Nitro cold brew is a popular coffee beverage that transforms an ordinary glass of cold brew into something extraordinary. The good news for coffee shops – besides the profitability – is that nitro is easy to make and serve once you have the equipment. Here are the basics you need to know if you want to offer nitro beverages at your cafe, bar, or to have at home.
What Is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?
Nitro coffee, or nitro cold brew, is coffee that has been infused with nitrogen, similar to how soda and sparkling water have been infused with carbon dioxide. Nitro cold brew is served like beer on tap, so you need a specialized keg system to do it.
Nitro coffee is a new-ish beverage that has spiked in popularity over the last several years. All the popular big-name coffee houses across the country have adopted the trend, and many smaller, local coffee shops are beginning to offer nitro drinks as well.
Cold Brew vs Nitro Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in water for an extended period of time. Nitro cold brew is made with cold brew coffee. So if your coffee shop already has a killer cold brew, nitro can really bring it to the next level.
The technical difference between cold brew and nitro cold brew is, simply, the presence of nitrogen. Both beverages are technically a cold brew coffee drink. Both are lower acid options for coffee lovers with sensitive stomachs. And both have more caffeine than hot brewed coffee.
However, there are two additional notable differences between the two:
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Nitro cold brew coffee has a distinct frothy mouthfeel and offers a more robust drinking experience than cold brew. It also has a less bitter taste.
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Nitro cold brew lasts significantly longer than standard cold brew because it is kept in a keg, which prevents oxygen from getting in.
How to Make Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
When you have the right equipment, making nitro cold brew coffee takes three simple steps:
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First, steep the coffee and make a basic cold brew.
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Next, pour the cold brew into a Cornelius keg and infuse it with nitrogen.
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Finally, serve the nitro cold brew on tap, like you would Guinness beer.
Yes, it really is that simple!
Shop our selection of nitro cold brew products, such as the Cold Brew Coffee Nitrogen Keg Kit with Stout Faucet - 5 Gallon.
Why Serve Nitro Cold Brew at Your Coffee Shop?
There are several reasons why it can make good business sense to bring nitro cold brew to your cafe. We’ve highlighted the top four:
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Bring in more money. Offering nitro cold brew is a profitable way to expand your menu. Given the current and ever-growing popularity of nitro cold brew coffee drinks, the sales should surpass the equipment expense pretty quickly.
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Stay trendy. Like iced coffee, flat cold brew, and holiday themed lattes, nitro coffee is a trend that’s here to stay. Embracing nitro is a logical step for the cafe that wants to stay ahead in the industry.
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Stand out. Serving nitro on tap will help you stand out from the competition, especially if you are a smaller coffee shop competing with other local joints. Not only will it make your menu stand out, it will also bring a unique vibe and aesthetic to your cafe.
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Win more customers. Nitro cold brew can expand your customer base. Nitro is less acidic than hot brewed coffee, which can be compelling to those with digestive issues who otherwise steer clear of coffee. If you already have cold brew at your coffee shop, the addition of nitro can attract more customers who like to try the latest coffee trends.
How to Make Nitro Cold Brew: Equipment You Need to Get Started
If you are interested in bringing nitro cold brew to your cafe, here is the minimum equipment you’ll need:
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Nitrogen tank
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Nitrogen regulator
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Nitrogen infuser
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Cornelius keg
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Kegerator
At the bare minimum, you’ll need one of each of the items mentioned above. However, depending on the size of your establishment, your projected sales, and how much of an expansion you want to make, this can vary.
To get started, check out the HeadMaster, the perfect nitro cold brew solution for a home bar or busy cafe.
There are also a few important logistical components you’ll want to have ironed out before officially bringing nitro cold brew to your coffee shop. These include:
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Budget. Of course you’ll need to be sure you can afford the minimum equipment necessary to bring nitro cold brew to your cafe, but you also want to consider other expenses, such as additional supplies, the cost of paying a nitrogen supplier in your area, and any promotions you’ll be running for the menu expansion.
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Recipes. Depending on your target audience and the size of your cafe, just offering a black nitro cold brew could be enough. But you may want to explore recipes, as well, to give your menu an even greater edge.
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Space. This may seem pretty obvious, but before you order any equipment, do some planning to ensure you have enough room. You may need to move some things around before you can order the equipment to offer nitro cold brew on tap.
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Kegerator placement. A kegerator is a bulky piece of equipment, similar to the undercounter refrigerator you probably already have. Some kegerators can be kept under the counter, and some can’t, so you’ll need to figure out in advance where a kegerator would go and what type would be best for your setup.
Shop our selection of nitro cold brew systems and kits to find the perfect solution for your needs.