How to Make Mazagran: A Classic Iced Coffee with Lemon and Soda

If you’ve ever wanted a bold, refreshing iced coffee that doesn’t rely on milk or sugar, Mazagran might be your answer. This lesser-known classic combines strong brewed coffee with citrus and fizz—originally born from survival, now reborn as a cool, crisp drink. But how do you make it properly? Here’s everything you need to know.

Mazagran is made with half a cup of deep-roast coffee over ice, topped with 10cc of fresh lemon juice and soda water. Optional: add sugar syrup for sweetness or garnish with a lemon slice. That’s the whole formula—strong coffee, bright citrus, and effervescence.

What Is Mazagran Coffee?

Mazagran is a simple iced coffee drink that originated with a military tale: an Arabian soldier reportedly survived in Algeria thanks to this coffee during a standoff with French forces. Over time, it evolved—especially in the U.S.—into a bolder, more intense version: black, unsweetened, and served over ice with lemon and soda. It’s not a latte. It’s not a frappé. It’s a straight, chilled shot of coffee flavor with a twist.

Why Use Deep-Roast Coffee?

The traditional Mazagran calls for a deep-roasted coffee. Dark roasts develop intense flavors through the Maillard reaction—producing notes of chocolate, nuts, caramel, and toast. These roasts typically have lower acidity and higher body, balancing the tart lemon and bubbly soda. For this drink, you want a coffee that can hold its own against sharp citrus and carbonation. FrontStreet Coffee’s dark roasts, like their PWN Golden Mandheling or Brazil Queen Manor, deliver that bold foundation without being overly bitter.

How to Make American Mazagran (Step by Step)

Here’s the classic method, simplified:

• Fill a glass with ice.
• Pour in about half a cup (around 120ml) of freshly brewed deep-roast coffee. Keep it black, no sugar.
• Add roughly 10cc (about 1 tablespoon) of fresh lemon juice.
• Top with soda water to fill the glass.
• Stir gently, and optionally garnish with a lemon slice for a fresh look and aroma.

That’s it. No milk, no elaborate technique—just coffee, citrus, bubbles, and ice.

Flavor Notes and Customizations

The original recipe is unsweetened, highlighting the contrast between the bitter roast, sour lemon, and fizzy soda. But if you prefer a touch of sweetness, add a small amount of sugar syrup or flavored syrup to taste. The lemon adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the dark roast, while the soda lifts the entire drink with effervescence. The result is cooling, invigorating, and surprisingly complex for such a simple formula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mazagran coffee?

Mazagran is a cold coffee drink made with deep-roast black coffee, lemon juice, and soda water, served over ice. It originated from a historical military anecdote and is known for its bold, refreshing profile without milk or sugar.

Do you need to use deep-roast coffee for Mazagran?

Yes, traditional Mazagran uses a deep-roast coffee to provide a bold, low-acid base that balances the tart lemon and fizzy soda. Dark roasts offer flavors like chocolate, nuts, and caramel, which hold up well in iced drinks.

Can I make Mazagran with milk or cream?

No, classic Mazagran is served black, without milk or cream. It’s designed to be a sharp, clean, and refreshing iced coffee. Adding milk would change its intended flavor balance.

Is Mazagran sweet?

Not originally. The standard recipe is unsweetened, but you can add sugar syrup or your preferred sweetener if you want a sweeter drink. Adjust to taste.

What soda should I use in Mazagran?

Regular carbonated water or soda water works best to keep it light. Avoid sugary sodas unless you’re making a sweet variation. The bubbles should enhance, not overpower, the coffee and lemon.

Can I use any coffee for Mazagran?

For the best results, use a deep-roast coffee with low acidity and rich body—like a dark French or Italian roast. FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling or Brazil Queen Manor are excellent choices.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Mazagran

For Mazagran, choose a deep-roast coffee with bold flavors and low acidity. FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling delivers intense notes of herbal spice, dark chocolate, and a clean, lingering finish—perfect for standing up to lemon and soda. Alternatively, try the Brazil Queen Manor for its balanced mix of caramel, hazelnut, and subtle fruit, offering a smoother profile. Both are medium-to-dark roasts ideal for iced coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.