Once you learn how easy it is to make nitro cold brew coffee, you’ll see why my family’s obsessed! It’s light, creamy, and smooth. All you need is a whipped cream dispenser!
If you’re trying out more Starbucks copycat recipes, definitely try my salted caramel cream cold brew, gingerbread latte, and caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino next!
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As someone who takes their morning cup of coffee very seriously, when something new enters the market, I’m keen to try it out for myself.
When I first saw Starbucks offering nitro, I thought it was a stout beer (which shows how innocent I am!). I decided to try it, and it’s been my go-to order ever since. My family has been asking me to try to make it at home, and I was all too happy to oblige!
What is nitro cold brew?
Nitro coffee is essentially a regular cold brew that’s infused with nitrogen gas to add microbubbles, giving it a creamy head of foam and a smooth texture. It has a subtly sweet flavor compared to traditional black coffee (even though there’s no sugar added), and the texture is silky smooth.
Why I love this recipe
- WAY cheaper than the coffee shops. This is one of the more expensive cups of coffee you can get, so making it at home is a no-brainer.
- You can make it two ways. If you’re a diehard nitro lover, you can invest in a special coffee maker or do what I do and use a whipped cream dispenser.
- It’s low-calorie. Since it’s just black coffee, each serving has under 5 calories!
Key ingredients
- Cold brew concentrate. You can buy this at the store, though I prefer making my own homemade cold brew concentrate since all you need is filtered water and ground coffee, and the flavor (and cost) is far superior. You will need 16 ounces of coffee concentrate, or you can use 64 total ounces of actual cold brew.
- Cold water. To thin out the concentrate. If you’re using cold brew coffee, skip the added water.
For the vanilla sweet cream foam:
- Vanilla extract. For a sweet vanilla flavor.
- Simple syrup. For a hint of sweetness. To keep this lower calorie, use sugar-free simple syrup.
- Heavy cream. Adds a thick, creamy texture.
How to make nitro cold brew
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Shake. Add the nitrogen cartridge to the whipped cream dispenser and pour the cold brew into it. Shake vigorously.
Step 2- Serve. Pour the nitro into your glass and let sit briefly so the foam rises.
Step 3- Add sweet cream. Blend the vanilla cream ingredients using a milk frother or blender until it reaches a frothy texture. Spoon over the nitro.
What if I have a nitro coffee maker?
If you have a special coffee maker designed to make nitro, you’re a step ahead of the game! Start by mixing the cold brew concentrate with filtered water. Transfer the cold brew to the keg of the coffee maker, nitrogenate the coffee maker, and shake the keg for 20 seconds. Let it sit for an hour, then pour it into your serving glass and top with the vanilla cream.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Omit the vanilla sweet cream. This is technically optional. You can keep your coffee black or substitute for your favorite coffee creamer.
- Make coffee ice cubes. I always have coffee ice cubes on deck, so when I’m craving iced coffee, I don’t have to worry about it diluting over time.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cold brew usually has a stronger taste than regular coffee because it has a higher caffeine content from the brewing process.
Yes, if you want to reduce your caffeine intake, just use decaffeinated coffee to make the cold brew concentrate.
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Add the cold brew into the whipped cream dispenser. Add the nitrogen cartridge and shake the dispenser vigorously for 30 seconds.
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Dispense the nitro cold brew into a tall glass and let it sit for 30 seconds, to allow the foam to rise to the top.
Using a nitro cold brew coffee maker: Mix the cold brew concentrate and filtered water. Transfer the cold brew into the keg of the nitro cold brew coffee maker. Nitrogenate the coffee maker, then shake the keg very well for 20 seconds. Let everything sit for an hour. Pour the fresh nitro cold brew into a tall glass and enjoy immediately.
TO STORE: This is best enjoyed fresh, though if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving: 1servingCalories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 1mgVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 1g
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Originally published March 2022, updated and republished January 2025
