In the world of coffee lovers, nitro coffee has quickly become a fan favorite for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavor profile. Whether you’ve tried it at your local coffee shop or have seen it advertised as the latest trend, you may be wondering how to achieve that smooth, foamy goodness at home. The secret to making your own homemade nitro coffee lies in the right tools—particularly a coffee keg designed for nitro brewing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making the perfect nitro coffee at home and highlight the best coffee kegs available, including TMCRAFT coffee kegs. If you’ve always wanted to brew your own nitro cold brew coffee, read on to discover everything you need to know!
What is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro coffee is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas (N2) to create a smooth, creamy texture and a frothy head, similar to the texture of a stout beer. The nitrogen infusion helps give the coffee a velvety mouthfeel, with less acidity and bitterness, offering a refreshing and smoother drinking experience.
Unlike traditional iced coffee or cold brew, which can taste somewhat flat, nitro coffee has a luxurious, cascading pour and a rich, creamy body without the need for milk or cream. It’s served straight from a coffee keg through a stout-style faucet to create that perfect, foamy pour.
Why Make Nitro Coffee at Home?
Making nitro coffee at home has several advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Nitro coffee at coffee shops can be pricey, but making it yourself allows you to save money while enjoying a fresh brew whenever you want.
- Customization: You can experiment with different beans, roasts, and infusion methods to make a nitro brew tailored to your taste.
- Freshness: When you brew your own cold brew coffee and add nitrogen, you're ensuring that you’re drinking the freshest nitro coffee possible.
How to Make Nitro Coffee at Home
Making nitro cold brew at home may sound intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think when you have the right equipment and a little know-how. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you brew your own perfect nitro coffee:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cold Brew Coffee
To make nitro coffee, you first need a batch of cold brew coffee. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. This method creates a smoother, less acidic flavor profile than traditional hot-brewed coffee.
- Ingredients: Coarse ground coffee beans (preferably medium to dark roast), filtered water.
- Instructions: Combine your ground coffee with filtered water in a large jar or pitcher (about 1 cup of coffee for every 4 cups of water). Stir it well and let it steep in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Once it's brewed, strain the coffee through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove the grounds.
Step 2: Prepare the Nitro Infusion System
Once your cold brew is ready, it’s time to add nitrogen. For this step, you’ll need a coffee keg equipped for nitro brewing.
A coffee keg is essentially a pressurized container that allows you to store and dispense your nitro-infused beverages. You’ll also need a nitrogen gas tank and a stout faucet to pour the coffee. The nitrogen will be infused into the coffee as it’s poured from the keg, creating that signature smooth texture.
Here’s how to prepare your nitro brewing system:
- Fill the keg: Transfer your freshly brewed cold brew into the coffee keg.
- Charge the keg with nitrogen: Attach the nitrogen tank to the keg’s gas post and pressurize it. You’ll want to charge the keg with about 30-40 psi of nitrogen.
- Shake the keg: To ensure the nitrogen mixes properly with the cold brew, gently shake the keg for about 15-20 seconds. This helps the nitrogen dissolve into the liquid, creating that rich, creamy texture.
- Let it sit: Allow the keg to sit for at least an hour or so to let the nitrogen fully infuse into the coffee. If you want a smoother, creamier texture, you can let it sit longer.
Step 3: Pour and Enjoy
Once your nitro coffee is ready, attach a stout faucet to your keg and pour your nitro brew. Hold your glass at a 45-degree angle and pour slowly to achieve the signature cascading effect. The foam will rise and settle beautifully on top of your coffee.
Now, sit back and enjoy your homemade, silky-smooth nitro coffee!
The Best Coffee Kegs for Nitro Brewing
To make the perfect nitro coffee at home, you’ll need a quality coffee keg that’s designed for nitrogen infusion. Here are some of the top coffee kegs available, including the TMCRAFT coffee kegs, which are specifically engineered for homebrewers looking to experiment with nitro coffee:
1. TMCRAFT 64oz Coffee Keg
Ideal for small batches, the TMCRAFT 64oz Coffee Keg is perfect for homebrewers who want to make nitro coffee without wasting too much. Its compact size makes it easy to store and handle, and the durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
Best for: Homebrewers with limited space or those who want to try making nitro coffee on a smaller scale.
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2. TMCRAFT 128oz Coffee Keg
For those who prefer to make larger batches of nitro coffee, the TMCRAFT 128oz Coffee Keg is a fantastic option. It features a high-quality stainless steel body and is equipped with ball lock fittings for easy setup and use.
Best for: Homebrewers who make larger batches of cold brew or those who want to serve nitro coffee to a group.
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3. Kegco 5-Gallon Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Keg
Kegco’s 5-Gallon Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Keg is designed specifically for cold brew and nitro coffee brewing. It features a beverage-grade stainless steel body and comes with all the necessary fittings for easy setup.
Best for: Brewing larger quantities of nitro coffee for personal or commercial use.
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4. AEB 2.5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
This AEB 2.5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg is a great choice for smaller batch nitro coffee brewing. It’s compact, durable, and compatible with CO2 and nitrogen tanks.
Best for: Homebrewers looking for a reliable, affordable keg for nitro coffee.
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5. KegLand 5-Gallon Stainless Steel Keg
The KegLand 5-Gallon Stainless Steel Keg is another great option for nitro coffee. It’s built for durability and ease of use, and its food-grade stainless steel ensures your coffee stays fresh and uncontaminated.
Best for: Both homebrewers and small commercial brewers making cold brew or nitro coffee.
Buy here
Conclusion: Brew the Perfect Nitro Coffee at Home
Making nitro coffee at home is a rewarding and delicious endeavor, and with the right coffee keg for nitro brewing, it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re just getting started with homebrewing or you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast, the TMCRAFT coffee kegs are perfect for achieving that smooth, creamy texture you crave in your nitro coffee.
Start brewing today, and enjoy the convenience of homemade nitro cold brew anytime you want!
Explore TMCRAFT’s coffee kegs and more here and elevate your coffee experience at home.