Portugal By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Portugal: Mazagran (Recipe)

Tall glass of iced Mazagran coffee with lemon slices and fresh mint

In this article

Cool, sharp and wonderfully refreshing, Mazagran is Portugal’s answer to the summer slump — a long glass of strong coffee shaken over ice with a generous squeeze of lemon. It is the kind of drink you reach for on a sweltering afternoon or sip slowly after a meal, when something bright and bracing hits the spot. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can bring this Portuguese café classic straight to your own kitchen.

About Mazagran

Mazagran is a refreshing coffee drink with deep roots in Portugal, where many regard it as a national favourite — especially during the hot summer months. The pairing of strong coffee, fresh lemon and a touch of aromatic herbs gives it a character all its own, at once bracing and lively. It is a treat not only for committed coffee lovers but also for anyone keen to try something a little different, making it one of the most distinctive drinks in Portuguese cuisine.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 ml strong coffee
50 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
1–2 tsp sugar (to taste)
Ice cubes
Lemon slices, to garnish
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Shopping for the ingredients

Before you start making your Mazagran, gather everything you need. Strong coffee is essential, so choose a good-quality variety for the best result. Fresh lemons are a must for the unmistakable tang that makes this drink so special. Make sure you also have fresh mint leaves and plenty of ice cubes to hand so you can serve and enjoy the drink at its very best.

Preparing the dish

The next step is to get your ingredients ready. That means brewing the coffee and leaving it to cool completely before you build the drink. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is important for bringing out the full flavour, so take care to juice the lemons thoroughly and remove every pip before you use it. A little preparation here makes assembling the finished drink quick and easy.

Step-by-step instructions

First brew the strong coffee and leave it to cool.
Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice you need.
Combine the cooled coffee with the lemon juice and sugar in a tall glass.
Add ice cubes and stir well so everything is thoroughly mixed.
Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, if you like.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

One of the best things about Mazagran is that it is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. You can enjoy it whether or not you have a gluten intolerance or are sensitive to lactose. If you are particularly sensitive, just double-check that your chosen ingredients — the coffee in particular — carry no traces of gluten or lactose. This makes the refreshing drink suitable for almost everyone and ideal for summer gatherings.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Mazagran is an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians, since all of its ingredients are plant-based. If you would rather avoid refined sugar, you can sweeten it with a natural alternative such as agave syrup instead. The drink is both refreshing and light, which makes it a brilliant stand-in for alcoholic options at garden parties or picnics. Enjoy it with a clear conscience, whether as part of a vegan diet or simply as a delicious treat.

More tips and tricks

To take your Mazagran up a notch, experiment with different coffee varieties to fine-tune the flavour — particularly aromatic beans lend the drink a special depth. You can also switch things up by using other citrus fruits such as limes or oranges. Adding herbs like basil or rosemary can introduce interesting new flavour notes, much as the warm spices do in Vinho Quente com Especiarias.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The recipe for Mazagran is easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you like things less sweet, simply cut back on the sugar. For a stronger drink, increase the amount of coffee. And if you fancy an extra layer of aroma, try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Small tweaks like these make the drink uniquely yours.

Ingredient substitutions

If you have no lemons to hand, lime juice makes a fine substitute, lending a similar but subtly different tang. Other sweeteners such as honey or stevia work well in place of sugar, too. In some regions Mazagran is even given a splash of spirits, offering an interesting variation for grown-up palates — a playful idea you might also bring to a sweet treat like Bolas de Berlim. Be creative and try out new combinations.

Drink pairing ideas

Mazagran sits happily alongside a range of other refreshments. A cooling iced tea or a sparkling lemonade complements its fruity notes, while a light white wine can make an interesting companion. On warmer days, mixed drinks built around fresh fruit are a superb choice, particularly when you serve them with a sweet bite such as Pasteis de Nata-style custard treats from the Portuguese pastry tradition.

Serving and presentation ideas

To serve your Mazagran at its most inviting, reach for a tall glass. Add ice cubes and decorative lemon slices to create a striking look. A garnish of fresh mint leaves not only sharpens the visual appeal but also boosts the aroma. Presentation plays an important part in making the drink even more tempting.

A bit of history

Mazagran traces its origins to Portugal’s colonial era, when coffee and citrus fruits became popular in the tropics. The drink is thought to have started life as a refreshment for soldiers seeking relief during the sweltering summer days. Over time it became a much-loved fixture of Portuguese culture, spreading in countless variations. Today it is a firmly established part of the country’s gastronomy, served in cafés and restaurants across the land — a fitting companion to hearty classics such as Cozido à Portuguesa.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Mazagran

Mazagran is more than a delicious, refreshing drink — it is woven deep into Portuguese culture. With just a few simple ingredients, you can conjure up a colourful, flavour-packed cooler in moments. Perfect for hot summer days or sociable afternoons with friends, it is both versatile and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and let its unique flavours take you by surprise.