How to Make a Cloudy Americano with a Nitro Charger?

The consumption of nitro coffee is not restricted to upscale cafes. An increasing number of coffee aficionados are trying out nitro coffee at home, particularly the visually appealing and audacious Cloudy Nitro Americano. If you are interested in making this creamy, fizzy, and Instagrammable drink at home, you are at the right place.

In this guide we will explain everything from the history of nitro charging coffee’s popularity in North America to the step-by-step process of making Cloudy Nitro Americano with a nitro charger.

Why Use a Nitro Charger for Coffee?

Nitro coffee has become more popular lately thanks to social media. One of the most prominent reasons is the visual appeal, at first it looks like a pint of Guinness beer, and once you pour it in a glass it resembles iced coffee, making it perfect for both coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers.

When nitrogen is infused in coffee it is done under pressure which causes coffee to undergo a process referred to as nitrogenation. Nitrogenation has three key effects that are mentioned below:

Velvety, Creamy Texture: This luxurious texture is obtained without the addition of milk and cream which is ideal for those who prefer to drink black coffee but want to enjoy a rich experience. The smoothness of this drink has lead to people describing it as a creamy adaptation of stout beers.

Enhanced Sweetness and Reduced Acidity: Nitrogen coffee not only masks the bitterness but also the acidity present in the drink allowing a smoother texture which in turn enhances sweetness. This sometimes does not require additional sugars or sweeteners.

Aroma and Flavor Release: Nitro bubbles also assist in the transport of the aromatic constituents of coffee to the surface, leading to coffee that is more fragrant and flavorful.

For the specialized coffee consumer, a nitro charger, commonly associated with whipped cream dispensers, provides a convenient and cost effective means to test out this novel coffee preparation technique.

Why Cloudy Nitro Americanos Are a Hit in North America

Cloudy Nitro Americanos have been received with enthusiasm all over North America which can be attributed to its flavor, aesthetics, and functional qualities. They combine the familiar Cold Brew or Nitro coffee with an Americano, however, they integrate a more modern visual touch—clouds of gas and swirling coffee suspended within the cup.

What makes this drink gain such popularity?

• Instagram-worthy look: The nitrous bubbles with the swirling gas have a visually stunning effect.
• Refreshing and bold: Compared to hot americanos, cold nitro versions are far more refreshing, making it a superb drink as well as providing a refreshing boost of caffeine.
• Low-calorie indulgence:  Ideal for customers who want and enjoy rich drinks but do not want the added sugary or creamy formulations.
• Home-barista movement: DIY coffee culture boosted with readily available nitro equipment empowering casual brewers to emulate beloved café experiences in the comfort of their homes.

How to Make a Cloudy Americano with a Nitro Charger (Step-by-Step Guide with Video)

Making a cup of coffee-quality, cloudy Americano nitrified coffee at home is much easier than you might think. You need an espresso machine, a whipped cream dispenser (500 ml or 1 liter) and a pure nitrogen (N₂) charger.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Make espresso

Brew two cups of high-quality espresso with your favorite coffee beans – this will form the flavor base of nitrogen-flavored Americano.

Step 2: Cool the espresso quickly

Pour a few ice cubes into the hot espresso and let it cool quickly. This can preserve the flavor of the coffee and prevent the ice cubes from melting too much later.

Step 3: Prepare the Americano base

Pour the chilled espresso and cold filtered water into the cream dispenser. Do not exceed the maximum filling line.

Step 4: Nitrogen filling

Seal the distributor well, insert it into the nitrogen cylinder (N₂), and tighten it until all the gas is released. If more foam is needed, a second nitrogen cylinder can be used.

Step 5: Shake vigorously

Shake the dispenser vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds to ensure that nitrogen is fully injected into the coffee, achieving a smooth and turbid taste.

Step 6: Refrigeration (optional, but recommended)

Place the coffee machine filled with nitrogen in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes to deepen the nitrogen injection and enhance the flavor.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Turn the coffee machine upside down over the glass and press the control lever. Just wait for the cloudy coffee layer and thick fat to pour down and into the cup – enjoy it to your heart’s content!

As a visual guide, you can refer to this video, which demonstrates a similar technique with a whipped cream dispenser.

Tips for the Perfect Nitro Americano

Although nitro Americanos are straightforward to prepare, they can be further improved with the following tips:

• Use cold water. This improves nitrogen’s solubility making for better foam.
• Brew strong coffee. Americano drinks should not taste diluted after water is added.
• Choose quality nitrogen cartridges. Cheap cartridges can infuse unwanted metallic flavors.
• Chill the dispenser and glass. Low temperatures help keep nitrogen suspended longer.
• Experiment with flavor infusions. Adding a drop of vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon, or even zest of orange prior to charging yield interesting results.

Where to Buy a Nitro Charger for Coffee

In the USA, the requisite equipment for home nitro coffee is becoming easier to find. Sellers of nitro chargers as well as whipped cream dispensers are available online. Even so, it is vital to check that you are getting N₂ chargers and not the more Unfortunately, common N₂O chargers.  

If you’re looking to buy a nitro charger in the USA, ROTASS offers a high-quality, barista-grade Nitro Coffee Charger Kit that includes:

• 500ml stainless steel nitro dispenser
• food-safe nitrogen cartridges
• Free online video tutorials for first-time users

Wrapping Up

Making a Cloudy Nitro Americano at home has never been easier. With just a nitro charger, some strong coffee, and a bit of practice, you can enjoy a creamy, frothy, low-calorie cold brew drink that rivals any café creation. As the popularity of nitro coffee at home continues to grow in North America, there’s never been a better time to join the trend.

So why not give it a try? Grab a quality nitro charger, experiment with your favorite coffee beans, and pour yourself a glass of smooth, cloudy, delicious nitro Americano. Whether you’re brewing for one or impressing guests, it’s a showstopper every time.