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Skip the expensive Starbucks nitro cold brew and make your own at home! Using either a machine or a whipped cream dispenser, it’s cheap, delicious, and perfect for a keto diet.
As someone who loves a good cup of java, when something new enters the market, I’m keen to try it out for myself.
I’ve always been a Starbucks fan and been a loyal patron over the past twenty-plus years. Even though I’ve gone through various diets, including low calorie and keto ones, I’ve always found plenty of options.
When I first saw Nitro cold brew coffee, I thought it was stout beer. The color, foam on top, everything resembled it. Obviously, Starbucks doesn’t sell beer, so I was curious to try it out. Let’s just say I’ve become obsessed ever since.
What is nitro cold brew?
Nitro coffee is cold brew that has been infused with nitrogen to give it a layer of foam on top and a smooth texture. It’s texture, it is naturally smooth and extra silky. In terms of flavor, nitro cold brew is naturally sweeter than traditional black coffee. It also has no added sugar in it, so it’s perfect for those watching their calories.
While incredibly delicious, it’s one of the pricier Starbucks drinks. Luckily, you can easily make it at home for a fraction of the price.
Why you’ll love making your own
- It’s cheaper than Starbucks. A grande size cup of this drink retails for over $6 per serving. If you make it yourself, it will only cost between 50-75 cents per 20 oz. serving.
- You can make it two ways. You can invest in a special coffee maker (less than $150) or use a whipped cream dispenser- both work!
- It’s low calorie. With less than 5 calories per 20 fluid once serving, it’s another fabulous addition to the low calorie Starbucks drink option.
- It’s keto friendly. While there are some delicious keto friendly Starbucks drinks, this beverage is easily the most popular!
What you’ll need to make this recipe
Homemade cold brew.
- Cold brew concentrate– Skip the expensive pre-made stuff and make your own at home. It’s so much easier, cheaper, and delicious. You will need 16 ounces for this machine.
- Water– For any coffee beverage, filtered water is preferred. You will need 32 ounces of filtered water for a 64 ounce keg.
Store bought cold brew.
- Cold brew coffee– At least 64 ounces of bottled cold brew coffee. Starbucks is the most easily available brand at most supermarkets.
Vanilla sweet cream flavor.
- Vanilla extract– For the subtle vanilla flavor.
- Simple syrup– Keep it sugar free by using keto simple syrup.
- Heavy cream– Heavy whipping cream works perfectly for this.
How to make nitro cold brew at home
Nitro cold brew coffee maker method
Start by adding the pre-made or pre-bought cold brew into the keg of the coffee maker. Depending on the machine you are using, you should only fill enough cold brew coffee to fill only 75% of the machine, so there is plenty of room for the gas to form.
Next, nitrogenate the coffee maker then give it a good shake. Let the coffee maker sit for an hour before pouring the fresh nitro cold brew coffee into a large glass. If desired, add some vanilla sweet cream on top.
To make the vanilla sweet cream, blend the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and simple syrup until frothy and fluffy.
Whipped cream dispenser method
Add your prepared cold brew into a whipped cream dispenser. Seal the dispenser and add the nitrogen cartridge. Shake the dispenser for around 30-seconds before dispensing the nitro cold brew into a glass. Allow 1-2 minutes for the foam to settle on top.
What can I add to this coffee?
Just like Starbucks has tons of mix-in and flavor options, you can easily do them at home too. Here are some ideas-
Sweet cream– Try keto condensed milk or mixing simple syrup with vanilla extract and cream.
Milk– Whole, dairy free, oat milk, almond milk, etc.
Syrups– Sugar free chocolate syrup or caramel syrup.
Whipped cream– Skip the sugar and use keto whipped cream.
How much caffeine is in nitro cold brew?
Nitro cold brew has a similar caffeine content to traditional cold brew. Per 20 fluid ounce serving, there is approximately 204 mg of caffeine. Compared to other coffee beverages, the strength is much higher.
Storing instructions
If you use the nitro cold brew coffee machine maker, each batch makes four servings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. If you keep it longer than that, the foam will completely disappear, but it will still be drinkable.
More keto coffee recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Besides the smooth texture, the nitro version of cold brew has a sweeter flavor and thick layer of foam on top, which adds to its decadence.
Compared to other coffee drinks, Nitro cold brew is one of the best choices at home or at a coffee shop. It’s virtually calorie free, packs in plenty of caffeine, and tastes delicious.
Nitro cold brew is keto friendly, as it has no sugar and no carbs. It’s a popular choice amongst those who follow a ketogenic diet because of the natural sweetness it contains.
Nitro Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 fluid ounces cold brew concentrate homemade or store bought
- 32 fluid ounces filtered water
Instructions
Nitro cold brew coffee maker instructions
- 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 it very well for 20 seconds. Let everything sit for an hour.
- Pour the fresh nitro cold brew into a tall glass and enjoy immediately.
Whipped cream dispenser instructions
- Add the cold brew into the whipped cream dispenser. Add the nitrogen cartridge and shake the dispenser vigorously for 30 seconds.
- 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.
