When most people think of coffee, they imagine something warm, comforting, and perhaps sweet and creamy. But coffee is a remarkably versatile drink, and it’s no stranger to bold innovations. Enter Mazagran, the citrusy, refreshing coffee drink that’s perfect for hot days, adventurous coffee lovers, and anyone looking to spice up their iced coffee game.
Mazagran is unlike any other coffee drink you’ve tried. Combining strong black coffee with lemon juice, ice, and sweetener, it’s often referred to as the “original iced coffee.” And while that might be debatable, there’s no question that this drink is one-of-a-kind.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what Mazagran is, where it comes from, how to make it at home, which variations to try, and expert tips to master this unique beverage that’s steeped in both history and modern flair.
What Is Mazagran?
Mazagran (pronounced mah-zah-grahn) is a cold coffee drink typically made with:
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso
- Fresh lemon juice or lemon slices
- Ice cubes
- Sugar or sweetener
- Optional additions like sparkling water, mint, or even rum
The result is a drink that’s light, tart, sweet, and bold—a far cry from your average cold brew. It’s both a coffee and a refresher, giving you the caffeine kick you crave with the zest of citrus.
A Brief History of Mazagran
The origin of Mazagran is as intriguing as the drink itself. It’s believed to have originated in the 1840s during the French occupation of Algeria, in the town of Mazagran, from which it gets its name. French soldiers, unable to access milk and cream in the intense North African heat, began drinking black coffee mixed with water, ice, and lemon—a precursor to what we now know as Mazagran.
When these soldiers returned to France, they brought the idea with them. Over time, Mazagran gained popularity, especially in Portugal, where it was adopted and transformed into a favorite summertime beverage. In Portugal, it’s often served in tall glasses, sometimes spiked with rum for a fun, adult version.
Though it’s not as widely known today as iced lattes or cold brew, Mazagran is experiencing a resurgence among coffee lovers and baristas who are rediscovering its unique flavor and refreshing quality.
What Makes Mazagran So Special?
Mazagran is much more than just “coffee with lemon.” Its uniqueness lies in the balance of flavors and the inviting refreshment it offers. Here’s why it deserves a place in your coffee routine:
✔ A Bold Flavor Combo
Lemon enhances the coffee’s acidity in a surprisingly pleasant and balanced way, creating a vibrant and slightly sweet-tart drink.
✔ Naturally Energizing
It offers all the caffeine of strong coffee, but in a light and uplifting format—great for hot weather or that mid-afternoon slump.
✔ Customizable and Creative
From adding sparkling water to experimenting with herbs and spirits, Mazagran invites you to make it your own.
✔ A Conversation Starter
Mazagran isn’t a drink most people know, so it’s a great way to impress guests or share a new favorite with friends.
Ingredients for a Classic Mazagran
To make a traditional version of this drink, you’ll need just a few quality ingredients:
✅ Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of strong brewed coffee or espresso
- Juice of ½ a fresh lemon (or 1–2 slices)
- 1–2 teaspoons of sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
✅ Optional Ingredients:
- Sparkling water – for a fizzy twist
- Fresh mint leaves – for a refreshing aroma
- A splash of dark rum or Amaretto – for an adult version
✅ Equipment:
- Coffee brewing tool (espresso machine, Moka pot, French press, or drip coffee maker)
- Tall glass or tumbler for serving
- Stirring spoon
How to Make Mazagran: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this delicious, zesty drink at home.
Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee
- Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong coffee using your preferred method.
- Espresso (double shot)
- Moka pot (ideal for rich flavor)
- Drip coffee with a higher coffee-to-water ratio
- French press with a long steep time
Tip: A medium or dark roast works best to stand up to the acidity of the lemon.
Step 2: Sweeten While Hot
- While the coffee is still hot, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey.
- This allows the sweetener to dissolve completely.
Tip: If you’re adding sparkling water later, use less sugar to prevent the drink from becoming too sweet.
Step 3: Let the Coffee Cool
- Allow the sweetened coffee to cool slightly before pouring over ice.
- Hot coffee poured directly over ice can dilute the drink too quickly.
Step 4: Prepare Your Glass
- In a tall glass, squeeze the juice of half a lemon, or drop in a few thin lemon slices.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
Optional: Add mint leaves or a thin orange slice for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Mazagran
- Pour the cooled coffee over the lemon juice and ice.
- Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Optional: Top with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy, soda-like finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with a lemon slice, mint sprig, or even a cinnamon stick.
- Serve with a straw or long spoon and enjoy immediately.
Mazagran vs. Other Iced Coffee Drinks
Let’s see how Mazagran compares to popular cold coffee options:
| Drink | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazagran | Coffee, lemon, ice, sugar | Tart, bold, citrusy | 5–10 mins |
| Iced Coffee | Brewed coffee + ice | Smooth, slightly bitter | 5 mins |
| Cold Brew | Coffee steeped cold for 12–24 hrs | Mellow, low-acid | 12–24 hrs |
| Espresso Tonic | Espresso + tonic water | Bubbly, herbal, bitter | 5 mins |
| Iced Latte | Espresso + milk + ice | Creamy, smooth | 5 mins |
Delicious Mazagran Variations to Try
Mazagran is incredibly versatile. Here are some exciting versions to explore:
🍹 Portuguese Mazagran
- Add 1 oz of dark rum to the traditional mix.
- Optional: a dash of Angostura bitters.
🧊 Sparkling Mazagran
- Add 2–3 oz of sparkling water after combining coffee and lemon.
- Creates a soda-like fizz with deep coffee flavor.
🍯 Honey Lemon Mazagran
- Replace sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.
- Great with single-origin Ethiopian coffee.
🌿 Minty Mazagran
- Add fresh mint leaves to the glass with lemon.
- Let them sit for a minute before adding ice and coffee.
🍊 Orange Mazagran
- Replace lemon juice with fresh-squeezed orange juice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Tips for the Best Mazagran Experience
✔ Use fresh citrus juice—never bottled
✔ Let your coffee cool slightly before pouring over ice
✔ Add sweetener while the coffee is hot
✔ Experiment with single-origin beans for fruitier notes
✔ Serve in clear glassware to enjoy the visual appeal
✔ Garnish for extra aroma and style
✔ Chill your glass in advance for maximum refreshment
When to Drink Mazagran
Mazagran is ideal for specific moments when you need something cool, caffeinated, and invigorating:
☀️ Summer Afternoons
- When hot espresso feels too heavy
💼 Midday Energy Slumps
- A light pick-me-up with a citrus twist
🍸 Pre-Dinner Aperitivo
- Serve in a cocktail glass as a coffee-based aperitif
🧊 Coffee Breaks with Friends
- Unique and refreshing—guaranteed to spark conversation
🍽️ Post-Lunch Refresher
- Light, tart, and just enough to keep you going
Final Thoughts
Mazagran is the hidden gem of the coffee world—a drink that challenges the norms of what coffee can be. It’s bold and light, citrusy yet caffeinated, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick with the traditional lemon-sugar combo or branch out with mint, sparkling water, or rum, Mazagran is a drink worth discovering.
Making Mazagran at home is simple, affordable, and a total game-changer for your warm-weather coffee lineup. So next time you’re reaching for that iced latte or cold brew, why not give Mazagran a try?
All it takes is a little coffee, a splash of citrus, and a few cubes of ice—and you’ve got a drink that’s as refreshing as it is energizing.