How to Make an American Mazagran Step by Step

If you’ve ever wanted a strong, refreshing iced coffee with just a hint of citrus and fizz, the American Mazagran might be your next go-to. Unlike sugary sodas or diluted iced lattes, this drink delivers the boldness of a dark roast without added sweetness. It’s a no-frills, high-impact beverage that's easy to customize — whether you want it tart, bitter, or just cool and caffeinated.

To make an American Mazagran, fill a glass with ice, pour in about half a cup of dark roast coffee, add 10cc of lemon juice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice if desired. That’s the whole drink — no sugar, no milk, just coffee, acid, and fizz.

What Is an American Mazagran?

The American Mazagran is a variation of the classic Mazagran — a cold coffee drink with military roots. Legend says it was invented during a conflict in Algeria, where a French soldier survived thanks to this invigorating brew. The “American” version takes the original idea and cranks up the intensity: it skips the sugar, leans into bitterness, and adds citrus and carbonation for a sharp, refreshing edge.

Why This Drink Works

This drink works because it balances three strong elements: a deep-roast coffee’s boldness, lemon’s bright acidity, and soda’s effervescence. The absence of sugar keeps the focus on those contrasts. It’s designed to be cooling, slightly tart, and deeply aromatic — perfect for hot days or whenever you need a jolt without heaviness.

How to Make an American Mazagran — Step by Step

Making an American Mazagran is simple, but the order and proportions matter. Here’s the straightforward method:

• Start with a tall glass filled entirely with ice.
• Pour in about half a cup (roughly 120ml) of deeply roasted coffee. The original calls for a strong, dark brew — no espresso necessary, just a rich, full-bodied filter or press pot coffee.
• Add 10cc (about 1 tablespoon) of fresh lemon juice. This adds sharpness without making the drink sour if measured correctly.
• Top with soda water to fill the glass. Adjust to your preferred level of fizz.
• (Optional) Garnish with a thin slice of lemon for aroma and a visual cue of the citrus inside.

Choosing Your Coffee

The original recipe doesn’t specify origin or roast level beyond “deep roast,” but the goal is intensity. Choose a coffee with low acidity, heavy body, and prominent roast flavours — think chocolate, nuts, or dark caramel. Avoid fruity or light roasts, as they’ll clash with the lemon and get lost under the soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Mazagran coffee drink?

The Mazagran originated from a legend involving a French soldier during a conflict in Algeria. It was said to have helped him survive while trapped, leading to its reputation as a life-sustaining coffee. The American Mazagran is a bolder, sweeter-free variation that includes lemon and soda.

Do you use espresso in an American Mazagran?

No, the traditional American Mazagran does not use espresso. It calls for a half cup of deep-roast brewed coffee — typically filtered or press-style — rather than a shot of espresso. However, some modern versions may adapt the recipe to include espresso if preferred.

Can I sweeten the American Mazagran?

The original recipe is intentionally unsweetened. However, if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add sugar syrup or a flavored sweetener to adjust the taste to your preference before adding the lemon and soda.

What kind of coffee roast is best for this drink?

A deep roast is essential for this drink. Look for a coffee with low acidity and bold flavours like chocolate, nuts, or caramel. These roasts stand up to the lemon and soda, creating a balanced, intense drink. Avoid light or fruity roasts as they may clash with the other ingredients.

Is the American Mazagran alcoholic?

No, the American Mazagran is not an alcoholic drink. It’s made with coffee, lemon juice, and soda water only. There is no alcohol involved in the traditional or most common versions of the recipe.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Deep-Roast Mazagran

For an authentic American Mazagran, choose a deep-roast coffee with bold, low-acid flavours. Try FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling for its herbal spice notes and heavy body, or the Brazil Queen Manor for its balanced nut and caramel tones with a touch of sweetness. Both roasts deliver the intensity needed to hold up to lemon and soda. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.