Mazagran (drink)

Mazagran is a cold, sweetened coffee drink that originated in Algeria. It is named after the town of Mazagran, where French colonial troops first consumed the beverage.

History

The history of coffee is deeply intertwined with the history of Mazagran. The drink was first consumed by French colonial troops stationed at the Mazagran fortress in Algeria during the 19th century. The soldiers began to drink coffee with water to stretch their rations, and this practice evolved into the Mazagran beverage. After the troops returned to France, they brought the drink with them, and it became popular in French cafés.

Preparation

Mazagran is traditionally prepared with coffee, water, and sugar. The coffee is brewed strong, then sweetened and chilled. Some variations of the drink also include lemon or rum. In Portugal, a version of Mazagran is served with lemon and sometimes with rum, known as a "Mazagran Português".

Variations

There are several variations of Mazagran around the world. In Austria, a beverage called "Mazagran" is made with coffee and rum, served in a glass with a straw. In the United States, the Starbucks corporation introduced a bottled version of the drink in the 1990s, but it was later discontinued.

Cultural Significance

Mazagran has a significant cultural impact, particularly in France and Portugal. It is often consumed in the summer months as a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. The drink's history and its connection to French colonialism also make it a topic of interest for historians and cultural scholars.

See Also

• List of coffee drinks
• Coffee culture
• History of coffee