So far, we have quite an understanding regarding fizzy drinks and the good and bad that carbon dioxide represents for the beverage industry. However, we intend to take you one step further regarding drinks with this guide. We will discuss the famous nitro drinks, why they are so popular, and the most known types worldwide.
Nitrogen is an essential element in the chemical industry. It is a non-metal, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, identified with the atomic number 7 and symbol N on the periodic table.
As mentioned, its value to the chemical industry is of high price. Commonly nitrogen is used to make fertilizers, nitric acid, nylon, dyes, and explosives. Also, it is produced on a large scale by burning hydrocarbons in the air and separating the resulting carbon dioxide and water from the residual nitrogen.
In the beverage industry, nitrogen helps boost beverages with a sweeter taste, even without adding sugar or other sweeteners. Unlike CO2 (carbon dioxide), nitrogen does not create acidity, removing the aspect from a beer or coffee’s flavor profile.
But how does nitrogen makes a drink special?
When you infuse a beverage with nitrogen, we speak of nitro drinks. Nitrogen, in this case, imparts the glasses its typical creamy and concentrated texture and a slightly bright white color.
When infused with nitrogen, the gas makes the beverage frothy, creating a “gushing” effect when the bubbles in the drink move toward the top of your glass. In effect, the mini bubbles created by nitrogen are smaller than the ones made by carbon dioxide. These bubbles are responsible for a silky texture and velvety mouthfeel when you consume a nitro drink.
Remember that conventional bubbly or fizzy beverages you typically aerate with CO2 gas.
Nitrogen, like all elements on earth, can be found in one of the three states of matter: solid, liquid, or gas. Naturally, it occurs as a gas in our atmosphere, which appears as the most abundant element, representing 78% of the air we breathe; only 20% is oxygen.
When frozen to about -320°F, it becomes liquid. Liquid nitrogen has traditionally been used in the culinary world to freeze foods because it’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless — and perfectly safe as a naturally occurring element.
As a gas, it is helpful for nitro drinks. These beverages have grown in popularity, especially the delicious Nitro cold brew. Perhaps the most famous type.
As a new trend, nitro coffee has been incredibly transforming and rewarding for baristas around the globe. It is a refreshing way to start the day, especially for those who love caffeine.
So, you are looking for a caffeine-based beverage with a caffeine content lower than regular coffee. In that case, nitro coffee is what you need.
In its basics, nitro coffee is cold coffee to which nitrogen has been added. Due to the creamy foam layer, this coffee looks remarkably like a Guinness beer.
Do you want to make nitro coffee yourself?
As nitro coffee, nitro tea is just a beverage to which you add nitrogen.
The only difference is the caffeine levels found in each of them. Unlike nitro cold brew, which pumps you with a concentrated dose of caffeine, nitro tea caffeine levels are on the low side: just about 50 milligrams per cup.
To clearly describe, nitro tea gives you a superior taste and texture without sugars. You get a complete sensory experience because the beverage is free of dairy, added sugar, and unwanted calories.
Briefly discussed, it is clear that putting nitrogen into beverages adds another dimension to the beverage’s flavor, mouthfeel, and visual appeal. Whether you are a home mixologist/barista or a professional bartender, you know the benefits of nitrogen you will undoubtedly appreciate.
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