Nitro coffee is all the rage these days, even Starbucks and other big coffee chains have gotten on board. Following the inspiration of cold brew coffee in Miami, nitro coffee adds another layer of complexity and flavor to the equation. Both types of coffee use a unique pressurization and tap system to give the cold coffee drink a smooth, lightly bubbled taste. Here’s everything you need to know about nitro coffee:
What is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro coffee is essentially a cold brew coffee that is infused with up to 50 pounds of nitrogen. That number may seem high, but it only refers to the amount of nitrogen pressurizing the keg that stores the coffee. Higher pressure indicates that more of the nitrogen gas dissolves in the liquid coffee, giving it more pronounced bubbles and foam.
How is Nitro Coffee Made?
Essentially, nitro coffee is made the same way cold brew coffee is made. Instead of making the coffee hot and then pouring it over ice to create what we know as “iced coffee,” cold brew coffee is made cold from the start. This cold start slows down the brewing process, so most cold brew coffee takes about 24 hours to brew before it is ready to be served. It is then stored in a cold keg and poured from a tap instead of a coffee pot. The only difference is that with nitro coffee, a burst of nitrogen gas is added to pressurize the keg.
Why Nitro Coffee?
The infusion of pressurized nitrogen gas has some interesting effects on the flavor of the coffee. First of all, you will notice that is looks more like a craft beer than a coffee. When first poured, the coffee will be full of tiny bubbles, giving the coffee a lighter look. Then, as the bubbles move upward, the coffee darkens and the bubbles rise to a foamy head. At the same time, the coffee attains a significantly smoother texture, and the coffee itself becomes slightly sweeter. For this reason, many people prefer their nitro coffee black instead of adding extra sugar and cream that generally accompanies a hot cup of joe.
Nitrogen for Sale in Miami
If you are curious about creating your very own nitro coffee, VS Carbonics has everything you need to set up your cold brewing station and start adding those delicious nitro bubbles into the mix. Call us today and speak to one of our nitrogen gas experts in Miami about how we can get you started.
