Nitro drinks are taking the world by storm, and they are not just for coffee lovers! Whether you’re a café owner, bartender, or home enthusiast, nitro-infused beverages like coffee, cocktails, teas, and beers offer a creamy, frothy experience that’s sure to delight. From cozy living rooms to bustling bars, here’s how to create show-stopping nitro drinks with ease.
Why Nitro Drinks Are a Must-Try
Nitro cold brew is stealing hearts with its smooth, velvety texture and rich flavors. Unlike regular coffee, it’s less acidic, letting the beans’ natural sweetness, fruitiness, and chocolatey notes shine through. The secret? Nitrogen gas, which creates tiny bubbles for a creamy mouthfeel and a frothy head, similar to a freshly poured draft beer. This magic isn’t limited to coffee nitro cocktails, teas, and beers are just as exciting!
The nitro craze began in Portland when Nate Armbrust, a food scientist at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, drew inspiration from the foamy head of Guinness. After some experimentation, he crafted the nitro cold brew we know and love today. Now, it’s a global sensation, and you can bring that innovation to your own drinks!
Want to level up? Add a cocktail smoker for a smoky twist, or explore premixed cocktails for quick, crowd-pleasing options.
Are Nitro Drinks Safe?
Yes, nitro drinks are completely safe! Nitrogen gas is the same ingredient used in many draft beers, like Guinness, and it’s perfectly fine to consume. It creates tiny “microbubbles” that give drinks a silky texture, eliminating the need for extra milk or sugar. Plus, the cascading bubbles and frothy head make every pour a visual delight. From a safety perspective, nitrogen even helps keep drinks fresher by slowing bacteria growth.
How to Make Nitro Cold Brew
Creating nitro cold brew is simpler than you might think, whether you’re serving a crowd at a café or sipping solo at home. You can use a tap system for high-volume settings or a whipped cream dispenser for a quick home fix. Here’s the breakdown.
What You’ll Need
-
For cafés (tap system): A kegerator, keg, nitrogen gas tank, regulator, and stout faucet for perfect pours.
-
For home (whipped cream dispenser): A whipped cream dispenser and nitrous oxide cartridges.
-
Basic ingredients: 9 oz coarsely ground coffee, 3.5 cups cool water, an airtight container, a fine-mesh strainer, and cheesecloth or a paper filter.
Read More: Top 13 Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks Under 100 Calories
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
-
Brew the base: Combine 9 oz of coarsely ground coffee with 3.5 cups of cool water in an airtight container. Let it steep in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours.
-
Strain it: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a paper filter to create a smooth concentrate.
-
Dilute (optional): Mix equal parts concentrate and water for a standard serving.
-
Add the nitro:
-
Tap system: Chill the keg and cold brew. Pour the concentrate into the keg, set the nitrogen regulator to 40 psi, and gently shake the keg to mix. Pour through a stout faucet for a frothy, cascading effect.
-
Whipped cream dispenser: Pour cold brew into the dispenser, seal, and charge with one nitrous oxide cartridge. Shake for 30 seconds, let it sit until cold, then pour into a glass at an angle for that signature nitro look.
-
Sweeten it up: Nitro cold brew is naturally less acidic, but for extra flavor, add a splash of simple syrup. To make vanilla syrup: heat 0.5 cups water and 0.5 cups sugar until dissolved, cool slightly, add 1 tsp vanilla extract, and store in the fridge.
Nitro Cocktails: A Bartender’s Dream
Nitro cocktails bring a velvety texture to your favorite drinks without messy egg whites or pricey foaming agents. The espresso martini is a crowd favorite here. how to make it:
-
Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz cold brew concentrate, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
-
Instructions: Shake with ice, strain, and pour into a whipped cream dispenser. Charge with nitrous oxide, shake for 30 seconds, and pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
Nitro Tea: A Fresh Twist
Nitro tea transforms your favorite brews into creamy, frothy delights. Matcha lattes are a popular choice for their refreshing taste and smooth caffeine kick. Here’s a nitro matcha latte recipe:
-
Ingredients: 1.5 L matcha shot (prepared per package instructions), 3 L milk, 0.4 L maple syrup.
-
Instructions: Mix matcha powder with hot water, cool, and strain through a fine sieve and paper towel. Add milk and maple syrup, stir, and pour into a keg or whipped cream dispenser. Infuse with nitrogen at 35–40 psi (keg) or shake with a nitrous oxide cartridge (dispenser). Pour and enjoy!
Good to know: You can put any tea (or even kombucha!) in a keg for easy, waste-free serving.
Nitro Beer: Smooth and Refreshing
Nitro beer, made with a 70% nitrogen and 30% carbon dioxide mix, offers a smoother, less bitter taste than traditional brews. Use a tap system with a stout faucet or a whipped cream dispenser at home. Set the pressure to 35–40 psi, shake gently, and pour at an angle for a creamy head. To pour, fill the glass two-thirds full, let it settle, then push the tap handle back to top it off.
Fun fact: Some research suggests nitro beer’s tiny bubbles might reduce hangovers by easing alcohol processing cheers to that!
Why Choose Nitro Cold Brew?
Nitro drinks are a fun, versatile way to elevate any menu or home bar. They are visually stunning, deliciously smooth, and easy to make with the right tools. For cafés, compact systems like DRNX BRW save space and simplify setup. At home, a whipped cream dispenser does the trick. From nitro cold brew to cocktails, teas, and beers, the possibilities are endless.
Get creative: Try a pumpkin spice nitro martini for fall or a tequila espresso martini for a bold twist. Your guests or your taste buds will be hooked!
