Long before cold brew became a coffee shop staple, there was Mazagran – a refreshing iced coffee drink that traces its origins to the French military stationed in Algeria during the 1840s. Named after the fortress town of Mazagran where French soldiers first created this cooling beverage, this drink represents one of the earliest forms of cold coffee preparation. Unlike modern iced coffees that are simply hot coffee poured over ice, authentic Mazagran is brewed strong, sweetened while hot, then chilled to perfection and served with lemon for a bright, invigorating finish. This classic recipe serves 4 people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare, including chilling time, making it an ideal make-ahead refreshment for warm afternoons or elegant entertaining.
Essential Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coarsely ground dark roast coffee
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Ice cubes for serving
- Optional: 2 tablespoons rum or cognac for the adult version
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Brewing the Perfect Coffee Base
Begin by preparing a strong coffee concentrate using your preferred method. For the most authentic flavor, use a French press or Turkish coffee pot, though a regular coffee maker will work if you double the usual coffee-to-water ratio. The key is creating a robust brew that won’t become diluted when chilled and served over ice.
Heat 2 cups of water to just below boiling point. Add the coarsely ground coffee and allow it to steep for 4-5 minutes if using a French press, or follow your traditional brewing method while ensuring the coffee remains strong and bold. The resulting brew should be noticeably stronger than regular drinking coffee, almost approaching espresso strength.
Sweetening While Hot
This step distinguishes authentic Mazagran from simple iced coffee. While your coffee is still piping hot, stir in the granulated sugar until it completely dissolves. The hot temperature allows the sugar to incorporate seamlessly, creating a smooth sweetness that cold-added sugar cannot achieve.
Taste the sweetened coffee and adjust if necessary. Remember that the perception of sweetness diminishes when beverages are served cold, so the hot mixture should taste slightly sweeter than your final desired result.
Cooling and Flavoring
Allow the sweetened coffee to cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 20 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the fresh lemon juice. This citrus addition is what makes Mazagran unique among coffee drinks – the acidity brightens the deep coffee flavors and adds a refreshing twist that perfectly complements the cooling effect.
For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, this is the moment to add rum or cognac, stirring gently to incorporate. The alcohol adds warmth and complexity that balances beautifully with the coffee’s boldness and lemon’s brightness.
Chilling to Perfection
Transfer your flavored coffee mixture to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, though overnight chilling produces the best results. The extended cold time allows all flavors to meld together harmoniously, creating a more complex and satisfying drink.
During the chilling process, the coffee will develop a richer, smoother character as the initial brewing harshness mellows and the lemon essence integrates throughout the liquid.
Proper Presentation and Serving
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, leaving enough room for the liquid and garnishes. Pour the chilled Mazagran over the ice, creating an attractive amber-colored beverage that immediately looks refreshing and sophisticated.
Float a lemon slice on top of each glass and add a fresh mint sprig for both visual appeal and aromatic enhancement. The mint provides a pleasant fragrance that complements the coffee and citrus combination perfectly.
Traditional Variations and Modern Adaptations
The original French military version often included a splash of water to make the strong coffee more palatable in the North African heat. Some regions prepare Mazagran with orange juice instead of lemon for a sweeter, more mellow citrus note.
Modern variations include using cold brew as the base for convenience, though this changes the traditional character slightly. Some contemporary recipes incorporate simple syrup instead of granulated sugar for easier mixing, or add a dash of vanilla extract for additional complexity.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Prepared Mazagran can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it excellent for batch preparation. Store the mixture without ice in a covered pitcher, then serve over fresh ice when ready. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they continue to develop and balance.
For parties or gatherings, consider making a large batch and serving from a glass dispenser with plenty of ice, lemon slices, and mint available for guests to customize their drinks.
This historic recipe serves 4 people generously and offers a sophisticated alternative to standard iced coffee that carries centuries of tradition in every refreshing sip.
