How To Make Mazagran Coffee (Easy & Quick Recipe)

Have you ever thought about putting lemon in your coffee? I know, it sounds a bit wild at first. That was my reaction too. One hot summer day, I was experimenting with ways to make my coffee more refreshing.

I didn’t have much on hand, but I spotted a lemon in the fridge and thought, Why not? The result? Surprisingly delicious!

It was tangy, bold, and so light—perfect for the heat. Later, I found out I wasn’t the first to try this. Turns out, I had stumbled upon Mazagran, an iconic coffee drink with roots in Algeria and a history as refreshing as its flavor.

In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about this coffee drink: what it is, how to make it, and why it’s Mazagran is great in the summer. So let’s start brewing!

What is Mazagran?

Mazagran is a cold coffee drink with a zesty twist of lemon. It combines espresso, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes a splash of soda water for an extra sparkle.

This coffee is tangy, bold, and lightly sweetened. A perfect balance of coffee’s bitterness and lemon’s citrusy zing. I’d say it’s for anyone who loves experimenting with flavors beyond the usual cream-and-sugar routine.

When I Suggest It…?

I recommend drinking Mazagran during summer, especially when you need something that doesn’t feel heavy. I also love it after a workout or even mid-morning when the heat starts kicking in.

The Origins of Mazagran

Mazagran’s is believed to have originated in Algeria during the French occupation in the 19th century. Imagine French soldiers stationed in Algeria trying to stay alert in the scorching heat.

Instead of drinking hot coffee, they added water, ice, and sometimes even spirits like cognac or rum to their coffee for a cooler and more refreshing option. That practical invention was the first step toward what we now know as Mazagran.

European Influence

When these soldiers returned to France, they brought the idea with them adapting it to European tastes. Over time, Mazagran evolved into a popular cold coffee drink, often served with a slice of lemon in tall glasses.

The drink became a trendy staple in French coffee houses, where it was dubbed the “original iced coffee” because of its unique combination of chilled coffee and citrus.

Tips for the Perfect Mazagran

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to making a mazagran that hits just the right notes of tangy, sweet, and bold. Here’s what I suggest:

1 – Choose Quality Coffee

The base of any good mazagran is, you guessed it, quality coffee. I usually go with Death Wish Coffee or Kicking Horse Coffee because they pack a punch but still have a smooth finish.

• Death Wish’s: Boldness pairs beautifully with the sharpness of lemon.
• Kicking Horse: Has this rich, chocolaty undertone that balances the tart flavors perfectly.

If you’re not into these brands don’t worry! You can look for a single-origin espresso like something medium or dark roast. I once used a light roast out of curiosity, and while it wasn’t terrible, it just didn’t have the depth to stand up to the citrus. My advice? Stick with something that’s robust and slightly nutty.

2 – Balance the Flavors

Here’s where mazagran gets tricky: balancing the lemon juice and sugar. The first time I made it, I went wild with lemon, and honestly? It tasted like someone had dunked my coffee in lemonade. I’ve since learned to start small—about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for an 8-ounce serving—and build from there.

As for sugar, it’s all about preference. If you like it sweet, go ahead and add a teaspoon or two. However, I’ve found just a pinch does the trick for me. It cuts the acidity without overshadowing the coffee’s natural flavor.

3 – Experiment with Additions

One of my favorite twists is adding a few fresh mint leaves. Just bruise them a little before tossing them in; it gives the drink this cool, aromatic lift that’s perfect for hot afternoons.

I’ve also tried adding a splash of vanilla or caramel syrup when I’m in the mood for something sweet. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of sparkling water can turn your mazagran into a fizzy treat.

What Other Variations of Mazagran?

Well over the years, I’ve tried a few variations, and honestly, they each bring something different to the table.

But, spoiler alert: the Portuguese Mazagran has my heart. I mean, I am Portuguese, so I might be a little biased. Anyway, here are my recommendations:

Sparkling Mazagran

If you love fizzy drinks, this one’s for you. Adding soda water to your Mazagran creates a sparkling version that feels like summer in a glass.

The effervescence adds a lightness that makes it even more refreshing on those sweltering days. My trick? Use chilled soda water straight from the fridge—it keeps the drink icy and crisp.

Pro tip: A splash of tonic water works too. However, it adds a slightly bitter edge that works surprisingly well with the coffee.

Portuguese Mazagran

This is my personal favorite. Adding a splash of rum or brandy to the mix gives the drink a bold and boozy twist. I love this one for sipping on a breezy evening. The alcohol rounds out the tanginess of the lemon while enhancing the coffee’s richness.

Herbal Mazagran

For something a bit more aromatic, try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to your Mazagran. I stumbled onto this variation when I had leftover mint from a mojito recipe, and it was a game-changer.

The herbs don’t overpower the coffee. Instead, they add a subtle fragrance that beautifully complements the citrus and coffee.

Pro tip: Lightly bruise the herbs before adding them to release their oils. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it.

Last Thoughts

Whether you’re enjoying it as a classic iced version, experimenting with fizzy soda water, or enjoying the boozy Portuguese one, there’s a version that works for every taste.

For me, it’s become my go-to for warm afternoons when I need something energizing but not too heavy.

Now it’s your turn to try this unique drink and make it your own! Have a favorite variation or a secret ingredient you swear by?

Drop your tips, questions, or Mazagran stories in the comments—I’d love to hear your opinion and with that voilà!