Quick answer: nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, which gives it a cascading pour, a foamy head and a smooth, creamy feel with no milk. At home you can use a nitro cold brew maker with nitrogen (N2) cartridges, or make a close approximation in a whipped cream dispenser with a nitrous oxide (N2O) charger.
What makes it creamy?
Nitrogen barely dissolves in liquid, so it forms very fine bubbles that rise slowly through the coffee. Those bubbles soften the acidity and bitterness and give the drink a velvety texture, similar to a nitrogenated stout.
What is the difference between nitrogen and nitrous oxide?
| Nitrogen (N2) | Nitrous oxide (N2O) | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | True nitro coffee and nitro beer | Whipping cream, mousses and foams |
| Bubbles | Very fine; long-lasting cascade | Fine; foam fades sooner |
| Taste effect | Neutral | Slightly sweet |
| Equipment | Nitro keg or nitro cold brew maker | Whipped cream dispenser |
We sell nitrous oxide for whipped cream, not nitrogen cartridges. See why nitrous oxide is used for whipped cream.
How do I make nitro cold brew with a nitro cold brew maker (nitrogen)?
- Fill the keg or nitro bottle with strained cold brew, leaving the headspace the maker specifies.
- Charge with a nitrogen cartridge as directed and shake.
- Dispense through the stout-style nozzle into a glass with no ice, and watch it cascade.
How do I make nitro cold brew with a whipped cream dispenser (nitrous oxide)?
- Strain the cold brew through a fine filter so no grounds can block the valve.
- Fill the dispenser no more than half full with cold coffee.
- Charge with one nitrous oxide charger and shake for about 20 seconds.
- Dispense only as directed by the equipment manufacturer. Before opening the head, follow the model manual to release and confirm all pressure has gone. A blocked valve or no flow does not prove depressurization; if pressure cannot be released, leave the head closed and contact the manufacturer or service center.
This gives a creamy, lightly foamy cold brew with a hint of sweetness. It is a home approximation, not the same as nitrogen-infused coffee. Follow the instructions for your whipped cream dispenser.
How do I make the cold brew?
- Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water (about 1 part coffee to 8 parts water by weight) for 12-18 hours in the fridge.
- Strain twice.
Keep it cold; it infuses better.
What toppings go with nitro cold brew?
Coffee shops often finish nitro cold brew with cold foam or vanilla sweet cream; see cold foam flavors.
Frequently asked questions
What is nitro cold brew?
Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas and served from a tap. The tiny bubbles give it a cascading pour, a foamy head and a creamy feel without any milk.
Does nitro cold brew have cream in it?
No. The creaminess comes from the nitrogen bubbles. Shops often add a cold foam or sweet cream on top.
Is nitrogen the same as nitrous oxide?
No. Nitrogen (N2) is the gas used for true nitro coffee. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the gas used to whip cream. They come in different chargers and behave differently.
Can I make nitro cold brew with a whipped cream dispenser?
True nitro cold brew uses nitrogen and equipment approved for nitrogen. Some manufacturer-approved N2O preparations produce a different coffee foam; use only recipes, gases and chargers approved for your exact dispenser. Do not substitute gases or charging systems.
