Several years ago my brother-in-law ordered a cold brew at a popular drive-thru coffee shop. I had never heard the term before. I opened my mouth without thinking and sputtered, “so is that served cold?” Everyone had a good laugh. In my defense, I knew iced tea was often brewed hot, especially my favorite sun tea, then served over ice. I figured maybe this particular coffee-drink was brewed cold then served hot, but nope that’s just not the case. Â
Cold brew is coffee brewed with cold (or even room temperature) water for 12 hours or more; time, not temperature, brews the coffee. Slow, cold steeping  produces a less acidic drink often described as smoother and less bitter than traditional hot-brewed coffee. Many people find cold brewing eliminates the desire for additional cream or sugar. I had always been a sweet-latte kind of-girl before discovering cold brew. I could not drink regular brewed, hot coffee without drowning it in some sort of milk and lots of sugar or honey. These days, however, I drink cold brew black or sometimes with just a splash of almond milk and no sweeteners of any kind. Â
Just when I had cold brew figured out I stumbled into the world of Nitro coffee. Nitro coffee is even fancier cold brew coffee. Its made the same way, but then infused with nitrogen and served out of a tap like a dark beer. Nitro coffee cascades as you pour it, has a frothy head and creamy texture.  It tastes much like you’re sipping a beer. Nitro coffee has become my favorite and I believe it to be the perfect summer coffee drink. Â
People debate about how to properly drink Nitro coffee: To ice or not to ice? That is the question. I think you should enjoy coffee according to your personal preferences, but be sure to order how you like it as I have found nitro cold brew is not served the same way in every establishment. Personally, I like to sip my nitro coffee like a good beer — no straw, open cup, no ice.
Cold brew is now fairly popular. In fact, when I searched for cold brew and nitro cold brew coffee in and around Oak Park I found enough options to keep me sipping all summer. The coffee game is strong in this area.Â
Here’s a glimpse of some noteworthy chilled caffeinated beverages offered around Oak Park!Â