Nitro Recipe
Make Nitro Recipe in just 20h 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cold Brew Base
Sweetener (optional)
Nitro Charging & Serve
Method
Cold Brew Base
- 1
Combine coffee and water
In a large jar or pitcher, add 1 cup coarsely ground coffee. Pour 4 cups cold filtered water over the grounds, making sure all grounds are saturated. Stir gently to ensure even wetting.
- 2
Steep
Cover the jar and steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 16–20 hours. Steeping time controls strength: 16 hours yields a milder concentrate, 20 hours yields a stronger concentrate.
- 3
Strain
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a coffee filter into a clean container. Press or squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible. This yields about 3 to 3.5 cups of cold brew concentrate.
Sweetener (optional)
- 4
Sweeten and flavor
If you want sweetened nitro, stir 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup (start with 2 tbs for the full batch) into the cold brew concentrate. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup if using. Mix until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust — cold brew tastes slightly different when chilled, so err on slightly sweeter if you plan to dilute with ice.
Nitro Charging & Serve
- 5
Chill concentrate
Chill the prepared cold brew concentrate thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Nitro infusion works best when the liquid is very cold.
- 6
Charge with nitrogen (keg method)
If using a nitro keg system: transfer the cold brew into the keg, seal, attach a nitrogen regulator set to 30–40 psi, and charge for 1–2 minutes. Let the keg rest upright for 5–10 minutes, then turn on the stout-style faucet and pour. Aim for a short, controlled pour to create the creamy cascade and a thick head.
- 7
Charge with whipped-cream-style charger (small batch)
If using a 1/2-pint whipped cream whipper (not recommended for large batches) rated for N2: pour up to the maximum fill line with cold brew concentrate (do not overfill), add optional 2 tbs cream or oat creamer for mouthfeel, screw on the head, insert a nitrogen cartridge according to the device instructions, shake vigorously 8–10 times, then vent once and pour immediately for the nitro effect. Use only devices rated for nitrogen—not nitrous oxide.
- 8
Serve
Pour nitro cold brew straight into a chilled glass (no ice for classic nitro) or over a small amount of ice if you prefer a colder, diluted drink. For a classic presentation, pour from a slight height into the center of the glass and let it settle to form a thick, creamy head. If you added cream, you’ll get a richer texture; if not, expect a silky, bubbly mouthfeel from nitrogen alone.
- 9
Storage
Keep any unused charged nitro cold brew in the sealed keg or whipper in the refrigerator and use within 5–7 days. If using cartridges, reseal according to equipment instructions; nitro effect will diminish over time.