The increase in coffee consumption has led to many developments in the coffee industry. The emergence of new menu variants and unique processing for coffee drinks is no exception to this advancement, including the Nitro Coffee.
But, have you ever heard of cold brew? This coffee, which is served and brewed in cold temperatures, has become a trend, as well as other coffees that are served cold.
Curious? Now let’s talk more about nitro coffee in this article below!
What is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro coffee also known as NCB is one variant of cold brew coffee. and for that, some may call it nitro cold brew coffee. This coffee is part of the coffee “family” that is served ice cold.
Nitro coffee is a type of cold brew that has nitrogen added to create its unique taste and smooth texture. Nitro coffee was first served in 2012, while its canned version arrived in 2014. From then on, nitro coffee’s popularity has skyrocketed, even till today.
Nitro coffee’s place of origin has a couple different versions. Generally, cited from roastycoffee.com, it is said that the owner of Cuvee coffee, Texas McKim from Austin was the first to start this gassy trend, followed by other places such as Portland, Oregon’s Stumptown.
While other versions, such from Esquire magazine, said that nitro coffee came from ‘The Queens Kickshaw’, located in New York. According to Esquire, this New York pub was the first to serve the concept of cold brew way back from 2011.
Regardless of the origin of nitro coffee, it’s still not an excuse for you to not try it!
Process of Making Nitro Coffee
The first step in making a nitro is to brew the coffee with cold or room temp water for about 12 to 24 hours. After the brewing, you have yourself a cold brew! But we don’t stop till there, next, pour nitrogen gas with a pressure valve. This is what allows nitro coffee to have its signature texture, velvety and smooth.
Bubbles of nitrogen in the coffee give it its silky texture. The coffee beans brewed with cold brew method will enhance its sweetness and reduce the acidity level to minimal. Meanwhile, the addition of nitrogen will also produce a foamy milky layer that sinks from the top to the bottom of the glass.
This process will result in a thick yet smooth and slightly sweet nitro coffee that surprisingly does not contain any sugar and milk, just plain coffee.
Roastedcoffee.com reported that the nitrogen could make for what is known as just pure black coffee and turn it as if there were cream and sugar added. Intriguing, ain’t it!
Fun fact: Nitro coffee is commonly stored in kegs or barrels, similar to how beers are kept!
What’s the Difference Between Nitro Coffee And Other Cold Brews?
First of all, nitro coffee is made using cold brew, unlike iced coffee that is made from hot brew in general. This means that instead of refrigerating the drink after brewing, nitro coffee is brewed at room temp or colder. This cold extract produces coffee concentrate, different to standard coffee we usually get from a drip brewer.
The coffee concentrate can be lowered to various degrees, allowing for more strength control. In addition, nitro coffee also includes nitrogen, obviously, which differentiates it further from regular iced coffee or frappé.
Is Nitro Coffee Healthy?
Ever since its emergence and rise, the question of nitro office effects to health has always been a hot topic.
Did you know? Nitro coffee has become popular in the fitness world, as an alternative to iced coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
To start off, yes! Nitro coffee is healthier because of the natural sweetness of the coffee, so most people can enjoy it with little or no additives.
Not only is swapping nitrogen for caffeine boost helps to cut calories, but it is also refreshing on its own merits.
Why so? A regular cup of coffee (8 fl oz) contains about 65 mg of caffeine. Nitro coffee could have 30% more caffeine per ounce than other cold brews. All thanks to its higher grounds to water ratio.
The same can be said to most sports drinks, but it must be said. Like most caffeinated beverages, nitro can increase heart rate, causing problems for many individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or those with heart problems or experiencing anxiety. Remember to consume with caution.
So? interested in trying this new nitro sensation? or do you like good ol’ cold brew with no additions?