Meiji Era Iced Coffee: The Refreshing Drink Older Than You Think
Updated January 2026
As summer heats up, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing iced coffee. But did you know one of the coolest coffee trends actually dates back over a century?
Say hello to Japanese-style iced coffee, a method that goes all the way back to the Meiji era (1891) — long before modern coffee trends.
The Birth of Japanese Iced Coffee
The story begins in 1891, when author Kendō Ishii introduced iced coffee at an ice shop.
Instead of just pouring ice into hot coffee (which dilutes flavour), Ishii’s method involved:
Brewing strong coffee
Cooling it down by soaking a bottle of coffee in ice water or well water
Preserving all the rich flavour without watering it down
A clever technique that set the foundation for centuries of iced coffee enjoyment.
Evolution During the Taishō Era (1912–1926)
By the Taishō era, iced coffee appeared on menus in coffee shops across Japan. The recipe evolved to include:
Gum syrup for sweetness
Milk for creaminess
Even today, many iced coffee trends have roots in these early innovations, showing how much history goes into each chilled cup.
How to Make Traditional Japanese-Style Iced Coffee at Home
Want to brew a version of this historic iced coffee yourself? Here’s a simple recipe inspired by the Meiji-era method.
You’ll Need:
20g coffee grounds (slightly finer than regular pour-over)
120g ice (fill the carafe)
180g hot water
Dripper, paper filter, and carafe
Step-by-Step Brewing:
Fill your carafe with ice.
Place the dripper on top and insert a paper filter.
Add the coffee grounds.
Bloom your coffee with a small amount of hot water.
Slowly pour the remaining 180g of hot water over the grounds.
Watch as your coffee cools instantly over the ice — delivering smooth, refreshing Japanese-style iced coffee.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the right pour-over gear for best results. Check out our full Pour-Over collection to find everything you need for a perfect iced coffee at home.
Why Japanese Iced Coffee Is Worth Trying
Quick cooling: The ice chills your coffee instantly without diluting flavour.
Smooth, balanced taste: Preserves acidity and aroma that often gets lost with standard iced coffee.
Historical fun: Brew a piece of coffee history while enjoying your summer refreshment.
Share Your Iced Coffee Story
Tried it? Loved it? Have a better iced coffee method or story to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
Stay tuned for more coffee history, recipes, and cool brewing tips.
