Mazagran Recipe – A Delicious Iced Coffee with Lemon
What to serve your guests, iced coffee or hot coffee?
Neither!
If you want to impress with something different, go for this Mazagran recipe instead! It is a traditional Algerian coffee lemonade made with lemon, ice, and coffee.
This exotic blend is quite refreshing during the warmer months, yet simple to make. So why not give it a try?
Here is my recipe for a cup of authentic Mazagran and some tips to brew it the right way.
What is Mazagran Coffee?
Mazagran (Lemon Coffee) is a refreshing summer drink like a cross between lemonade and espresso. It combines the tartness of lemons with the robust flavor of coffee in a way perfect for warm weather. Algerians started adding lemons to low-end coffee beans to improve their flavor and make the coffee less bitter. But as you can imagine, pricier coffee beans impart deliciousness to this drink.
Mazagran is often called the “original iced coffee.” It has a bittersweet history. It was conceived while more than 100 French soldiers were held captive in the Algerian town of Mazagran. It happened in the 1800s when Algeria fought for liberation from French colonialists. The French soldiers, accustomed to mixing brandy with their coffee, were offered no refreshment beyond pitchers of cold water and coffee syrup. The soldiers were soon rescued, but the soldiers returning to France continued to add water to their coffee, and serve it in tall glasses from there on.
Nowadays, Mazagran is very popular in the cafés of Portugal.
And what does Mazagran (aka Coffee Lemonade) taste like?
When you take a sip, the tartness of the lemonade hits your tongue first, followed by the smooth and slightly bitter taste of the brewed coffee. I think it’s a great combination when you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink.
What Do You Need to Make Mazagran?
Mazagran is not your usual instant iced coffee. It’s a cold coffee drink with ingredients that include:
- Coffee
- Ice cubes
- Lemon
- Honey
You can pour coffee syrup over the top and garnish the drink with lemon slices or mint leaves.
Mazagran: Iced Coffee and Lemon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup coffee (or diluted espresso)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 wedge lemon
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Brew coffee using whatever method you prefer. If you’re using espresso, dilute a double shot.
- Add the honey or any other sweetener to the coffee, and set it aside to cool.
- Fill a large glass with ice cubes.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, it will give a tangy taste to your drink. Start with around 2 tbsp, but you may want to add more.
- Pour in the cooled coffee.
- Top with a slice of lemon or mint leaves for decoration!
Video
Notes
- Keep it cold. Allow the coffee to cool, and use plenty of ice cubes to give the coffee an extra refreshing flavor!
- Using coffee ice cubes makes the drink stronger in taste and caffeine.
- Add a shot of rum for a modern twist on this classic beverage.
- If you like sour drinks, squeeze in more lemon juice and less honey than my recipe calls for.
What Kind of Cup Should Mazagran Be Served In?
Mazagran is a delicious cocktail you can make with coffee, sugar, and brandy. It’s usually served in a tall, narrow glass.
You can make Mazagran using tall and narrow cups, but the ideal glassware for Mazagran is a large highball glass with a wide mouth and heavy bottom, since you’ll want to easily mix the ingredients without spilling any of them. Some other popular Mazagran cups include sherry and cordial glasses (they come in many sizes).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve never mixed lemons and coffee before, you may have a few questions about it. Here are some answers, but if there is anything else, please ask in a comment below.
If you want more iced coffee drinks, you can check out my recipes on Vietnamese Iced Coffee, Frozen Cappuccino, and Java Chip Frappuccino.
Looking for more coffee recipes? Read the coffee recipes on BigCupOfCoffee to see other cool ideas.
Conclusion
Café Mazagran is a surprisingly delicious drink perfect for summer and sunny days. Add the original Algerian iced coffee to your summer party’s menu, and enjoy!
