Nitrogen infused coffee, also known as nitro brew, has taken the coffee world by storm in recent years. This unique brewing method involves infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, creating a smooth, creamy, and velvety texture that’s unlike any other type of coffee. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of nitrogen infused coffee and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
What is Nitrogen Infused Coffee?
Nitrogen infused coffee is a type of coffee that’s made by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas. This process involves forcing nitrogen gas into the coffee under pressure, which creates a smooth and creamy texture. The nitrogen gas also helps to bring out the flavors of the coffee, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste experience.
The Science Behind Nitrogen Infused Coffee
So, how does nitrogen infused coffee work? It all comes down to the science of gas and liquid interaction. When nitrogen gas is forced into the coffee under pressure, it creates a process called “micro-foam.” This micro-foam is made up of tiny bubbles of nitrogen gas that are suspended in the coffee, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
The nitrogen gas also helps to bring out the flavors of the coffee by increasing the surface area of the coffee. This allows the flavors to be extracted more efficiently, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste experience.
The Benefits of Nitrogen Infused Coffee
So, why should you try nitrogen infused coffee? Here are just a few benefits of this unique brewing method:
- Smooth and creamy texture: Nitrogen infused coffee has a smooth and creamy texture that’s unlike any other type of coffee.
- Complex and nuanced flavor: The nitrogen gas helps to bring out the flavors of the coffee, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste experience.
- Low acidity: Nitrogen infused coffee has a lower acidity level than other types of coffee, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to acidic coffee.
- Caffeine kick: Nitrogen infused coffee has a higher caffeine content than other types of coffee, making it a great option for those who need a caffeine boost.
The Equipment You’ll Need
To make nitrogen infused coffee at home, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. Here are the basics:
- Cold brew coffee maker: You’ll need a cold brew coffee maker to make the cold brew coffee that will be infused with nitrogen gas.
- Nitrogen gas tank: You’ll need a nitrogen gas tank to provide the nitrogen gas that will be infused into the coffee.
- Regulator: You’ll need a regulator to control the flow of nitrogen gas into the coffee.
- Infusion vessel: You’ll need an infusion vessel to hold the coffee and nitrogen gas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nitrogen Infused Coffee
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide to making nitrogen infused coffee.
Step 1: Make the Cold Brew Coffee
The first step in making nitrogen infused coffee is to make the cold brew coffee. To do this, you’ll need to grind your coffee beans and add them to your cold brew coffee maker. Then, add water to the maker and steep the coffee for at least 12 hours.
Grind Size and Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The grind size and coffee-to-water ratio are critical when it comes to making cold brew coffee. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Grind size: Use a medium-coarse grind size for cold brew coffee.
- Coffee-to-water ratio: Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew coffee.
Step 2: Prepare the Nitrogen Gas Tank
Once you’ve made the cold brew coffee, it’s time to prepare the nitrogen gas tank. To do this, you’ll need to attach the regulator to the tank and set the pressure to the recommended level.
Pressure Settings
The pressure setting will depend on the type of regulator you’re using. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Low pressure: Use a low pressure setting (around 10-15 PSI) for a smooth and creamy texture.
- High pressure: Use a high pressure setting (around 20-25 PSI) for a more intense flavor and texture.
Step 3: Infuse the Coffee with Nitrogen Gas
Now it’s time to infuse the coffee with nitrogen gas. To do this, you’ll need to attach the infusion vessel to the regulator and slowly pour the cold brew coffee into the vessel.
Infusion Time
The infusion time will depend on the type of coffee you’re using and the desired level of nitrogen infusion. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Short infusion time: Use a short infusion time (around 30 seconds to 1 minute) for a light and refreshing flavor.
- Long infusion time: Use a long infusion time (around 2-3 minutes) for a more intense flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks for Making Nitrogen Infused Coffee
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect nitrogen infused coffee:
- Use high-quality coffee beans: The quality of the coffee beans will greatly affect the flavor and texture of the nitrogen infused coffee.
- Experiment with different grind sizes and coffee-to-water ratios: The grind size and coffee-to-water ratio will affect the flavor and texture of the cold brew coffee.
- Adjust the pressure setting: The pressure setting will affect the texture and flavor of the nitrogen infused coffee.
- Experiment with different infusion times: The infusion time will affect the flavor and texture of the nitrogen infused coffee.
Conclusion
Nitrogen infused coffee is a unique and delicious brewing method that’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to try something new. With the right equipment and a little practice, you can make nitrogen infused coffee at home that’s just as good as what you’d find in a coffee shop. Remember to experiment with different grind sizes, coffee-to-water ratios, pressure settings, and infusion times to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences. Happy brewing!
What is Nitro Brew Coffee?
Nitro brew coffee is a type of coffee that is infused with nitrogen gas. This process gives the coffee a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, velvety flavor. The nitrogen infusion also helps to bring out the natural flavors of the coffee, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste experience.
The nitrogen infusion process involves forcing nitrogen gas into the coffee under pressure, which creates a cascade of tiny bubbles that give the coffee its distinctive texture. This process is similar to the way that Guinness beer is brewed, which is where the idea for nitro brew coffee originated.
What are the benefits of Nitro Brew Coffee?
One of the main benefits of nitro brew coffee is its unique texture and flavor. The nitrogen infusion gives the coffee a smooth, creamy texture that is similar to a latte or cappuccino, but without the need for milk or cream. This makes it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free coffee.
Another benefit of nitro brew coffee is its potential health benefits. Nitrogen-infused coffee has been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants than regular coffee, which can help to protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the nitrogen infusion process can help to reduce the acidity of the coffee, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to acidic flavors.
What equipment do I need to make Nitro Brew Coffee?
To make nitro brew coffee, you will need a few pieces of specialized equipment. The most important piece of equipment is a nitrogen infusion system, which is used to force nitrogen gas into the coffee under pressure. You will also need a keg or container to store the coffee, as well as a tap or dispenser to serve it.
You can purchase nitrogen infusion systems and kegs online or at specialty coffee shops. Some systems are designed specifically for home use, while others are more commercial-grade. Be sure to do your research and choose a system that meets your needs and budget.
How do I make Nitro Brew Coffee at home?
Making nitro brew coffee at home is a relatively simple process. First, you will need to brew a batch of strong coffee using a French press or pour-over method. Then, you will need to chill the coffee in the refrigerator before transferring it to a keg or container.
Once the coffee is in the keg, you can use a nitrogen infusion system to force nitrogen gas into the coffee under pressure. This will create the distinctive texture and flavor of nitro brew coffee. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the nitrogen infusion system, and adjust the pressure and flow rate as needed to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Can I use any type of coffee beans to make Nitro Brew Coffee?
While you can use any type of coffee beans to make nitro brew coffee, some types of beans are better suited to the process than others. In general, it’s best to use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans that have a medium to dark roast level.
Lighter roasts can be too acidic and may not hold up well to the nitrogen infusion process, while very dark roasts can be too bitter. Arabica beans are generally preferred for nitro brew coffee, as they have a more delicate flavor and a higher acidity level than Robusta beans.
How long does Nitro Brew Coffee last?
Nitro brew coffee can last for several days when stored properly in a keg or container. The key is to keep the coffee cold and to maintain the pressure of the nitrogen infusion system.
In general, nitro brew coffee can last for 3-5 days when stored in a keg at a temperature of around 40°F (4°C). However, the exact shelf life will depend on the type of coffee beans used, the roast level, and the storage conditions.
Is Nitro Brew Coffee expensive to make?
The cost of making nitro brew coffee can vary depending on the equipment and ingredients used. In general, the initial investment in a nitrogen infusion system and keg can be around $500-$1000.
However, once you have the equipment, the cost of making nitro brew coffee can be relatively low. A bag of high-quality coffee beans can cost around $10-$20, and can make several gallons of coffee. Additionally, the nitrogen gas used in the infusion process is relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased in bulk online or at specialty coffee shops.