Nitro is a unique way of preparing cold brew that involves infusing the coffee with nitrogen. The result is smooth, velvety, and low in acidity — often served chilled, with or without ice.
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee made by using pressurized water and steam to extract intense flavor and aroma from coffee grounds. It can be served hot or iced.
DIFFERENCES
There are eight key differences to know when deciding between nitro cold brew and espresso.
BREW METHOD
Nitro cold brew starts with steeping coarse grounds in cold water. Then, it’s infused with nitrogen gas. Espresso is prepared with a specialized machine that uses force a small amount of hot water through finely ground beans.
FLAVOR
Nitro cold brew is smooth, rich, and less acidic than a typical drip-brewed coffee. Espresso offers bold, intense, and more concentrated flavors than nitro cold brew. It has notes of bitterness, acidity, and a lingering aftertaste.
TEMPERATURE
Although you can make iced drinks with espresso, it’s always brewed through hot and pressurized extraction. Traditionally, it’s served hot. Nitro cold brew is steeped in the fridge and typically served chilled or over ice
CAFFEINE
A typical 8-ounce cup of nitro cold brew can contain anywhere from 100mg to 200mg of caffeine. In comparison, a standard 1-2 ounce shot of espresso usually has around 60mg to 80mg of caffeine.