It’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore the similarities between the coffee and beer industries. Beer is going through a renaissance, with more drinkers forgoing mass-produced offerings for more potent and tasty pints of craft beer. The same thing is happening with coffee – Americans are beginning to appreciate the subtle nuances of the different roasts from certain regions of the world.
Out of all of the coffee choices available, one is standing out from the pack: Nitro coffee. It’s the trendiest new brew on the market that refers to any cold-brewed coffee pulled from a pressurized nitro tap, which results in a foamy-headed coffee drink. Nitro is simply standard cold-brew coffee pulled from a pressurized nitro tap (similar to a Guinness tap) which alters the taste and texture of the finished product. In this case, adding nitrogen to the brew creates a foamy-headed drink with an extra boost of caffeine.
The nitro coffee market is fairly large and made up of craft beer aficionados, coffee connoisseurs, and the energy drink crowd. However, interest in nitro coffee seems to be strongest amongst the mixologists at restaurants and bars. Adding nitro coffee to their coffee-based cocktail adds an interesting texture and deep flavor notes that these beverages didn’t have before.
The impact that coffee infused beer cocktails will have on the beverage industry will be huge. Restaurant and bar owners that take advantage of this new drink can expect a transformation in their beverage programs and a spark to their bottom line.
“It’s a marriage ahead of the curve,” said Travis Radevski, owner of Sip Coffee and Beer House in Scottsdale, AZ in an interview for the Arizona Republic.
The rise in popularity of these tasty beverages means that small business owners like Radevski’s are going to have to be at their best to remain competitive. Large brands, like Starbucks, are already hot on their heels. The wildly successful global coffeehouse recently announced the rollout of its new Starbucks Evenings program which will involve certain branches staying open later in order to serve a small section of beer, wine, and appetizers.