Nitro cold brew is a type of cold brew coffee that has been infused with nitrogen gas, which gives it a distinctive creamy texture and a foamy head similar to draft beer. The nitrogen bubbles are much smaller than carbon dioxide bubbles in carbonated drinks, resulting in a smooth, velvety mouthfeel rather than a fizzy sensation

. How Nitro Cold Brew is Made:

• It starts with cold brew coffee, which is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 8 to 24 hours.
• This cold brew concentrate is then placed in a keg or can and infused with nitrogen gas.
• When served, usually from a tap, the nitrogen creates tiny bubbles and a cascading effect, producing a rich, creamy foam on top

Taste and Characteristics:

• Nitro cold brew has a subtly sweet flavor with chocolate and bright fruit notes that come from the cold brewing process.
• The nitrogen infusion adds a smooth, creamy texture and a lighter mouthfeel.
• It is naturally dairy-free and vegan, though sometimes milk or plant-based milk is added for lattes

• It is typically served without ice to avoid dilution

Caffeine Content:

• Nitro cold brew usually contains more caffeine than regular hot coffee due to the higher coffee-to-water ratio in cold brewing. For example, a 7-ounce can may have about 180 mg of caffeine, and a 12-ounce serving can have around 215 mg at Starbucks

Nitro Cold Brew vs. Regular Cold Brew:

Feature| Nitro Cold Brew| Regular Cold Brew
---|---|---
Texture| Creamy, velvety, foamy head| Smooth, thinner texture
Taste| Slightly sweeter, less acidic| Slightly sweeter, smooth
Serving style| From tap or canned, no ice| Usually served with ice
Appearance| Cascading effect, foamy top| Clear, no foam
Add-ins needed| Often none due to creamy texture| May need milk or sweeteners

In summary, nitro cold brew is a cold brewed coffee enhanced with nitrogen gas to create a creamy, smooth, and visually appealing coffee experience with a subtly sweet flavor and higher caffeine content than regular coffee