How to Make Mazagran Coffee? Where Did Iced Coffee Originate? What Are the Differences Between Algerian and Portuguese Coffee Preparation?

The Story of Mazagran Coffee: The First Iced Coffee?

There is a type of coffee that originated in Africa and became popular throughout Europe. Although it is prepared quite differently in various European countries, when people mention it, they all associate it with one title—"the first iced coffee ever created." And that coffee is: Mazagran Coffee.

But whether it truly is the first iced coffee ever created, we cannot say for certain. After all, historians estimate that Mazagran coffee originated in the 19th century. Yet in our understanding, "cold brew coffee," invented by the Dutch at sea during the 17th century, was already widely popular in Japan during the Edo period. Therefore, we cannot definitively claim that Mazagran is the rumored first iced coffee. However, this doesn't prevent us from exploring what kind of coffee Mazagran is and why it spread from Africa across the ocean to Europe and became so popular. Therefore, FrontStreet Coffee wants to share today: What is Mazagran Coffee!

What is Mazagran Coffee?

As mentioned in the introduction, Mazagran coffee is very popular in European countries! Spain, Austria, France, Portugal, and more. In different countries, Mazagran coffee is prepared using different methods. Ingredients like lemon juice, syrup, mint, and alcoholic beverages are all used in various countries to make Mazagran coffee. Although nowadays the ingredients used are quite diverse, the original Mazagran coffee was made only with ice, water, and coffee, making it a very traditional iced coffee.

In addition, Mazagran coffee uses a special type of coffee cup that originates from Algeria and is a traditional local beverage container. Typically, this coffee cup is made of glass or clay and features a rather "playful" short stem.

The Origins of Mazagran Coffee

Mazagran coffee originated in Algeria, Africa, during the 19th century. After all, the name "Mazagran" comes from a fortress named Mazagran in a coastal town in northwestern Algeria. Therefore, Mazagran coffee is also a very popular local specialty beverage. The reason Mazagran coffee spread from Algeria in Africa to various European countries is related to France's colonial rule over Algeria in the 19th century.

In the early 19th century, France occupied Algeria, including Mazagran, due to its abundant resources and important strategic position. During the occupation, French soldiers needed to stay alert during hot, long nights while guarding their posts, so they relied on stimulating beverages to remain awake, and coffee was the best choice. Later, soldiers discovered that adding alcohol to coffee could double the stimulating effect. So in the following days, soldiers would add different alcoholic beverages, and even lemon juice, to their coffee to obtain a more excited state of mind to combat the night. Additionally, they would add ice cubes to lower the temperature of the coffee, bringing a touch of coolness to body and mind.

However, French colonization was not smooth sailing. In 1832, the brave and talented military commander Abd El-Kader began leading the resistance against French colonizers. Under his outstanding leadership, French forces suffered repeated defeats and were forced to sign treaties with him in 1834 and 1837, recognizing his rule over two-thirds of Algerian territory. According to historians, Mazagran coffee was born in the third year after the 1837 treaty was signed! In 1840, under powerful attacks, Algerians recaptured the coastal towns, including Mazagran. During this period, the French army, due to being surrounded, could no longer receive supplies, and of course, there was no longer alcohol to mix with coffee. Therefore, the French army could only use water instead of alcohol! A beverage composed of these three ingredients—ice cubes, water, and coffee—was named "Mazagran coffee" because it was created in Mazagran.

The Spread and Evolution of Mazagran Coffee

With the end of the war, the preparation method of this coffee was brought back to Europe and spread throughout the continent. Without ingredient limitations, alcoholic beverages, lemons, and other ingredients were able to return to the recipe. Especially in Portugal, Mazagran coffee is widely loved, and there are even rumors that it has become Portugal's "national treasure beverage." The Portuguese version of Mazagran coffee is very simple to make: lemon juice, espresso, syrup, and ice cubes. Friends interested in alcohol can add it themselves—after all, the Portuguese version of Mazagran coffee is as simple as adjusting ingredient quantities according to personal preference!

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