Cold Brew vs Nitro Coffee, Which is the Best Choice for You?
At Passport, we are passionate about offering a wide range of premium coffee. Of the multitude of coffee blends we create, we carry everything from from our cold brew, cold brew concentrate, and even whole beans for brewing your own cold brew at home. Many of our customers ask us: What’s the difference between nitro and regular cold brew coffee? Which one should I choose?
Let’s dive into the details and explore the differences between the two options so you can make the best choice for your next coffee!
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow brewing process results in a smooth, rich, and less acidic coffee compared to traditional hot brewing methods. The result is a smooth, full-bodied, refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed over ice, mixed with milk or cream, or sweetened with syrup.
At Passport, our cold brew is created with a blend of Columbian and French dark roast beans, ensuring a naturally balanced and satisfying taste. Our cold brew concentrate is perfect for those who want a stronger, more intense coffee experience. Just add water or milk at a 2-1 ratio. This is our standard measurment, however you can make it as strong or light as you see fit.
What is Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?
Nitro cold brew is essentially cold brew coffee, but with a twist! After the coffee is made, it’s infused with nitrogen gas. This process creates tiny bubbles, which give the coffee a smooth, creamy texture, and a frothy, stout-like appearance, much like a nitro draft beer. The nitrogen infusion also enhances the coffee’s natural flavors, making it feel velvety and rich.
The result is an experience that’s more akin to a coffee cocktail than your traditional cold brew. Nitro cold brew is served straight from a keg, often transfered into a can or a draft system, which means it’s served cold, with a silky smooth mouthfeel that’s incredibly satisfying. Another great aspect of nitro cold brew, is that you do not need to add any ice. The texure of the ice againt the nitrogen can compromise the intended effect of the nitro infusion. Simply fill your cup full and enjoy!
Which One Should You Choose?
1. Flavor & Texture
Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee has a smooth, naturally sweet flavor with low acidity. Its bold taste is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy the deep, robust flavor of coffee without the bitterness of hot brewed coffee. The texture is smooth, but without the creamy finish that nitro offers.
Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro cold brew takes the flavor of cold brew and elevates it with a creamy, frothy texture thanks to the nitrogen infusion. The tiny nitrogen bubbles create a rich mouthfeel that’s often described as "velvety." It has a slightly sweeter taste, even without adding sugar, because the nitrogen makes the coffee feel smoother and fuller.
2. Serving & Presentation
Cold Brew: Cold brew is often served over ice, either in a bottle, cup, or as a concentrate. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize your drink by adding milk, cream, or sweeteners. You can also use it in your favorite coffee recipes.
Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro cold brew is served directly from a keg or can, and the presentation is part of the experience. The dramatic cascade of bubbles, creating a frothy and foamy top, adds an element of excitement to your coffee. It’s perfect for those who want a visually striking beverage with a unique texture.
3. Convenience & Versatility
Cold Brew: Cold brew concentrate is a great option for those who want flexibility. You can mix it to your preferred strength, whether you like it light or bold. Plus, our cold brew whole beans allow you to brew it fresh at home, ensuring that every cup is made just how you like it.
Nitro Cold Brew: Nitro cold brew is best enjoyed straight from the keg or in cans, making it an easy and quick option for people on the go. However, the nitro infusion requires special equipment to create the bubbly texture, so it’s typically available in cafés or specialty stores, rather than as a home-brewed option.
Why Choose Passport Cold Brew?
Whether you’re looking for the boldness of cold brew, the smooth texture of nitro, or the convenience of concentrate, Passport has the perfect product for you. As a family-owned business, we’re committed to providing exceptional quality and a memorable coffee experience with every sip. All our products are made with carefully selected beans, ensuring you get the best possible flavor.
We also offer cold brew whole beans for those who prefer to brew their own cold brew coffee at home. With our fresh beans, you can create a perfect cold brew just the way you like it.
Which One Will You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between nitro cold brew and regular cold brew comes down to your personal preference. If you love smooth, creamy coffee with a rich texture, nitro cold brew might be your new go-to. If you prefer a strong, bold coffee that you can customize with milk or sweeteners, regular cold brew is the perfect option for you.
No matter which you choose, we’ve got you covered with the finest cold brew coffee options, all crafted with love and care at our family-owned roastery. Stop by Passport today to try our cold brew, or pick up a bag of whole beans to brew your own at home!
What’s your favorite cold brew coffee? Let us know in the comments below or share your coffee experiences with us on social media—we love hearing from fellow coffee enthusiasts!
Think about brewing your own at home? we have you covered.
Try our COLD BREW BLEND