What Is The History Of Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee, a refreshing and invigorating drink enjoyed by millions worldwide, has an extensive history that stretches back centuries. While today’s iced coffee is available in countless variations—cold brew, flash brew, frappés, and more—the origins of chilled coffee beverages are rooted in global trade, cultural exchanges, and even military necessity.

This article explores the fascinating evolution of iced coffee, from its earliest recorded instances to its modern-day status as a beloved beverage.

Origins of Iced Coffee: The 17th and 18th Centuries

Early Cold Coffee Drinks

Though the exact origins of iced coffee are uncertain, historical evidence suggests that coffee was enjoyed cold long before it became a mainstream beverage. Some of the earliest references to cold coffee date back to the 17th century in Asia and Europe.

Mazagran: The Proto-Iced Coffee

One of the first known instances of a cold coffee beverage comes from France in the 19th century. The drink, called Mazagran, originated from French Algeria during the 1840s. French soldiers stationed in Algeria during the French conquest found themselves in a hot climate, and they adapted their coffee-drinking habits accordingly. Instead of drinking hot coffee, they poured it over cold water or ice, sometimes sweetening it with sugar.

The drink became popular in France, where cafés began serving “café mazagran,” often made with coffee syrup and cold water, laying the foundation for what would later become modern iced coffee.

The Expansion of Iced Coffee in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Iced Coffee in the United States

During the 19th century, iced coffee gained popularity in the United States. References to cold coffee drinks began appearing in American cookbooks as early as the 1800s. For example, an 1840s recipe book suggested brewing strong coffee, cooling it, and serving it over ice with sugar and milk.

As refrigeration technology improved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, iced coffee became easier to prepare and store, helping its popularity grow.

Japan and Kyoto-Style Cold Brew

At the same time, Japan was developing its unique take on cold coffee. The Kyoto-style cold brew, which dates back several centuries, involves slowly dripping cold water over ground coffee for hours to create a smooth, concentrated coffee. This method, still widely used today, laid the groundwork for modern cold brew coffee, a favorite among contemporary coffee lovers.

The Rise of Iced Coffee in the 20th Century

The Influence of World War II

World War II played a significant role in popularizing iced coffee, especially in the United States. During the war, American soldiers stationed in the Pacific experienced Vietnamese-style iced coffee, known as cà phê sữa đá—a sweet and creamy cold coffee drink made with condensed milk.

Additionally, instant coffee became widely available during and after the war. With its convenience and versatility, instant coffee allowed people to prepare iced coffee quickly, further fueling its popularity.

The 1950s and the Dawn of Coffeehouse Culture

During the mid-20th century, iced coffee remained a popular homemade beverage, but it had yet to become a mainstream café offering. It was during this time that coffeehouse culture began evolving, particularly in the United States and Europe. Cafés and diners started including iced coffee on their menus, often serving it as sweetened and milk-based beverages.

In Greece, the frappé was invented in 1957, revolutionizing cold coffee. A Nestlé representative, Dimitris Vakondios, accidentally created the frappé during an international trade fair when he mixed instant coffee with cold water and shook it vigorously. This led to a frothy, iced coffee drink that became a staple in Greek culture and later inspired drinks like the blended iced coffee beverages found at chains such as Starbucks.

Iced Coffee in the Modern Era (Late 20th to 21st Century)

The Introduction of Cold Brew

While Kyoto-style cold brew had existed for centuries, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that cold brew coffee gained mainstream popularity in Western countries. Cold brew, distinct from traditional iced coffee, is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acidity beverage.

During the early 2000s, specialty coffee shops began introducing cold brew to their menus, and by the 2010s, it had become a worldwide coffee trend. Cold brew’s rich, mellow taste and ability to be bottled and sold in stores contributed to its explosive growth.

Starbucks and the Iced Coffee Boom

No discussion of modern iced coffee is complete without mentioning Starbucks. The coffee giant played a major role in popularizing iced and blended coffee beverages throughout the 1990s and 2000s. The Frappuccino, a blended iced coffee drink introduced in 1995, quickly became a best-seller and inspired a wave of similar drinks at coffee chains around the world.

In addition to Frappuccinos, Starbucks helped drive demand for cold brew, nitro cold brew, and iced lattes, making iced coffee a year-round option rather than just a summer treat.

Nitro Cold Brew: The New Wave of Iced Coffee

In the 2010s, coffee innovation continued with the introduction of nitro cold brew. Inspired by nitro beer technology, this variation of cold brew coffee is infused with nitrogen gas, creating a creamy, stout-like texture. First introduced in specialty coffee shops, nitro cold brew quickly made its way into major coffee chains and grocery stores.

Iced Coffee’s Cultural and Economic Impact

A Year-Round Favorite

Historically, iced coffee was seen as a summer beverage, but in the modern era, it is consumed year-round. Thanks to innovations in brewing, refrigeration, and marketing, iced coffee has become a staple at coffee shops worldwide.

Iced Coffee and Social Media

In the digital age, iced coffee has gained massive popularity due to social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have helped fuel trends like Dalgona coffee, an iced whipped coffee drink that became a viral sensation in 2020.

Additionally, influencers and coffee lovers often share their favorite iced coffee recipes, leading to a boom in home brewing.

The Global Coffee Economy

The rise of iced coffee has had significant economic effects. The cold coffee industry is now a multi-billion-dollar market, with specialty coffee shops, grocery stores, and fast-food chains all capitalizing on the demand. Major companies such as Starbucks, Dunkin’, and McDonald’s continue to introduce new iced coffee variations to keep up with changing consumer preferences.

Conclusion

Iced coffee has come a long way from its origins in 17th-century Asia and Europe to its status as a global phenomenon today. From the invention of Mazagran in France to the development of Greek frappés, Vietnamese iced coffee, and Kyoto-style cold brew, this refreshing beverage has evolved in countless ways over the centuries.

With ongoing innovations such as cold brew, nitro coffee, and new brewing methods, iced coffee continues to thrive and adapt to modern tastes. Whether served black, sweetened, blended, or infused with nitrogen, iced coffee remains one of the world’s most beloved drinks—enjoyed by millions, no matter the season.

Here are some references that provide historical context and information on the development of iced coffee:

Books:

Allen, Stewart Lee. The Devil’s Cup: A History of the World According to Coffee. Ballantine Books, 2000.
Pendergrast, Mark. Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World. Basic Books, 2010.
Thurston, Robert W. Coffee: From Bean to Barista. Rowman & Littlefield, 2013.

Academic and Historical Articles:

Smith, Andrew F. Coffee: A Global History. Reaktion Books, 2012.
Topik, Steven, and Clarence-Smith, W.G. The Global Coffee Economy in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, 1500–1989. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
Claridge, P. “The Evolution of Cold Brew and Iced Coffee.” Journal of Coffee Science, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2018.

Online Resources:

National Coffee Association. “The History of Coffee.” https://www.ncausa.org
Sprudge. “A History of Cold Coffee: From Japan to the Third Wave.” https://sprudge.com
Perfect Daily Grind. “The History of Cold Brew Coffee: Where Did It Come From?” https://perfectdailygrind.com

Starbucks Coffee Blog. “How the Frappuccino Became a Global Icon.” https://stories.starbucks.com
Atlas Obscura. “Mazagran: The Cold Coffee That Changed Everything.” https://www.atlasobscura.com