If you're a coffee lover and have ever tasted a nitro coffee brew at a café, you know it’s a unique and creamy experience. The infusion of nitrogen gas gives cold brew coffee a velvety, smooth texture and a beautiful cascading effect in the glass. The good news is, you don't have to visit a café to enjoy this delicious treat—making nitro coffee at home is easier than you think.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of making homemade nitro coffee brew, explain how to set up your nitro coffee keg system, and recommend some of the best nitro coffee kegs available for homebrewers.
What is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro coffee is essentially cold brew coffee that has been infused with nitrogen gas (N2). This process creates a smoother, creamier texture compared to regular cold brew coffee. The nitrogen adds a rich mouthfeel and a frothy top, almost like a nitro beer but without the alcohol. The result is a coffee that’s cold, smooth, and incredibly refreshing, with a unique “stout-like” pour.
Nitro coffee typically has a subtle sweetness, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy a less acidic and bitter taste than regular hot or cold brew coffee. The nitrogen bubbles also enhance the flavor profile, creating a silky, luxurious finish.
How to Make Homemade Nitro Coffee Brew
Making nitro coffee at home requires a few tools and ingredients, but the process is relatively straightforward. Here's how to get started:
1. Prepare Your Cold Brew Coffee
The first step in making nitro coffee is to prepare the cold brew coffee. You can either make it from scratch or buy ready-made cold brew concentrate from a store.
Cold Brew Recipe:
- Coarsely ground coffee beans (you can use your favorite coffee beans, but a medium or dark roast works best for nitro coffee)
- Filtered water
Steps:
- Combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of filtered water in a large jar or pitcher.
- Stir the mixture gently, making sure all the coffee grounds are submerged in water.
- Let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for about 12-24 hours (the longer it steeps, the stronger it will be).
- After steeping, strain the coffee using a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove the grounds.
This will give you smooth and rich cold brew coffee, which is the base for your nitro brew.
2. Set Up Your Nitro Coffee Keg System
To make nitro cold brew at home, you’ll need a few specialized tools, including a nitro coffee keg and a nitrogen gas tank. Here's a basic overview of the equipment needed:
- Nitro Coffee Keg: This is a specialized keg designed to hold the cold brew and allow it to be infused with nitrogen gas.
- Nitrogen Gas Tank: Unlike CO2 used in beer kegs, you’ll need nitrogen (N2) to infuse into the coffee. Nitrogen gives the coffee its smooth, creamy texture and adds a rich mouthfeel.
- Nitro Tap or Faucet: A nitro faucet is designed to dispense the coffee in a cascading pour, similar to a stout beer.
- Regulator: This controls the pressure of the nitrogen gas in the keg, ensuring it’s infused at the right level.
3. Fill the Nitro Coffee Keg
Once your cold brew coffee is ready, it’s time to transfer it into the nitro coffee keg.
Steps:
- Clean your keg thoroughly before use to prevent contamination.
- Carefully pour your cold brew coffee into the keg, leaving some room at the top for gas infusion.
- Seal the keg tightly and connect it to the nitrogen tank.
4. Infuse with Nitrogen
Next, you’ll need to infuse the cold brew with nitrogen. This step is crucial for achieving the signature smooth, creamy texture of nitro coffee.
Steps:
- Attach the nitrogen tank to the keg, using the regulator to adjust the pressure to around 30-40 PSI. This will ensure the coffee is carbonated with nitrogen at the proper level.
- Shake the keg gently for about 30 seconds to mix the nitrogen into the coffee. This helps the gas fully dissolve and infuse with the liquid.
- Let the keg sit for at least 12-24 hours to allow the nitrogen to fully infuse and give the coffee time to develop its smooth texture.
5. Dispense and Serve
Once your coffee is infused with nitrogen, it’s time to pour your nitro cold brew.
Steps:
- Attach a nitro coffee faucet to the keg.
- When you pour, use a straight pour (without tilting the glass) to create that signature cascading effect in the cup.
- Serve your nitro coffee immediately! It should have a smooth, creamy texture with a frothy top.
Tips for Making the Perfect Nitro Cold Brew at Home:
- Use fresh coffee beans for the best flavor. The freshness of the coffee will greatly affect the quality of the final product.
- Experiment with pressure: The PSI at which you infuse nitrogen can affect the texture of the coffee. If you want a creamier brew, try increasing the PSI slightly, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Serve chilled: Nitro coffee is best served cold, and it’s ideal for hot summer days. Store your keg in the fridge before dispensing to maintain the cool temperature.
Best Nitro Coffee Kegs for Homebrewing
If you're looking to get into the nitro coffee game, choosing the right nitro coffee keg is crucial for success. Here are five of the best nitro coffee kegs that you can use at home to brew your own nitro cold brew:
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TMCRAFT Nitro Coffee Keg System
Features: High-quality stainless steel construction, perfect for small batches of nitro coffee. The system includes a keg, faucet, and nitrogen tank connection.
Purchase Link: TMCRAFT Nitro Coffee Keg -
Kegco Nitro Coffee Keg System
Features: Includes a 5-gallon keg, regulator, and a nitro faucet designed specifically for smooth, creamy coffee pours. Easy to set up and use for homebrewers.
Purchase Link: Kegco Nitro Coffee Keg -
AIO Nitro Coffee Keg
Features: A sleek, compact keg that’s ideal for homebrewers. It offers great pressure retention and has a nitrogen infusion system for perfect nitro coffee.
Purchase Link: AIO Nitro Coffee Keg -
KegLand Nitro Coffee Keg
Features: This keg is designed for nitro coffee lovers. It includes all the components needed for nitrogen infusion and has a durable, leak-proof design.
Purchase Link: KegLand Nitro Coffee Keg -
GasOne Nitro Coffee Keg Kit
Features: A complete kit including a 5-gallon keg, nitrogen regulator, and nitro faucet. Great for homebrewers looking for a high-quality, all-in-one nitro coffee solution.
Purchase Link: GasOne Nitro Coffee Keg Kit
Conclusion
Making nitro coffee at home is a fun and rewarding process, and with the right equipment, you can replicate that smooth, creamy texture found in your favorite coffee shop brews. With a good nitro coffee keg system, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, silky cold brew coffee anytime.
Experiment with your brewing techniques, and soon you’ll be serving up the perfect cup of homemade nitro cold brew for your family and friends to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a complete kit or individual components, there are plenty of high-quality nitro coffee kegs available to help you get started. Cheers to perfecting your nitro coffee skills at home!