For decades, Centrál Café has preserved the culture of coffee. Now we invite you into the world of coffee specialties, where you can discover the history, unique features, and trends of cold brew and nitro cold brew (NCB) coffee. What makes these drinks so popular today, and how should you enjoy them?
What coffee beans and methods are used to make cold brew?
The major difference between traditional coffee (brewed with hot water and steam) and cold brew lies not in the beans, but in the method. Cold brew is typically made using lightly to medium-roasted coffee beans, as these retain the coffee’s natural sweetness better. Cold steeping enhances the more delicate aromas. Arabica beans are especially suitable for cold brew due to their lower acidity and fruitier notes.
Cold brew gained global popularity thanks to its unique preparation method. Freshly, coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours. The steeping time influences the strength of the flavor.
Compared to traditional brewing, this method results in a uniquely sweet taste and is easier on the stomach due to its lower acidity.
Is cold brew just iced coffee?
Cold brew is often diluted with water or milk before serving, and ice may be added. The word cold refers to the steeping method (cold water infusion), not necessarily serving it iced. If it includes milk and ice, it may appear similar to iced coffee, but it’s not the same.
The difference between iced coffee and cold brew lies in more than just preparation. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled, often served with sugar, milk, or even ice cream. Cold brew, by contrast, can be enjoyed at room temperature without flavorings or sweeteners, allowing its subtle flavors to shine.
Is nitro cold brew really tapped like beer?
Nitro cold brew is made from the same cold brew base, but infused with nitrogen, which gives it a uniquely creamy texture and a characteristic “beer-like” foam.
Nitro cold brew (NCB) is a modern innovation. It’s served by forcing the beverage through tiny holes under pressure, allowing the nitrogen to fully mix with the coffee. The idea was to recreate the experience of Guinness, but with coffee. The result is a creamy texture with a foamy head. Visually stunning, the cascading effect of nitrogen bubbles flows downward in the glass! The key difference from regular cold brew is in texture, not flavor.
How is cold brew different from traditional coffee?
Cold brew differs from traditional coffee not only in preparation but in taste. Espresso, made with hot water and pressure, brings out intense and often sharper flavors. Cold brew’s slow cold extraction process highlights sweeter notes and releases fewer bitter compounds.
Thanks to its lower acidity, it’s gentler on the stomach while offering a richer, chocolatey flavor. The cold method doesn’t reduce the caffeine content.
Why is the cold brew method so popular? Why is it the new trend?
Cold brew and nitro coffees fit perfectly into modern coffee culture. More people seek beverages that not only taste great but also match personal preferences: lower acidity, smoother flavors, and the visual thrill that nitrogen provides. Many who find traditional coffee too strong or harsh on the stomach can enjoy cold brew without issue.
How should you drink cold brew and nitro?
Both drinks are great on their own—no milk or sugar needed—to experience their original flavor harmony. If you prefer something sweeter, add a bit of syrup or a plant-based milk alternative like coconut or almond milk.
Cafés offer various versions as baristas continuously experiment with flavor combinations. Like traditional coffee drinks (e.g., cappuccino, latte), cold brew also has its own named recipes.
There are significant taste differences between cold brew and espresso:
Cold Brew Characteristics:
- Much less acidic, smoother taste
- Naturally sweeter—often doesn’t require added sweetener
- Far less bitter
- Stronger chocolate, nutty, and caramel notes
- Silkier, smoother texture
- Less pronounced roast flavors
Espresso Characteristics:
- More intense, concentrated flavor
- Stronger acidity
- More pronounced bitterness
- Bolder “coffee” flavor
- Signature crema on top
- Roast notes are more dominant
Nitro cold brew is often compared to beer (especially Guinness) for several shared features:
1. Appearance
- Both display the distinctive “cascade effect” with bubbles flowing downward
- Both have a creamy, lasting foam head
- Both show a layered look in the glass
2. Preparation Technique
- Both are nitrogen-infused
- Both are served via a special tap system
- Both are pushed through tiny holes during tapping
3. Texture
- Both offer a silky, creamy mouthfeel
- Nitrogen creates tiny bubbles in both
- Both have a noticeable “weight” in the mouth
