What gas is infused in Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew?

Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew is infused with nitrogen.

Nitro Cold Brew starts with cold-brewed coffee, which is extracted using cool water over a long period rather than brewed hot. The finished coffee is then infused with nitrogen gas and dispensed through a tap. Nitrogen creates very small bubbles, giving the drink a smooth, creamy texture and a characteristic cascading appearance.

Nitro is not the same as ordinary iced coffee or standard cold brew. Regular cold brew is usually served still, while Nitro Cold Brew is pressurized and poured through specialized equipment. The nitrogen does not make the coffee alcoholic, and it is not carbon dioxide, the gas commonly associated with carbonation in soft drinks.

Starbucks helped popularize Nitro Cold Brew in its Reserve Roastery program before expanding it to more conventional stores. Because the drink is naturally smooth and can taste slightly sweet despite containing no added sugar in its basic form, it is often served without a straw so customers can experience its texture directly.