Mazagran

Portugal / originally French Algeria — 1840

The original iced coffee, predating cold brew by over 150 years. French soldiers at the Battle of Mazagran in Algeria mixed cold water with their coffee syrup when hot water wasn't available; Portugal later adopted and refined it with lemon juice, sometimes a splash of rum. Served in a tall glass over ice, it's tart, refreshing, and nothing like the sweet iced coffees that came after. The lemon juice cuts the bitterness differently than milk does.

How to make it

1. 1

   Pull a double shot of espresso and let it cool slightly (or pour over ice to flash-chill).

2. 2

   Squeeze half a lemon into a tall glass.

3. 3

   Add sugar or simple syrup to taste — you want enough sweetness to balance the lemon acidity.

4. 4

   Add ice, then pour the cooled espresso over.

5. 5

   Stir well. Optionally add a splash of rum for the traditional Portuguese version.