Ever thought to yourself why your favorite coffee shop now has “nitro coffee” on the menu?
Or why bars can’t stop talking about their silky nitro cocktails? I understand. I remember my first nitro cold brew experience thinking, what has just been added to my cup? The drink was creamy in texture – almost dessert-like – but there wasn’t any added milk or sugar. That’s the enchantment with nitro drinks!
Here at CreamJet, we’ve been investigating how nitrogen infusion is changing our drinking experience at home, in cafes, or even behind a bar. Let’s take a closer look at nitro drinks and why they are here to stay.
What are Nitro Beverages?
Nitro beverages (or nitrogenated drinks) are drinks infused with nitrogen gas. It is important to note that nitrogen oxide is different than carbon dioxide – so nitro drinks are not bubbly and fizzy like soda. Nitrogen infusion creates tiny microbubbles that offer a creamy texture. The use of gas to infuse beverages such as beer and coffee is nothing new. From the experimentation of Guinness in the 1930s, nitrogen drinks were introduced at that time as well. However, nitro beverages have only recently expanded into coffee, tea, sodas, juices, and cocktails.
The Science Behind Nitrogen Infusion
What’s cool is that nitrogen is less soluble than carbon dioxide, which is why nitrogen creates that velvety mouthfeel, while carbon dioxide creates a sharp fizz. This leads to:
- Lower acidity → easier on the stomach
- Creamier texture → especially in nitro coffee
- Flavor stability → your drink lasts longer, fresh from the brew
This is why nitro bars have started popping up globally, from nitro teas to nitrogen- infused mocktails.
Why People Enjoy Nitro Drinks
I have seen three key views from consumers who have transitioned and drank nitro:
- Texture is important – it feels luxurious even for a simple iced coffee.
- Smoother taste – bitterness is rounded and more palatable especially for a strong drink like coffee or stout.
- Innovative – let’s be honest, the visual of the cascading foam coming to rest in a glass is half of the enjoyment.
(And yes, we were all guilty of posting this on Instagram).
What Is Most Popular Now with Nitro
For the nitro beginner, here is where it is taking over menus:
- Nitro cold brew coffee – rich, smooth, and default dairy free
- Nitro beer – stouts and craft brews
- Nitro tea – lighter, floral, and surprisingly refreshing
- Nitro cocktails & mocktails – Bartenders love experimenting with texture
- Nitro sodas & juices – A new wave of fizzy alternatives
What’s Ahead for Nitro Beverages
This trend is here to stay. Statista has reported a lot of activity occurring with cold brew and nitro coffee in cafés around the world. With home systems available and products like CreamJet’s nitrous oxide chargers and so on, anyone can enjoy the nitro experience in their home or café setting.
We’ve seen our customers use CreamJet to:
- Serving nitro coffee in cappuccino style at small cafés without keg storage issues
- Feeling confident to serve nitro cocktails at dinner parties with creamy drinks
- Experimenting with homemade nitro soda recipes with ease at home
And the best part? CreamJet is delivered throughout Europe, the US and other international locations that have limited options for supplies.
👉 Check out our CreamJet canisters and cylinders to get started.
FAQs About Nitro Beverages
Q: What is the difference between nitro coffee and regular cold brew?
A: Nitro coffee is cold brew that has been infused with nitrogen gas. The nitrogen provides a creamy mouthful taste and a naturally sweet taste without sugar.
Q: Do nitro drinks have more caffeine?
A: No, there are the same amount of caffeine in the original drink that was infused with nitrogen gas. You do get a smoother drinking experience.
Q: Can I make nitro beverages at home?
A: Yes! CreamJet allows you to infuse coffee, tea, or cocktails easily in a home environment – just like a café. Try this guide
Final Sip
Nitro beverages are all about taking everyday drinks and giving them a new twist—creamy, smooth and perhaps a little dramatic. Whether you own a café, restock your bar or are just interested, CreamJet allows you to navigate and explore the world of nitrogenated drinks with ease.
So, the next time you are at a coffee shop, and you see a nitro tap, give it a try, or maybe even better, experience it at home with CreamJet.