What Is Nitro Coffee?

The coffee industry has changed rapidly over the past few years, and baristas and coffee shop owners are constantly striving to create new and unique coffee drinks. One of the most popular coffee trends lately is nitro coffee. Nitro coffee has been around for years, but it's now gaining mainstream appeal, which creates an opportunity for foodservice establishments to make a profit. Keep reading to learn all about nitro coffee, why you should offer it at your cafe, and what you need to make nitro coffee.

What Is Nitro Coffee?

Typically made from cold brew coffee, nitro coffee is a beverage that has been infused with nitrogen gas, which gives the drink its name. Nitrogen gas, which is also used in varieties of beer like porters and stouts, creates small bubbles in the coffee, and gives the drink a thick and creamy texture. The nitrogen also forms a dense head that is similar to the head of a beer.

In addition to changing the texture of the drink, nitrogen also helps reduce some of the bitterness and acidity of the coffee, which makes it more palatable to non-coffee drinkers.

Where Did Nitro Coffee Start?

Nitro coffee was created by experimental baristas at Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Texas in 2012. Nitro coffee traveled to different cities around the U.S., and now you can even find it at some grocery stores and gas stations.

Does Nitro Coffee Have More Caffeine?

One of the main benefits to nitro coffee is that it has nearly 30% more caffeine than regular drip coffee. Some scientists also speculate that the nitrogen gas helps your body process the caffeine quicker, so you can get your caffeine boost faster.

Why Should You Serve Nitro Beverages?

Nitrogen-infused drinks like nitro coffee are a popular trend in coffee shops and cafes, but is it the right fit for your business? Here are a few reasons why you should consider serving nitro coffee and other nitrogen-infused beverages at your establishment:

• It's popular. Nitro coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the coffee industry, and having it on your menu can bring a lot of customers into your business.
• It's cost-efficient. Nitro beverages are easy to make and only require a few pieces of equipment. But because nitro coffee is so popular, you can sell it for a premium and make a nice profit without much time and effort.
• It's healthier than standard drip coffee. Many people load up their drip coffee with cream and sugar, which makes it unhealthy. Nitro coffee, on the other hand, is less bitter and acidic than regular coffee, so your customers don't have to sweeten it with sugar and milk. Plus, coffee has lots of natural antioxidants that are good for you.
• You can make beverages other than coffee. In addition to nitro coffee, there are many other types of nitro-infused beverages you can make. For example, some coffee shops have experimented with nitro green tea, nitro chai, and nitro cocktails.

What Equipment Do You Need to Make Nitrogen-Infused Beverages?

There are only a few pieces of equipment that your business needs to get started brewing and tapping your own nitro coffee or other beverages. All you need to make nitro coffee is a keg, nitrogen gas, and a nitro infuser box. Nitro infuser boxes are specifically designed to handle the acidity of coffee without rusting or wearing down.

It is important to note that you can make nitro coffee with either hot brew or cold brew coffee, although cold brew coffee is easier to make in bulk.

Keeping up with trends in the foodservice and coffee industry can help bring more customers into your restaurant and boost your profits, and nitrogen-infused drinks like nitro coffee are one of the most popular trends in foodservice today. While nitro coffee started in small coffee shops in select cities, it has grown exponentially and is now becoming available to the general public, which makes it an excellent time to start serving it at your coffee shop or bistro. Plus, because there are only a few pieces of coffee shop equipment involved and you can offer the coffee for a premium, it's an excellent investment for your business.