How Did They Fix The Problem
As mentioned before, the problem is with oxygen getting into your coffee as it sits for a whole day. It has to have a container that can be purged to there is no air inside your cold brew vessel. This was a tough choice since we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on factory equipment. Not until we discovered something unexpected. We found that using a large wine jug to store our water and coffee grounds were perfect for this. To get the air out, we used a wine vacuum hand pump that has a stopper at the top. It was perfect for pumping-out all the air inside the jug. Our jug was large enough to have one gallon of cold brew coffee. It also fits into the fridge without taking up much room.
When the coffee was steeped for a day or so, I could then pour the remainder of the coffee into a container with a filter a couple of times. The result was amazing and preserved more flavor than I could ask for. After that, it was only a matter of how to get the nitrogen into the coffee. In the next section, I’ll tell you more about what experiments we found that worked best.
Why Is Nitro Cold Brew So Expensive
Chances are that if youve seen nitro cold brew on a cafes menu, youve also seen the relatively high price point that comes with it. If all that separates it from a regular cold brew is a gas, why does nitro cold brew cost noticeably more?
Its in part because the whole nitro cold brew setup is expensive. Coffee shops have to buy things like nitrogen tanks, dispensing taps, and tubing to serve the beverage. They have to install the equipment, too. All of those resources and all of that labor cost a pretty penny. In some cases, it can cost over $1,500.
Size: For Whom Is It Needed
There is a wide range of sizes to choose from when it comes to nitro cold brew systems. You can choose a small personal model like the Hatfields London NitroPress nitro coffee maker to make a cup or two of nitro cold brew for yourself or a huge model like the Beverage Elements Nitro Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Keg Kit to make enough of nitro coffee for a large group of people. There are also a few medium sizes to choose from, so you can buy whichever suits your coffee-drinking needs.
Another thing to consider is how often you want to make your cold brew coffee. Once the cold brew concentrate is made, it will last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, so you can add it as needed to a small container. You can also put the cold brew in the nitro container and store it this way instead, pouring yourself a cup of nitro coffee whenever you like. Those who prefer the freshest nitro coffee possible may want to stick to smaller containers, steeping it more frequently instead of keeping a large batch on hand.
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Caveman Coffee Co Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
BEST OVERALL
Caveman Coffee Co. was one of the first companies to can and sell pre-made nitro cold brew. Thats part of the reason why its version is one of the most popular and well-reviewed on the market today. The other reason is that Caveman Coffee Co. sells its nitro cold brew in 11.5-ounce cans, which are considerably larger than the standard seven-ounce cans produced by many competing companies. The coffee inside the can is made from sustainably-sourced South American coffee beans which have been soaked in pure water for 12 hours. The liquid is then canned along with nitrogen to create a velvety beverage thats hard to resist.
Why Is Nitro Cold Brew So Strong
Nitro cold brews are cold brews infused with nitrogen. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with smaller bubbles than carbon dioxide. These tiny bubbles have a hard time dissolving, which gives the coffee a thick, heavy feel. Nitrogen can make a drink as strong as black coffee taste smooth and sweet.
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Purging When You Add More Cold Brew Coffee
Just like your big wine jug full of cold brew should have the air vacuumed out, so does your mini-keg. As crazy as this will sound, this will help preserve the flavors for longer periods. You need to add new cold brew coffee to the keg and screw on the lid, nice and snug. A fresh nitrogen canister will charge a vessel but not remove excess oxygen, so it needs to be purged for that air. Put a cup under the tap and slowly pull it allowing the gas and air to escape. You mustn’t shake the mini-keg since this will include oxygen into the coffee.
When you can see that no gas or air is escaping anymore, the keg is purged. Then a new gas canister can then be added to the keg. Only after that should you shake the keg to mix both the coffee and the nitrogen together. This makes your nitro cold brew coffee make a distinct cascade effect after its poured. When oxygen is still inside your mini-keg it just looks like beer foam. The cascade effect only happens when oxygen isn’t mixed into the coffee allowing it to flow down to the bottom of a cup, like a waterfall instead of rising.
My Morning Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- 64 Ounce Keg
Brand: My Morning Brew
Heres another popular choice for at home, nitro coffee. The standard, 64-ounce keg design is an ideal choice for most homes and its made of food-grade stainless steel so durable and easy to clean.
The pressure relief valve makes this a more durable option that is less likely to drip coffee around the kitchen.
Its an attractive design and really easy to use. You just need to add coffee , attach the tap and nitrogen cartridges . Shake the keg gently and let it sit in the fridge for 1-hour minimum.
This is a good quality nitro coffee maker but it isnt dishwasher safe so make sure you wash it by hand.
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Is Nitro Cold Brew With Sweet Cream Keto Friendly
Similar to regular coffee or cold brew, nitro is OK to eat on a keto diet. It has zero carbohydrates, zero calories, and zero sugar, which means its perfectly fine to enjoy. Be forewarned, however, that adding sugar to your nitro cold brew would make it incompatible with the ketogenic diet.
Similarly, Can you get a sugar free vanilla sweet cream cold brew?
The sweet cream cold brew is something relatively new to Starbucks. If you order this the regular way youll get the full sugar vanilla syrup its made with, so if youd like the low carb/low sugar option, you need to ask for sugar free vanilla.
Subsequently Is Nitro cold brew bad for you? One of the reasons nitrogen coffee is becoming so popular is because it can be a healthy alternative to your regular caffeine fix. It earns the title of being a healthy coffee beverage in a few different ways: Its lower in calories than a latte or other flavored coffee. Its sweet without the use of sugars.
Is cold brew bad for you?
Cold brew coffee contains compounds that may reduce your risk of heart disease, including caffeine, phenolic compounds, magnesium, trigonelline, quinides, and lignans. These increase insulin sensitivity, stabilize blood sugar, and lower blood pressure .
Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Brand: Royal Brew
- Tap Plug Plus Carry Bag
- 64 Ounce Keg
Next up, we have this clever little model by Royal Brew. I love the classic keg design with its clean, stainless steel finish and it even comes with a handy carry bag. To help keep those countertops clean, the tap plug catches all those pesky drips which help to make this a clean kitchen companion.
You do need to brew your coffee separately, but once its ready you simply add it to the keg. The dispenser screws in place and then all you need to do is add two nitrogen or a single nitrous oxide canister. Shake the keg well for 15-20 seconds and let it sit for half an hour. You can then add the second cartridge and place the keg in the fridge for an hour.
The manufacturers have included bonus o-rings which help give a perfect seal and avoids nitro gas leakage. This little extra helps make this cold brew system clean and efficient to use as well as giving you beautiful velvety, frothy iced coffee again and again.
As a nice bonus, this option comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
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What Is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
Nitro cold brew coffee is simply cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen to give it a velvety texture and a cascading, frothy crema . While the taste is completely different, the texture is somewhat similar to that of a Guinness beer.;
The nitro cold brew process also gives the coffee a creamy, slightly sweet taste without the need for added dairy or sugar.;
What Is The Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you are looking for the best nitro cold brew coffee maker, we have reviews of five models above, each with its own strengths and faults.
Finding the best nitro cold brew machine for you will largely depend on your circumstances and how you plan to use it. If you are just starting out making your own nitro cold brew, the NitroPress might be a good option to see if you enjoy the process; however, if you are a nitro fan, you will probably want to go for a more robust set-up like the GrowelerWerks uKeg system.
The world of nitro cold brew can be an exciting, scary place. It can be hard to get a grasp on what nitro cold brew even is, let alone how to make it.
After spending some time with us. however, we hope our reviews and buyers guide have helped you feel confident enough to start your own nitro cold brew journey with a machine of your own!
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Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers
The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words nitro and coffee should be- why? We dont blame you; amidst the infinite recipes and flavors of coffee, why would someone choose one that requires liquid nitrogen? Well, its because they taste amazing. Amazing would be an understatement here.
The beautiful and rich froth, the creamy touch without creamer, and a refreshing drink on top of that- why would you not like this drink?
That being said, finding the best nitro cold brew coffee maker isnt a very easy task. They dont come cheap, and you have to be careful while choosing one. Worry not, though; were here to help you.
Mini Keg Vs Whipped Cream Dispenser
Depending on how into cooking you are, you may already have a whipped cream dispenser. If you dont though, theyre not expensive to buy and the cartridges are relatively cheap too so its an easy way to get started.
If youre a regular cold brew drinker looking to have the nitro version every so often, the whipped cream method is definitely the way to go. However, if you plan to have fresh nitro coffee at home frequently, its worth investing in a new nitro cold brew maker.
Minikegs are quite expensive. But, when it comes to making nitro cold brew, they have a couple of big benefits over using a glass jar and whipped cream dispenser:
Once youve poured each drink, all of the oxygen is removed from the nitro coffee maker. This will make the coffee taste brighter and fresher for much longer.
When not in use, you can easily store your nifty nitro coffee machine in the fridge. So, every time you want a creamy, cool coffee, it is quickly and easily on hand. We recommend making a big batch at the weekend so you have a whole weeks worth of coffee ready to pour.
Theyre super easy to use too. Once youve made your cold brew, you simply fill the keg and place the whole thing in the fridge. To turn it into nitro coffee, make sure there is a nitrous oxide cartridge installed , and pull the lever like a draught beer.
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Califia Farms Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Oat Milk Latte
BEST LATTE
While drinking nitro cold brew on its own is enjoyable, adding oat milk to create a cross between nitro cold brew and a latte is divine. The Califia Farms manages to accomplish this in a shelf-stable, canned beverage known as the Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Oat Milk Latte, which makes them somewhat like miracle workers in our opinion. Each can includes a nitrogen widget that stores the gas until the can is opened, leaving you with a frothy mixture of strong cold brew and allergen-free oat milk. This is an ideal alternative to the iced latte you buy at $5 a cup from the local coffee shop.
How Is Nitro Cold Brew Best Served
Although most premade nitro cold brew can be stored at room temperature, it definitely tastes better cold. Chill the cans in the refrigerator, then, when youre ready to drink your nitro cold brew, shake the can once or twice before pouring it rapidly into a glass. This will activate the nitrogen to create the drinks desirable frothy, silky texture.;
And, dont forget to pay attention to the expiration dates. Nitro cold brew doesnt have the same shelf life as many other canned beverages.
Now that you know a little bit more about nitro cold brew, lets discuss the best pre-made options. Below weve listed the six best nitro cold brew products that you can buy to try in the comfort of your own home.
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What Is The Caffeine Content Of A Nitro Cold Brew
With cold brew coffees in general, its usually not a question of if it has caffeine; its a question of how much caffeine is in it. Unless your coffee shop of choice sells decaf cold brew, your nitro cold brew is bound to be caffeinated.
How much caffeine will it have, though? The answer depends on the size you get. If youre going to Starbucks for your nitro cold brew, youre looking at the following amounts of caffeine per serving:
- Tall : 215 mg
- Grande : 280 mg
For comparison, the numbers for a regular Starbucks cold brew are:
- Tall: 155 mg
- Trenta: 360 mg
Nitro cold brew contains more caffeine than the regular stuff because its more concentrated.
Of course, all of these numbers presume you are not getting a shot or two of espresso in your drink. Youd do best to ask your barista about any additional caffeine youre looking to add to your drink.
How To Make Nitro Cold
How to Make Nitro Cold-Brew Coffee Plus, learn how to make cold-brew coffee concentrate in record time.
A few years ago, when cold-brew coffee was just starting to take off in popularity, we developed our own foolproof recipe for making it at home. Now that nitro cold brew is all the rage, we thought we’d take a stab at a make-at-home recipe for that as well. Nitro cold brew is made by infusing the base brew with nitrogen to give it a rich, creamy head, similar to that of nitro draft beer such as Guinness. Nitrogen bubbles are smaller than carbon dioxide bubbles and, when infused in the coffee, give it a luxurious mouthfeel. It also lends the brew a sweetness that many drinkers find appealing. While upscale coffee shops inject nitrogen into their cold brew using a tap system similar to those used for dispensing beer, we found it best accomplished at home using a cream whipper. This is a metal canister with a dispensing nozzle that whips cream and other liquids using pressurized nitrous oxide cartridges. While crafting nitro with the canister, we also learned that it can be used to quick- brew cold-brew concentrate under pressure, cutting the time needed to make it from 24 hours to just longer than 1 hour. Here’s how it all works.
Cold-Brew Coffee ConcentrateMakes about 1½ cups; enough for 3 cups iced coffee
This concentrated coffee needs to be diluted before drinking. We recommend a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water, but you can dilute it more if you like.
Ingredients
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Does Nitro Coffee Have More Caffeine Than Regular Coffee
No, nitro coffee does not contain any more caffeine than regular coffee.
At Starbucks, the amount of caffeine in a tall featured dark roast coffee is 215mg. This is exactly the same as a tall nitro brew coffee. Their reserve nitro coffee has a whopping 280mg of caffeine. But there are several other coffees in their Clover Roast range that also have the same amount.
Yes, its complicated. But just using nitrogen does not, by rule, cause there to be more caffeine than you find in regular coffee.
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Top 5 Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers
- Not the most comfortable handles to shake with
- Its not double wall insulated so needs kept in fridge
You cannot ask for a better machine than the Nitro Tapp for making smooth creamy cold brew coffee at home, its specially designed tap gives a smoother flow for maximum creaminess and flavor so that you dont need cream or sugar.
But what I love best about it compared to the GrowlerWerks which is the runner up is that its about $50 cheaper and comes with 10 cartridges to start you out. Plus you can pick up another 30 cartridges for just $35 compared to the same amount of growler cartridges for $51. $100 saved right off the bat? Yes please!
Plus if you read through all the reviews time and time again people are saying it makes better Nitro coffee than Starbucks, which is high praise.
And whats great is that the coffee inside will last for 2 weeks in the fridge, you can make the full 24oz batch, pop it in the fridge and youll have delicious cold brew for days, though if youre like me it definitely wont last 2 weeks.
It works by adding the nitro canisters to the machine along with your cold brew, then you shake it using the handles on the sides of the keg for about 15 seconds, leave it for an hour in the fridge and its good to go. It feels a little clumsy shaking the whole thing but this is standard for nitro brewers and there are definitely harder machines to shake up.
Easier, better, cheaper.
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