Meiji Era Iced Coffee: The Refreshing Drink Older Than You Think
As summer heats up, so does the craving for iced coffee. But did you know that one of the coolest (pun intended) styles of iced coffee dates back way further than modern coffee trends?
Say hello to Japanese-style iced coffee, a brew that goes all the way back to the Meiji era — 1891 to be exact!
The Birth of Japanese Iced Coffee
The story starts in 1891, when author Kendō Ishii introduced iced coffee at — wait for it — an ice shop! Rather than simply throwing ice into hot coffee (which can dilute the flavor), Ishii's method involved:
Brewing a strong coffee.
Cooling it down by soaking a bottle of coffee in ice water or well water.
Preserving all that rich flavor without watering it down.
Pretty clever, right?
Evolution of Iced Coffee in the Taishō Era
Fast forward to the Taishō era (1912–1926), and iced coffee began popping up on coffee shop menus across Japan. At this point, the recipe evolved to include:
Gum syrup for sweetness.
Milk for creaminess.
Coffee trends, like fashion, keep evolving — but it’s amazing how much of today's iced coffee culture has roots in these early innovations.
How to Make Traditional Japanese-Style Iced Coffee
Want to try brewing a version of this historical treat at home? Here’s a simple recipe inspired by the old-school method:
You’ll Need:
20g coffee grounds (grind a little finer than regular pour-over)
120g ice (fill the carafe)
180g hot water
How to Brew:
Fill your carafe with the ice.
Place your dripper on top and insert a paper filter.
Add the ground coffee.
Bloom your coffee with a small amount of hot water.
Slowly pour until the scale reads 180g of water.
Watch your iced coffee cool instantly over the ice — and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Get the Gear
We’ve got all the pour-over gear you need to make this delicious Japanese iced coffee at home. Check out our full Pour Over collection here!
Share Your Thoughts
Tried it? Loved it? Have a better iced coffee story to tell? Drop your thoughts and prayers in the comments — we’d love to hear from you. See you next time for more coffee history, recipes, and cool brewing tips!
