Mazagran is part of Algeria’s heritage. It is the first iced coffee in the world. It began as a simple, smart way to drink coffee in the heat, and it remains one of the cleanest, most refreshing ways to taste coffee today.
1. The Origin of Mazagran
Mazagran takes its name from the town near Mostaganem, where a violent episode of French colonization took place in 1840. Algerian resistance defended their land with courage. After occupation, French troops stationed there observed a local habit, strong coffee cooled with water to face the heat, and later brought that idea to France as café Mazagran.
The drink itself is Algerian in spirit and practice. It existed before its European name, and it was often prepared with Ethiopian coffee that reached our ports through long standing trade routes. The recipe was simple, pure, and floral, sometimes lifted with a drop of orange blossom water or a pinch of salt.
Health Note on Lemon in Mazagran
Some Algerians add a thin slice of lemon or a little zest to Mazagran for comfort. Lemon is acidic, yet when combined with cold water and served over ice, the drink often feels gentler. The citrus aroma softens perceived sharpness, the dilution lowers intensity, and citrate provides mild buffering. It does not make the drink basic, but many people find this version easier to enjoy without sugar. If you have a sensitive stomach, use lighter roasts, avoid coffee on an empty stomach, and keep the drink well chilled.
2. The Original Algerian Mazagran
Ingredients for 2 glasses
- 2 tablespoons of our freshly ground Mazagran Yirgacheffe
- 250 ml hot water
- 2 to 3 drops orange blossom water
- 1 small pinch fine salt
- Optional, a few fresh mint leaves
Preparation
- Brew the coffee in a moka pot or as a short filter brew.
- While hot, add orange blossom water and the pinch of salt, then let the coffee cool to room temperature.
- Fill two glasses with ice, pour the cooled coffee, and stir gently.
- Add mint for aroma if you like. Do not add sugar.
Result, clean and bright coffee, lightly perfumed, refreshing without heaviness.
3. The Modern Mazagran, Qahwetna Style
Ingredients for 2 glasses
- 2 shots espresso, of our Mazagran Yirgacheffe
- 4 to 5 ice cubes per glass
- 100 ml chilled sparkling mineral water
- Optional, lemon zest or a small slice of lemon
- Optional, one drop orange blossom water
Preparation
- Pull two espresso shots and let them rest for one minute.
- Add ice to tall glasses, pour the espresso over the ice.
- Top slowly with sparkling water for a natural light foam.
- Stir once, add lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately.
Result, crisp, citrus leaning, and very clean. It respects Algerian simplicity and brings a modern specialty texture.
4. Notes on Beans and Roast
Our Mazagran Yirgacheffe is roasted to perfection for the original or modern version.
5. Why Mazagran Matters
Mazagran is widely recognized as the first iced coffee in the world. It shows the Algerian preference for clarity and balance. It requires no sugar and no heavy flavors. It proves that good coffee is about purity, not additives. At Qahwetna, we roast to protect that purity, so the glass smells alive and tastes honest.
6. Serving Ideas
Serve Mazagran with Qalb el Louz, Maqrout, or a piece of dark chocolate. Keep the glass simple, clear, and cold. Let the coffee speak first, aromas second.
