In this article, you’ll learn:
- What nitro cold brew is
- How nitro cold brew differs from regular cold brew
- What equipment is required to serve nitro cold brew on tap
- How nitro cold brew equipment can enhance your workflows and boost profits
- Why it’s profitable and appealing for hospitality venues
- What to look for when choosing a dispenser
Cold brew coffee has become a staple item for coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. Its smoother profile, lower acidity, and perceived health benefits compared to hot coffee make it popular with wellness-focused consumers. Yet within this growing sector, nitro cold brew stands out due to its visual appeal and unique texture.
Infused with nitrogen and poured on tap, nitro cold brew has a cascading appearance and creamy mouthfeel that positions it as a premium product. For hospitality businesses, offering nitro cold brew on tap can enhance customer appeal, as well as open up potential menu diversity and profitability.
To learn more about the value of offering nitro cold brew on tap, I spoke to Jen Leslie. She is the owner of Barbarossa Nitro Coffee, a mobile coffee bar based in Michigan, USA. Read on for her insight.
What is nitro cold brew?
Nitro cold brew is an alternative to cold brew coffee that is infused with nitrogen as it is served from a draught-style tap. This process creates a smooth, silky body, often likened to stout beer. The nitrogen also enhances sweetness without the need for milk or sugar, appealing to wellness-focused consumers.
While nitro cold brew on tap was initially limited to specialty coffee shops, it has steadily grown in popularity among consumers. Currently, the nitro cold brew market is valued at over $30 million and is expected to grow at a rate of 24% year-on-year.
This is in no small part due to the number of younger demographics opting for “healthier” beverages, with up to 80% of millennials considering a product’s health benefits before buying. Since cold brew is naturally low in sugar and calories, it fits perfectly with these needs.
According to Jen, the appeal is both sensory and commercial. “Nitro cold brew on tap delivers a creamy, smooth texture and rich flavour, captivating customers and boosting event appeal,” she explains.
What equipment do you need to serve nitro cold brew on tap?
To serve nitro cold brew on tap, you need a dispenser connected to your cold brew system. Then, you need a method to infuse the cold brew with nitrogen as it is served.
“Nitro cold brew can be dispensed via a kegerator with a nitrogen tank and stout faucet,” Jen says. “Or, you can use a tankless system that extracts nitrogen from the air for instant infusion.”
Modern equipment for nitro cold brew on tap, such as the Hardtap, provides atmospheric infusion to remove the need for external tanks. These solutions make nitro cold brew more accessible to businesses with limited storage space and help to lower ongoing equipment costs.
Whether you choose atmospheric infusion or an external nitrogen tank, there are some technical features to consider when choosing equipment. “Look for food-grade stainless steel components, a stout-style restrictor plate for creamy texture, and easy maintenance, whether in a kegerator or infusion system,” Jen says.
For businesses like Barbarossa Nitro Coffee, which operates a pop-up truck for events, a compact form factor also helps. “Portability and tankless options enhance flexibility,” she says.
Equipment such as the Hardtap fits within the category of integrated, commercial-grade solutions. Made from food-safe materials, it uses inline nitrogen infusion to support high-volume operations without compromising on quality and consistency.
What are the main benefits of serving nitro cold brew on tap?
From a business perspective, the benefits of incorporating a nitro cold brew tap extend well beyond the aesthetic appeal. Tap-based service models are efficient and reduce labour demands by using digital dosing control instead of manual tap operation. This means staff of all experience levels can operate the equipment without needing extensive training.
Just by offering nitro cold brew, you can vastly diversify your drinks menu. “Nitro taps are versatile,” Jen says. “They can dispense nitro cold brew, iced coffee, teas, or nitro cocktails.” This kind of flexibility is particularly valuable for venues with diverse or rotating drink menus.
From a financial perspective, serving nitro cold brew on tap opens up significant profit opportunities. Considered a premium product, you can charge more for nitro cold brew without any additional investment outside of the equipment. “Its high-margin potential makes it ideal for corporate gatherings or cafés,” she says.
One of the more intangible benefits of serving nitro cold brew on tap is the memorable customer experience it creates. Whether it’s the visual effect of the pour, the smooth mouthfeel, or the opportunity to offer something different from competitors, it adds value in a way few other drinks can. For businesses, this means you can establish a unique identity and foster repeat business from satisfied customers.
In conclusion, offering nitro cold brew on tap is no longer a niche strategy for specialty coffee shops or restaurants. With modern equipment that simplifies the process, it’s now more accessible than ever.
To choose the right equipment, you need to understand your service volume and staff experience. Then, you can incorporate methods that are simple, consistent, and ensure repeatable quality.
Nitro coffee on tap: Key takeaways for hospitality businesses
- To serve nitro cold brew on tap, you need equipment that infuses cold brew with nitrogen during dispensing.
- Using a nitro cold brew tap allows businesses to serve a premium product that consumers are willing to pay more for.
- Look for equipment made from food-grade stainless steel that has automatic dosing control for ease of use.
Ready to learn more about the Hardtap? Visit our website to learn more or schedule a free consultation.
Nitro coffee on tap FAQs
What equipment do you need to serve nitro cold brew on tap?
You need a cold brew system to prepare the drink, then a tap to dispense it. You may also need a nitrogen tank to infuse it with nitrogen gas – but some systems have atmospheric infusion systems.
Is nitro cold brew profitable for businesses?
Yes. It is considered a premium beverage that customers are willing to pay more for compared to regular cold brew. Considering the lower input costs after purchasing the equipment, the profit margin is typically high.
Can nitro cold brew taps dispense other drinks?
Yes. Nitro cold brew taps can also serve drinks like iced tea or nitro mocktails, making them versatile and adaptable based on your menu.
Want to learn more about nitro cold brew on tap?
- Discover more: Visit the Hardtap product page here.
- See it in action: Watch our Hardtap product presentation.
- Book time with an expert: Schedule a free appointment here.
