Velvety, smooth, and topped with a creamy cascade, Nitro Cold Brew Coffee is more than just iced coffee. It’s a drink that feels indulgent without needing cream or sugar. Thanks to its nitrogen infusion, this cold brew takes on a silky texture and natural sweetness that’s made it a coffee shop favorite, especially at Starbucks. But what if you could recreate that frothy, barista-style experience at home? With this Copycat Nitro Cold Brew Coffee recipe, you can tap into that signature pour without leaving your kitchen.
This recipe gives you all the tips for that perfect slow-steeped brew and rich, foamy top. Whether you’re using a mini-keg system or a whipped cream charger, we’ve got your cold caffeine cravings covered.
Table of Contents
How to Make Copycat Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
The key to getting that creamy finish lies in two things: a good cold brew concentrate and pressurized nitrogen. This guide will walk you through both. Give yourself at least 12 hours of brew time for the best results, and prepare to feel like your own personal barista.
Ingredients, Tools, Instructions and Tips
Calories: ~5 per 12 oz glass (unsweetened)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Brew Time: 12–16 hours
Infusion Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: Up to 18 hours
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (medium or dark roast)
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- Nitrogen cartridge (N₂ or N₂O, depending on your device)
- Optional: sweetener or milk of choice (not traditional, but up to you)
Tools Needed
- Large jar or pitcher with lid
- Fine mesh sieve or coffee filter
- Mini-keg system or whipped cream dispenser
- Nitrogen charger (N2 preferred)
- Funnel (if using dispenser)
- Tall glass or beer-style pint glass
Instructions
- Make the cold brew: Combine the coffee grounds and cold water in a large jar. Stir, cover, and let steep in the fridge for 12 to 16 hours.
- Strain the brew: Use a mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove all grounds. Pour the concentrate into a clean container.
- Charge with nitrogen:
- For a mini keg: Add cold brew, seal, and charge with N₂ cartridge. Let sit under pressure for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
- For a whipped cream dispenser: Fill the canister with cold brew, charge with 1 N₂O or N₂ cartridge, shake gently, and dispense upside down into a glass.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour slowly into a glass to see the signature cascade. Drink black or add optional sweetener or milk.
Tips
- Use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
- Always use coarsely ground beans to avoid over-extraction.
- Chill the cold brew fully before charging with nitrogen for best foam texture.
- Do not use carbon dioxide cartridges. Only use food-grade nitrogen.
- Store unused cold brew in the fridge for up to one week.
What to Serve with the Dish
Copycat Nitro Cold Brew Coffee pairs beautifully with a breakfast croissant, blueberry muffin, or even a slice of banana bread. For an afternoon pick-me-up, sip it alongside a protein bar or trail mix. If you’re leaning into a more indulgent mood, serve it with a chocolate chip cookie or a small slice of cheesecake. Its naturally sweet and smooth texture works well with both sweet and savory snacks.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Coffee Beans
Original Ingredient: Medium to dark roast, coarsely ground
Substitutes:- Light Roast: For a fruitier, brighter flavor
- Pre-Ground Cold Brew Blends: Sold in grocery stores for convenience
- Decaf Beans: For a low-caffeine version
- Water
Original Ingredient: Filtered cold water
Substitutes:- Mineral Water: Adds complexity with trace minerals
- Spring Water: Naturally clean and well-balanced
- Nitrogen Cartridge
Original Ingredient: Food-grade nitrogen (N₂)
Substitutes:- N₂O Cartridges: Found in whipped cream dispensers, but foam will be softer
- Store-Bought Nitro Coffee: If you don’t want to infuse it yourself
- Brewing Tools
Original Ingredient: Mini-keg or whipped cream dispenser
Substitutes:- French Press for brewing only, then pour into dispenser for infusion
- Large Mason Jar for brewing and storing concentrate
- Optional Sweeteners
Original Ingredient: None (traditional version is unsweetened)
Substitutes:- Maple Syrup or Agave: Adds sweetness with a rich undertone
- Stevia or Monk Fruit: Zero-calorie alternatives
- Optional Creamer or Milk
Original Ingredient: None
Substitutes:- Oat Milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the taste
- Almond or Coconut Milk: For a nutty or tropical twist
- Half and Half: If you want it extra rich and velvety
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely ground coffee (medium or dark roast)
4 cups cold filtered water
Nitrogen cartridge (N₂ or N₂O, depending on your device)
Optional: sweetener or milk of choice (not traditional, but up to you)
Instructions
Make the cold brew: Combine the coffee grounds and cold water in a large jar. Stir, cover, and let steep in the fridge for 12 to 16 hours.
Strain the brew: Use a mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove all grounds. Pour the concentrate into a clean container.
Charge with nitrogen:
For a mini keg: Add cold brew, seal, and charge with N₂ cartridge. Let sit under pressure for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
For a whipped cream dispenser: Fill the canister with cold brew, charge with 1 N₂O or N₂ cartridge, shake gently, and dispense upside down into a glass.
Serve and enjoy: Pour slowly into a glass to see the signature cascade. Drink black or add optional sweetener or milk.
