Nitro Cold Brew 101: How to Get That Velvety Coffee at Home

Move over, flat whites and cappuccinos, there’s a new contender in town. Nitro cold brew, a velvety, nitrogen-infused take on cold coffee, has become a favourite in specialty coffee shops across the UK. But you don’t need to queue at your local coffee house to enjoy this luxurious drink? With a bit of know-how and the right tools, you can make nitro cold brew at home.

What is Nitro Cold Brew?

Nitro cold brew is exactly what it sounds like: cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. This infusion produces a smooth, creamy texture and a cascading effect, much like a freshly poured pint of Guinness.

Unlike traditional iced coffee, which is often acidic and watered down, nitro cold brew is naturally sweet full-bodied with a silky finish.

How to Make Nitro Cold Brew at Home

It’s typically served straight from a tap, but homebrewers can achieve the same results with the right equipment. Now for the fun part—brewing your very own nitro cold brew at home. While it might sound complicated, it’s surprisingly straightforward with the right gear.

Step 1: Make Your Cold Brew

Before you can make nitro cold brew, you need to start with a solid cold brew base. Here's how

Ingredients

• 100g coarsely ground coffee beans (a medium to dark roast works best)
• 1 litre of cold, filtered water

Method

1. Add your coffee grounds to a large jar or cold brew maker.
2. Pour in the cold water, ensuring all the grounds are saturated.
3. Stir gently and cover.
4. Let it steep for 12-24 hours in the fridge (the longer, the stronger the flavour).
5. Strain using a coffee filter by Edesia Espress to remove the grounds.

Now you have a cold brew concentrate that can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Step 2: Infuse with Nitrogen

To achieve that iconic nitro effect at home, you’ll need a nitrogen-infusing system. You have two main options:

1.Nitro Cold Brew Keg System: If you’re serious about making nitro cold brew regularly, investing in a mini keg system with a nitrogen cartridge is the best option. Simply pour your cold brew into the keg, charge it with nitrogen, and pour yourself a perfectly cascading glass.

2.Whipped Cream Dispenser Method: A more affordable alternative is using a whipped cream dispenser with nitrogen chargers (not CO2, which is used for carbonating drinks). Fill the dispenser with cold brew, insert a nitrogen charger, shake well, and dispense into a glass.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

Once infused, pour the nitro cold brew into a chilled glass. You should see that signature cascading effect as the nitrogen bubbles rise.

There’s no need for ice, the nitrogen creates a thick, frothy head, keeping the drink cool. Sip and savour the ultra-smooth, naturally sweet coffee without adding milk or sugar.

Nitro Cold Brew Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some creative takes on nitro cold brew:

• Vanilla Nitro Brew: Add a splash of vanilla extract before infusing with nitrogen for a subtle sweetness.
• Mocha Nitro Brew: Mix in a bit of cocoa powder before serving for a chocolatey twist.
• Nitro Latte: Blend in a dash of oat or almond milk for an extra creamy experience.
• Spiced Nitro Brew: Infuse your cold brew with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming kick.