Café de Mazagran: an emblem of Algerian cultural heritage

Algerian culture offers a variety of dishes and drinks, but one drink in particular has left an indelible mark on its history: Mazagran coffee. Made with coffee, sugar, ice cubes and lemon slices, it represents Algeria's culinary heritage. Find out more about the history of Mazagran coffee in this article.

Origins of Mazagran coffee

The history of Mazagran coffee has its origins in the town of Mazagran in Mostaganem. Located on Algeria's Mediterranean coast, Mazagran offers a picturesque setting with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. It was in this beautiful setting that Café Mazagran was invented.

Many historians agree that it was invented in 1840, during the period of French colonisation of Algeria, which lasted until 1962. The term "mazagran" is said to have been inspired by a fortress bearing the same name, located in the town of Mostaganem, in north-west Algeria.

In 1837, this fortress was occupied by French colonists for several years. Faced with the high temperatures, the French soldiers are said to have found a way of cooling themselves by drinking cold coffee mixed with water.

Some soldiers also added sweet coffee syrup, while others opted to add different types of alcohol such as cognac and rum to stay alert during their night-time patrols. Over the years, the recipe for Mazagran coffee has evolved to give rise to different variants.

Variants of Mazagran coffee

Today, café mazagran is a staple in cafés and bars in countries such as Portugal, Spain, Austria and France, each with their own interpretation of the drink.

The Portuguese iced coffee

In Portugal in particular, mazagran enjoys great popularity, often referred to by some as the 'Portuguese iced coffee'. This trend is largely due to the close historical links between Portugal and certain North African countries, notably Morocco. Portuguese mazagran is a refreshing, caffeinated drink. It is often prepared by combining strong coffee with ice cubes and sometimes sugar or other sweeteners, depending on individual preferences.

This iced coffee is very popular in the warmer months, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional hot coffee. It is often served in Portuguese cafés and bars, but is also easy to prepare at home.

Spanish mazagran

Spanish mazagran is also a variant of the famous mazagran coffee. This drink shares similarities with Portuguese mazagran, but it can also have distinct variations depending on regional and individual preferences.

Spanish mazagran is typically prepared by mixing strong black coffee with ice cubes to make a fresh, invigorating drink. Some coffee lovers in Spain choose to add sugar to sweeten the taste of the coffee. The amount of sugar added can vary according to personal taste.

This drink is enjoyed all year round in Spain, but is particularly popular during the warmer months when temperatures rise. Spanish cafés and bars often offer mazagran as a refreshing option for coffee lovers looking for an iced alternative to the traditional version.

Mazagran in other countries

Variations of mazagran coffee are usually associated with Portugal and Spain. However, the drink has also found its way into other countries around the world, each with its own twist to make a difference. In Austria, for example, mazagran is often prepared by mixing strong coffee with ice cubes and sugar syrup. It is considered a type of iced coffee. It is best consumed during the warmer months.

In France, mazagran can also be found in cafés and bars, although its popularity varies from region to region. The French preparation of mazagran may include variations such as the addition of lemon or liqueurs to give the drink a fresh, fizzy touch.

In other parts of the world, mazagran may be less common, but is still appreciated by coffee lovers looking for a fresh, caffeinated drink. Regional and individual variations may include different types of coffee, syrups or sweeteners, depending on local and cultural preferences.

Glass for drinking Mazagran coffee: the Mazagran cup

The Mazagran cup, also known as a Mazagran glass, is traditionally associated with drinking Mazagran coffee. It is a glass or ceramic cup with a handle, generally of medium to large size.

The name of this glass comes from a historical anecdote linked to the Algerian war. During the Algerian War in the ^19th century, Austrian soldiers discovered the Mazagran drink in Algiers and enjoyed it in glass cups, giving its name to the cup used to serve the drink.

The Mazagran cup is appreciated for its ergonomic shape, which makes it easy to hold, and for its ability to keep the drink fresh. It is often used in cafés and bars, but can also be found in homes where mazagran is enjoyed.

Remember that mazagran coffee originated in Algeria. Over the years, its consumption has spread throughout the world, particularly to Portugal and Spain. If you want to enjoy it to the full, be sure to savour it in a Mazagran glass to appreciate all its flavours.