The coffee industry has changed rapidly in recent years, and baristas and coffee shop owners are constantly striving to create new and unique coffee drinks. One of the most popular coffee trends has been nitro coffee. Nitro coffee has been around for years, but it has continued to gain mainstream appeal, creating an opportunity for foodservice establishments to profit. Join us today at The Coffee Shop to learn all about nitro coffee .
What exactly is nitro coffee?
Nitro coffee is cold-brewed coffee infused with nitrogen gas. While this may sound like an experiment in molecular gastronomy, infusing nitrogen into a cold brew is nothing new. Beer drinkers are already familiar with nitro: the characteristic velvety texture of Guinness stout is the product of nitrogen gas.
This dense, delicate head distinguishes itself from the bolder, fizzier quality of many other beers. It's also a great textural combination with the rich, roasted flavors enjoyed by both cold brew and Guinness fans.
In nitro coffee, the cold brew is infused with pressurized nitrogen to give it body and texture. Nitro brew is usually served on draft to maintain the fresh effects of the pressurized nitrogen. It makes a nice presentation by foaming in the glass. Some canned nitro coffees are also available.
Pioneers of this technique, Cuvee Coffee of Austin and Stumptown Coffee of Portland, are among several coffee companies that brew nitro coffee in cans. They use a widget: a nitrogen-filled capsule, just like Guinness uses.
Where did Nitro coffee begin?
Nitro coffee was created by experimental baristas at Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Texas in 2012. Nitro coffee traveled to different cities across the U.S. and can now even be found in some grocery stores and gas stations.
Does nitro coffee have more caffeine?
One of the main benefits of nitro coffee is that it has almost 30% more caffeine than regular drip coffee. Some scientists also speculate that nitrogen gas helps your body process caffeine faster.
What does nitro coffee taste like?
Nitro coffee begins life as cold brew coffee. This means it already has the smooth flavor profile that has earned cold brew coffee such an enthusiastic following. Nitrogen gas not only changes the appearance of the coffee and gives it that sensual, velvety texture, but it also affects the flavor.
And it affects the flavor in a way that naturally highlights cold brew's most popular qualities: an absence of bitterness and acidity with smoothness and richness that some register as notes of sweetness.
Many people find that nitrogen gas gives coffee a natural sweetness. In addition to the decidedly creamy texture, this makes a glass of nitro coffee as rich and satisfying as if it had cream and sugar in it. It's delicious on its own.
But some coffee shops are playing up that sweet flavor and turning the already rich nitro coffee into dessert delights. Mighty Brew Bros in New York City makes nitro coffee into ice cream, for example. Starbucks offers nitro coffee adorned with a sweet cream topping floating on top.
Both the texture and flavor of nitro coffee are characterized by a velvety smoothness, making it a harmonious and satisfying beverage.
Is nitrogenated coffee a healthier option?
We've already seen how this cold brew coffee is inherently creamy and has a natural sweetness. This makes it a naturally rich and sweet beverage without added fat or sweeteners. It also means it's a satisfying refresher with no calories or carbs.
But does it benefit your health at all? One proven benefit of coffee is that it can make your workout more effective. From improving performance and boosting metabolism to helping you power through a tough sequence, rebuilding muscle, and managing muscle soreness afterward, coffee can make exercise better and more enjoyable.
Nitro coffee can serve as a fitness fuel that offers some advantages over energy drinks. Just be sure not to turn to nitro coffee as a source of hydration. It's a healthy substitute for energy drinks, but nothing is a healthy substitute for water.
Nitrogenated coffee is a delicious beverage to enjoy at a coffee shop, but it can put a dent in your regular coffee drinking budget. But whether you're looking for a healthier way to get your morning coffee fix or just a refreshing way to enjoy a caffeinated cold brew, this innovative coffee is worth a try.