Nitro coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, offering a smooth, creamy texture and a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. If you've ever enjoyed this delightful beverage in a café and wanted to recreate it at home, you're in luck! With just one simple step, you can make nitro coffee brew at home using a few key ingredients and equipment. Let’s dive in!
What You Need
Before we get started, here's a quick list of what you'll need to make nitro coffee:
- Cold Brew Coffee: You can either buy ready-made cold brew or make your own by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours.
- Nitro Coffee Keg: A mini keg designed for nitro brewing, such as the TMCRAFT Nitro Coffee Keg or the GrowlerWerks uKeg.
- Nitrogen Gas Charger: Non-threaded N2 cartridges, which will be used to infuse nitrogen into the coffee.
- Coffee Filter (optional): If you're making cold brew from scratch, you'll need a way to filter the grounds.
The Simple Step: Infusing Nitrogen
Now, let’s get to the one step that transforms your cold brew into delightful nitro coffee!
1. Charge and Infuse
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Prepare Your Cold Brew: If you’re making your own cold brew, mix one cup of coarsely ground coffee with four cups of cold water in a large jar or pitcher. Let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, then strain it through a coffee filter or a fine mesh sieve to remove the grounds.
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Fill the Nitro Keg: Pour the freshly made cold brew into your nitro coffee keg, filling it up to about an inch below the top to allow for gas expansion.
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Attach the Lid: Secure the lid tightly on the keg to ensure a proper seal.
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Connect the Nitrogen Charger: Attach your nitrogen gas charger to the keg's gas inlet. Make sure you’re using the correct non-threaded N2 cartridges.
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Infuse the Coffee: Once the nitrogen charger is attached, give the keg a gentle shake for about 15-20 seconds to help the nitrogen infuse into the cold brew. This step is crucial as it creates that signature creamy texture.
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Let it Sit: After shaking, let the keg sit for about 2-3 minutes to allow the nitrogen to fully integrate with the coffee.
Serving Your Nitro Coffee
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Pour and Enjoy: Using a tap or a serving mechanism, pour the nitro coffee into a glass. You'll notice a cascading effect as the coffee pours, creating a beautiful head similar to that of a draft beer.
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Flavor It Up (Optional): Feel free to add flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or sweeteners if you desire. The creamy texture of nitro coffee pairs wonderfully with various flavors.
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Serve Cold: Nitro coffee is best served chilled, so make sure to store your keg in the refrigerator when not in use.
Conclusion
Making nitro coffee brew at home is easier than you might think! With just one simple step—infusing nitrogen into your cold brew—you can enjoy a delicious, creamy beverage right in your kitchen. Experiment with different cold brew strengths and flavors to find your perfect cup. So grab your nitro coffee keg and get brewing—your taste buds will thank you! Cheers to the perfect pour!