As temperatures rise, many coffee lovers reach for an iced coffee instead of a steaming hot cup. Today, iced coffee is a staple of coffee culture, but its origins may surprise you. From military necessity to global phenomenon, iced coffee has a fascinating history that spans continents and generations.
The Beginnings of Iced Coffee
More and more, it seems that iced coffee is taking over coffee culture. But where did iced coffee even start, and how did it spread so quickly?
The earliest traces of iced coffee can be found in Algeria during the Battle of Mazagran in the 1840s. French soldiers stationed in the region, having run out of milk to mix with their coffee, began combining coffee with water and serving it cold as a refreshing alternative.
The drink became known as “Mazagran,” named after the Algerian city where it originated. When the soldiers returned to France, they brought the recipe home with them and encouraged local cafés to offer the beverage on their menus. What began as a practical solution to a problem would eventually become the foundation for the iced coffee drinks we enjoy today.
Iced Coffee Around the World
Over time, cultures around the world developed their own unique takes on iced coffee.
In Vietnam, iced coffee is traditionally brewed strong and served with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and indulgent drink beloved by locals and visitors alike. In Portugal and parts of Catalonia, ordering an iced coffee may result in a hot coffee served alongside a glass of ice, often accompanied by a slice of lemon or orange for a refreshing citrus twist.
Meanwhile, in Greece, one of the most popular variations is the Frappé. This beverage is made by vigorously shaking instant coffee, water, and sugar until frothy. Interestingly, the word “frappé” comes from the French word frapper, meaning “to shake.”
These regional variations demonstrate how coffee can adapt to local tastes while remaining a beloved part of daily life.
Iced Coffee’s Popularity in America
Iced coffee has firmly established itself in American coffee culture and continues to evolve with new trends and creative recipes.
From cold brews and iced lattes to flavored coffee drinks and specialty creations, there is truly something for everyone. Iced coffee can be made using espresso, brewed coffee, coffee concentrate, or cold brew and is often combined with milk, cream, sweeteners, or flavored syrups.
Many coffee historians credit the explosion of iced coffee’s popularity in the United States to the rise of specialty coffee chains in the 1990s, particularly Starbucks. As coffee shops expanded their menus and introduced customers to new ways of enjoying coffee, iced beverages became increasingly popular. Since then, cafés across the country have continued to innovate, creating seasonal drinks and signature recipes that keep customers coming back.
Saint Basil Coffee
At Saint Basil Coffee, each of our direct-trade coffees is roasted fresh to order and can be brewed however you prefer. Whether you’re making cold brew, espresso, French press, pour-over, or traditional drip coffee, our coffees are versatile enough to fit your favorite brewing method.
That’s part of the beauty of coffee. There is always something new to discover.
We encourage our supporters to experiment with different brewing styles, try new recipes, and discover new flavor combinations with our coffees. And every cup becomes even more meaningful knowing that each purchase helps support our partner missions abroad as they provide educational opportunities, job skills training, medical and dental care, and humanitarian assistance to our brothers and sisters in need.
So the next time you enjoy an iced coffee on a warm day, remember that you’re participating in a tradition that has traveled the world for nearly two centuries.