Nitro coffee is one of the most exciting trends in the coffee world, delivering a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, velvety flavor profile. Infused with nitrogen gas, nitro coffee has a unique characteristic—a thick, frothy head—similar to a draft beer. But to achieve the best nitro coffee brew, the choice of coffee beans and the brew method plays a vital role. In this blog, we’ll explore four types of coffee beans and coffee styles that are perfect for making nitro coffee and how each enhances the final brew.
1. Cold Brew Coffee (Ideal for Nitro Coffee)
Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew:
- Medium to Dark Roasts: Coffee beans roasted to a medium or dark level are typically used for cold brew, as their flavor profile suits the smooth, mellow taste that complements the nitrogen infusion. Beans like Colombian, Brazilian, or Sumatra are excellent choices.
Why Cold Brew Works Well for Nitro: Cold brew coffee is brewed slowly over a long period, usually 12-24 hours, in cold water. This results in a coffee that is less acidic and has a naturally smoother, sweeter flavor, making it the perfect base for nitro coffee. The cold brewing process also preserves the rich, chocolatey undertones and bold flavors, which are then enhanced by the nitrogen infusion. When nitrogen is added to cold brew, it creates a creamy mouthfeel and rich texture, perfect for a refreshing coffee experience.
How to Make: Cold brew is typically made in a large container, but if you're using a mini keg, simply transfer the cold brew concentrate to the keg, charge it with nitrogen, and let it infuse for a few hours before serving.
2. Ethiopian Coffee Beans (Bright and Fruity Profile)
Best Coffee Beans for Nitro Coffee:
- Ethiopian Sidamo or Yirgacheffe: Ethiopian coffee beans are known for their bright acidity, floral notes, and vibrant fruit flavors. These beans often have tasting notes of citrus, berry, and jasmine, making them a great option for a nitro brew with complex flavor layers.
Why Ethiopian Beans Are Great for Nitro: While Ethiopian beans are often more acidic, their vibrant fruit-forward flavors can create an intriguing contrast when paired with the smooth, creamy texture of nitro coffee. The nitrogen infusion rounds out the acidity, adding a silky mouthfeel and softening the sharpness of the citrus or berry notes, making for a unique and refreshing brew.
How to Make: Brew the coffee using your preferred method (e.g., pour-over, French press, or cold brew), transfer to your nitro coffee keg, charge with nitrogen, and let the gas infuse to create a smooth and frothy cup.
3. Single-Origin Coffee (For a Unique Flavor Profile)
Best Coffee Beans for Nitro Coffee:
- Single-Origin Beans: Single-origin coffees come from one specific region or farm and tend to have unique, identifiable flavor profiles. You can select beans from countries like Guatemala, Kenya, or Costa Rica, each offering distinct flavors, from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy.
Why Single-Origin Beans Work for Nitro: Single-origin beans allow you to showcase the unique characteristics of a specific region, and when nitrogenated, these flavors become more pronounced and creamy. Whether you're brewing a light, fruity coffee or a rich, full-bodied one, single-origin beans can create a memorable nitro coffee experience, with the nitrogen enhancing the complexity of the flavors.
How to Make: Brew your chosen single-origin coffee using a method that complements the bean’s profile (such as French press for a full-bodied brew or Aeropress for a cleaner cup), then transfer it to a keg and infuse it with nitrogen for a luxurious, creamy finish.
4. Espresso Beans (For a Rich, Bold Nitro Coffee)
Best Coffee Beans for Nitro Coffee:
- Espresso Roasts: These beans are typically darker roasted to bring out the intense, caramelized, and chocolatey flavors ideal for espresso-based drinks. Beans like Italian Espresso or French Roast are commonly used for nitro coffee.
Why Espresso Beans Are Perfect for Nitro: Espresso beans, due to their dark roast and robust flavors, create a bold nitro coffee that is thick, creamy, and rich in taste. The smooth texture of nitrogen infusion complements the intensity of espresso, giving you a nitro brew with a full-bodied mouthfeel and a velvety finish. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a richer, more intense coffee experience.
How to Make: Brew a strong espresso shot or use espresso beans in a cold brew method. After brewing, transfer the espresso to the mini keg, charge with nitrogen, and allow it to infuse for a few hours before serving.
How to Make Nitro Coffee at Home
- Brew Your Coffee: Select your preferred brewing method. Cold brew works best, but espresso and single-origin brews can also work well.
- Transfer to Nitro Coffee Keg: Once brewed, pour the coffee into a nitro coffee keg or any pressurized container capable of holding nitrogen.
- Charge with Nitrogen: Use a nitrogen charger (N2) to infuse the coffee with nitrogen. The typical pressure setting is 30-40 PSI.
- Allow to Infuse: Let the nitrogen permeate the coffee for a few hours, allowing it to develop a smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve: Dispense the coffee through a stout faucet, which allows the nitrogen to create a thick, frothy head, giving it the signature nitro coffee experience.
5 Best Nitro Coffee Makers to Try
If you’re ready to make nitro coffee at home, here are five top-rated nitro coffee makers that will elevate your brewing experience:
1.TMCRAFT Nitro Coffee Brew Keg
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Why You Should Have It: This keg is great for large batches of nitro coffee. The TMCRAFT Nitro Keg is built to hold up to 128oz of cold brew, and its design ensures easy dispensing through a tap system that creates a frothy, smooth pour.
2. NitroBrew Nitro Coffee Kit
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Why You Should Have It: NitroBrew is a popular brand for creating nitro-infused beverages at home. This easy-to-use system allows you to infuse any cold brew or coffee with nitrogen in minutes.
3. GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
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Why You Should Have It: The uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker is specifically designed for home brewers who love nitro coffee. It’s portable, sleek, and comes with a nitrogen charger, making it easy to infuse your cold brew with nitrogen.
4. Coffee Connection Nitro Cold Brew System
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Why You Should Have It: This complete system includes a 1.5-liter keg, nitrogen cartridges, and a stout faucet. It’s ideal for those who want to experiment with nitro coffee and have full control over the infusion process.
5. Perlick Nitro Coffee Keg System
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Why You Should Have It: Perlick is a trusted name in kegging systems, and their Nitro Coffee Keg System is designed for homebrew enthusiasts. This high-quality setup is perfect for anyone serious about making and dispensing nitro coffee.
Conclusion
Making nitro coffee at home can seem like a complex process, but with the right coffee beans and a nitro coffee maker, you can enjoy the smooth, creamy, and rich texture of nitro coffee anytime. Experiment with different beans such as cold brew, Ethiopian, single-origin, or espresso to find the perfect flavor profile for your brew. With the recommended nitro coffee makers above, you can easily infuse your cold brew with nitrogen and create café-quality nitro coffee right at home.