What Is Nitro Coffee? A Guide to the Creamy, Velvety Trend
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What Is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro coffee is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas and served on tap, much like stout beer. This infusion transforms ordinary cold brew into a creamy, cascading, silky drink with a naturally sweet flavour profile.
The concept originated in speciality coffee shops looking to elevate cold brew, and it has since become a favourite for coffee lovers who want a smooth, low-acidity, refreshing drink.
If you’re a fan of cold-style coffees, you might also enjoy exploring our Cold Brew Coffee Blends.
How Is Nitro Coffee Made?
Nitro coffee starts with a strong batch of cold brew. This is then placed inside a keg system where nitrogen gas is infused under pressure. Because nitrogen is insoluble in water, it forms tiny bubbles, creating:
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A velvety texture
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A cascading effect when poured
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A thick, creamy head similar to draft beer
No dairy, syrups or additives are needed — the texture is purely from nitrogen.
If you're brewing cold coffee at home, beans with smooth, sweet profiles like Ethiopian Breeze Coffee or Costa Rica SHB Coffee work especially well.
What Does Nitro Coffee Taste Like?
Nitro coffee is known for being:
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Creamy and silky
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Naturally sweeter than standard cold brew
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Less acidic and less bitter
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Refreshing and smooth
Many people compare the mouthfeel to a milkshake or stout, but without the heaviness of dairy.
Is Nitro Coffee Stronger Than Regular Coffee?
Nitro coffee isn’t inherently higher in caffeine, but it’s often made from stronger cold brew concentrate, which can contain more caffeine than a standard iced coffee.
If you're looking for bold, high-impact flavours for cold coffee drinks, consider trying Frozen Amazon Coffee or Trial By Fire Coffee.
Is Nitro Coffee Served Hot or Cold?
Nitro coffee is always served cold. Nitrogen doesn’t infuse well into hot liquids, and the signature creamy cascades only appear when poured over a cold surface.
Can You Make Nitro Coffee at Home?
Yes — but it requires some specialised equipment such as:
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A mini keg or whipped cream canister
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Nitrogen (N₂) cartridges
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Strong cold brew concentrate
While it's possible, most people enjoy nitro coffee in cafés because the equipment can be pricey. However, you can still make amazing cold brew at home using any of your favourite beans from our All Products collection.
Nitro Coffee vs Cold Brew: What’s the Difference?
Both drinks start with cold brew, but the nitrogen infusion is what sets nitro coffee apart.
| Cold Brew | Nitro Coffee |
|---|---|
| Smooth | Ultra-smooth & creamy |
| Still | Served on tap |
| No foam | Thick, foamy head |
| Mildly sweet | Naturally sweeter |
| Low acidity | Even lower acidity |
Final Thoughts
Nitro coffee is a unique, refreshing take on cold brew that’s earned loyal fans thanks to its silky texture and natural sweetness. Whether you're trying it for the first time or brewing at home, it’s an exciting way to experience speciality coffee.
Explore smooth, cold-brew-friendly beans in our South American Coffee Collection.