule of thumb is to use 1/4 cup of coffee beans for every 1 cup of water.
- Grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse grind. This will allow for the best extraction of flavors when brewing.
Step 2: Brewing the Coffee Using a Cold Brew Method
- Place the ground coffee beans in a cold brew filter or a large glass jar with a fine-mesh strainer.
- Add cold water to the filter or jar, making sure to leave about an inch of space at the top.
- Stir the mixture gently to saturate all of the coffee grounds evenly.
- Cover the filter or jar with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, but up to 24 hours.
Step 3: Adding Nitrogen Gas to the Coffee
- After the coffee has finished brewing, carefully pour it into a keg or container that is designed for nitrogen gas injection.
- Attach a nitrogen gas regulator to the keg and set the pressure to approximately 30-40 PSI.
- Open the valve on the keg and allow the nitrogen gas to flow into the coffee for about 10-15 seconds. This will create a thick, creamy head on the coffee.
Step 4: Pouring and Serving the Coffee
- Once the coffee has been infused with nitrogen gas, it’s ready to be poured and served. Use a stout glass or mug that is specifically designed for nitro cold brew coffee.
- Hold the glass at an angle and pour the coffee slowly, allowing the cascading effect to occur.
- As you pour, pay attention to the flow rate and distance from the tap to the glass. This will help you achieve the perfect pour and cascading effect.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pour and Cascading Effect
- To achieve the perfect pour and cascading effect, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different flow rates and distances from the tap to the glass to find what works best for your setup.
- Keep the glass at an angle throughout the pouring process to create a smooth, even stream of coffee.
- Pay attention to the temperature of the coffee. If it’s too hot, it can cause the nitrogen gas to dissipate quickly, resulting in a weak cascading effect.
Other Recipes of Coffee
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Over-extraction: If your coffee tastes bitter or over-extracted, it may be due to using too much coffee or leaving it in the brewer for too long. Adjust the amount of coffee or brewing time accordingly.
- Under-extraction: If your coffee tastes weak or under-extracted, it may be due to using too little coffee or not letting it brew for long enough. Adjust the amount of coffee or brewing time accordingly.
- Poor cascading effect: If the cascading effect is poor or non-existent, it may be due to incorrect flow rate, distance from the tap to the glass, or temperature of the coffee. Practice and adjust these variables to achieve the desired effect.
Customizing Your Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
Once you have mastered the basics of making nitro cold brew coffee at home, you can start experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious variations. Here are some ideas for customizing your nitro cold brew coffee:
A. Adding Flavored Syrups or Liqueurs
Flavored syrups or liqueurs can add a new dimension to your nitro cold brew coffee. You can choose from a variety of flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or mint to complement the rich, smooth taste of the coffee. Here are some ways to incorporate flavored syrups or liqueurs into your nitro cold brew coffee:
- Add a drizzle of flavored syrup to your coffee before pouring it into a glass.
- Mix a splash of liqueur into the coffee before topping it with nitrogen gas.
- Infuse the coffee with flavored simple syrups (equal parts sugar and water dissolved) by adding them to the brew basket before steeping.
B. Using Different Types of Milk or Non-Dairy Alternatives
Milk or non-dairy alternatives can help to balance the bitterness of the coffee and add a velvety texture to your nitro cold brew. Try using whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk to create a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different ratios of milk to coffee to find your perfect combination.
C. Experimenting with Spices and Other Ingredients
Spices and other ingredients can add warmth, depth, and complexity to your nitro cold brew coffee. Here are some options to try:
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon powder on top of your coffee or mix it into the simple syrup for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Nutmeg: Add a pinch of nutmeg to your coffee for a subtle, slightly sweet flavor.
- Cardamom: Mix cardamom pods into the brew basket for a unique, spicy flavor.
- Vanilla: Add a split vanilla bean to the brew basket for a subtle, creamy flavor.
- Chocolate: Melt chocolate into your coffee for a decadent, rich flavor.
D. Tips for Creating Unique and Delicious Flavor Combinations
Combining different flavors and ingredients can lead to exciting and unexpected results. Here are some tips to help you create unique and delicious flavor combinations:
- Start with a small amount of flavoring agent and gradually increase the quantity until you reach the desired intensity.
- Experiment with different ratios of coffee to milk or non-dairy alternative to find the perfect balance of flavors.
- Play around with different brewing times and temperatures to see how they affect the final flavor of your nitro cold brew coffee.
- Don’t be afraid to combine seemingly disparate flavors – sometimes the most unlikely pairings yield the most interesting results.