Mazagran
Originating in Algeria, this deeply refreshing iced coffee beverage uniquely blends cold brew or espresso with bright citrus notes.
Preparing the Base
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice and add it to your cocktail shaker or a mixing pitcher, along with the simple syrup and cold filtered water.
Adding the Coffee
Add your double shot of espresso (or cold brew) to the citrus mixture. If using espresso, the hot coffee will rapidly cool as it mixes with the cold water.
Shaking and Chilling
Add a generous scoop of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. This rapidly chills the espresso and emulsifies the citrus oils with the coffee. (If you don't have a shaker, simply stir the ingredients vigorously over ice).
Service
Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish the rim with a fresh lemon slice and serve immediately.
Widely considered the original iced coffee, the Mazagran is a historically significant beverage that originated in Algeria in the 1840s during the French colonial period. French soldiers, stationed at the fortress of Mazagran, began diluting their coffee syrup with cold water to combat the oppressive North African heat. When they returned to Paris, they brought the concept of cold, diluted coffee with them.
Modern iterations of the Mazagran, heavily popularized in Portugal, introduce fresh lemon juice and sweetener to the iced coffee. The addition of citrus fundamentally alters the beverage. The bright, sharp acidity of the lemon cuts through the roasted bitterness of the coffee, resulting in an incredibly thirst-quenching, almost lemonade-like profile. When shaken over ice, a slight foam forms, adding a pleasant texture to this deeply refreshing summer drink.