She Strengthens

A Childhood Steeped in Coffee Culture

My earliest memories of coffee date back to when I was just five years old. I vividly recall my grandfather cradling my younger brother in one arm and sipping espresso from a delicate cup with the other. As he gently rocked my brother, he’d bring the cup to his lips, then to my brother’s, watching as his tiny face scrunched up in surprise at the bitter taste. It was as if he was experiencing espresso for the first time with each sip. I’ve always wondered if my grandfather did the same with me when I was younger.

A Journey of Discovery

Fast forward to my first trip back to Algeria, where I discovered that coffee was consumed in a completely different way. It wasn’t a rushed, grab-and-go affair, but rather a leisurely experience savored while sitting down in a café or at home. On one particularly warm morning, I craved an iced coffee, but my limited Arabic led me to ask for “café and froid” – literally, “coffee and cold.” To my surprise, my grandmother whipped up a refreshing drink that would change my perspective on iced coffee forever.

The Origins of Iced Coffee

The history of iced coffee dates back to the 1830s, when French troops invaded Algeria. During the resistance led by Sufi Emir Abd al-Qadir, French soldiers were captured and held at the outpost of Mazagran. With limited resources, they resorted to mixing cold water with their coffee, giving birth to the original iced coffee. This drink, named after the town of Mazagran, became popular in France and eventually spread to other parts of the world.

Evolution of a Classic

Over time, the recipe for mazagran evolved and took on different forms. Some claim it was made by pouring hot coffee over ice, while others believe it was served with a side of cold water. Today, you can find variations of mazagran in Portugal, often flavored with a twist of lemon and sometimes even rum. While it may not be a staple on modern coffee shop menus, its legacy lives on in the many forms of iced coffee we enjoy today.

Preserving the Story

For me, the story of iced coffee is one of humble beginnings and a complicated history that’s deeply personal. It’s a reminder that even as customs and traditions evolve, the stories behind them can still be preserved and cherished.

Try Your Hand at Mazagran

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 1 cup of black coffee
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
• Preferred sweetener, such as cinnamon, sugar, or vanilla
• 1 lemon wedge (optional)

Directions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Brew one cup of black coffee through your preferred method (I prefer French press for its flexibility).
3. Pour the coffee over the ice.
4. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweetener to taste, and mix.
5. Optional: Garnish the glass with a whole slice of lemon.

Experience the rich flavor and history of mazagran for yourself!