Awaken Spice Latte + NYC Adventure

this post is sponsored by Simply Organic. thank you for supporting the partnerships that allow brewing happiness to grow and exist. xoxo.

Coffee has always had a special place in my heart. It’s the part of my morning ritual I treasure the most. I literally go to bed excited to drink coffee the next morning. I try not to drink more than one cup a day, but I really treasure that one cup. I do my best to make it as special as I can.

A few years ago, I started to shoot photos for Azla Vegan, an Ethopian vegan restaurant in LA, and consequently I was introduced to Ethopian coffee. In traditional Ethopian coffee, cloves are roasted alongside the beans, infusing the flavor into the coffee and creating the most magical flavor. I fell in love instantly. I knew I had to figure out how to create a similar flavor at home.

So for years, I would do my best to add cloves into my coffee, but now I’ve found a way to add even more spices and blends. Simply Organic has just introduced these Pre-Brew Coffee Spices. All you have to do is scoop a small amount into your ground coffee  and then brew your coffee in whatever your preferred method is! It seriously makes the BEST most flavorful and aromatic coffee you’ve ever had, all without sweeteners or syrups.

Today I’m using their Awaken Spices to make this Awaken Spice Latte. It has cinnamon, fennel and anise in it and it literally tastes like fall. I find that it’s my favorite way to wake up. So I’m teaching you how to make a latte at home with a moka pot and a milk frother, which are MUCH cheaper than an espresso machine. I believe it’s totally possible to make a legit latte at home without having to buy an espresso machine or having to go to a coffee shop and drop $5 per latte.

Simply Organic asked me to take my latte on an adventure, so I created a fun video for you where I teach you all about how to make this latte and then take you (and my latte) on an adventure through my neighborhood in Brooklyn. So if you have questions about the specifics of this latte or my equipment, check out that video! And if you want to know about the hot spots to visit in Greenpoint + Williamsburg, keep reading. xo.

More delicious coffee drinks: French Press Chai Latte + Citrus Espresso Tonic + Easy Lavender Rose Cold Brew + Iced Beauty Latte

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Awaken Spice Latte

Learn how to make a legit latte at home the easy (and cheap) way by making this Awaken Spice Latte with Simply Organic Coffee Spices in a moka pot!

Course Dranks

Prep Time 3 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes

Servings 1 -2

Author Brewing Happiness

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup whole bean or pre-ground espresso
• 1/2 - 1 tsp Simply Organic Pre-Brew Awaken Coffee Spices
• water
• 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy barista blend (sub dairy milk)

Needed Equipment:

• moka pot
• milk frother

Instructions

1. If using whole bean espresso, use a coffee grinder to grind until fine. 

2. Unscrew the moka pot into 3 pieces. Fill the bottom of your moka pot up with water, until it reaches the metal knob on the side. 

3. Place the coffee holder over the water, and fill with Simply Organic Pre-Brew Awaken Coffee Spices. Add your ground coffee. Use the back of a spoon to press down the coffee grinds into the moka. 

4. Screw on the top part of the moka. Heat on the stove over medium-high heat. Wait until you hear the coffee begin to boil and bubble up to the top. Turn the heat off. 

5. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan or microwave heat your unsweetened non-dairy barista blend just until warmed. Transfer to a cup or milk frothing pitcher, and use your milk frother to create as many bubbles as possible.

6. Pour as much espresso as desired into a mug, top with frothed milk. 

7. DRINK UP.

Now that you’ve got your latte ready to go, let’s talk about the adventure! I’m going to list the places I visited in my video, as well as a few I didn’t get to visit. I get asked all the time about where I suggest eating/visiting/shopping in Brooklyn, so consider this my definitive list.

Where To Eat/Visit/Shop in Greenpoint + Willamsburg, Brooklyn

FOOD + COFFEE

1. Selamat Pagi – An Indonesian restaurant full of flavor and spice. I’m a big fan of their brunch… and dinner. 
2. Concord Hill – A fancier place with delicious fresh “American” cuisine. If I were you, I’d order the Big Warm Salad and sweet potato fries. 
3. Sunday in Brooklyn – More expensive, but such delicious, fresh, and unique flavors. Plus, every dish is insta-worthy (even the drinks.)
4. Five Leaves – BRUNCH. BRUNCH. BRUNCH. Go for brunch. Be prepared to wait. Be prepared to sit verrrry close to your neighbor. Enjoy the food. All of it is good.
5. Sweatshop – This is a small Aussie-owned coffee shop with healthy bites and GREAT coffee. Great place for people watching (and dog petting.)
6. Butcher’s Daughter – This restaurant is fully vegan, and incredibly delicious. Plus the decor is to die for. 

VISIT

1. McCarren Park – A fairly large park located in Williamsburg. It has a great farmer’s market on Saturdays during spring/summer. 
2. McGolric Park –  Located in Greenpoint. VERY child friendly, with a great (new) playground!
3. Domino Park – A fancy and ridiculous (in a great way) park in Williamsburg. Fake grass included. Right on the water, with fun spots to eat. 
4. Williamsburg Bridge – The bridge that connects Williamsburg to the Lower East Side. I highly suggest walking it. 
5. East River Ferry – The ferry is one of my favorite ways to get from place to place in NYC! Such a fun way to travel (for cheap) and see the city.

SHOPPING

1. Leif – This is my favorite home goods store in Brooklyn. I bought the mug in these photos from there! 
2. Homecoming – A plant + coffee shop in Greenpoint. I love looking at the plants, buying a coffee and sitting outside. 
3. Sprout Home – The absolute best plant shop in Brooklyn. It’s like plant Disneyland. Just go. 
4. Home of the Brave – Another beautiful home goods store in Greenpoint. You’ll want to buy everything.
5. Antidote Apothocary – This has got all of your favorite herbal remedies, adaptogens, teas, spices, etc. 
6. Whisk – This is a kitchen supply store, with a great selection and pretty good prices. Highly recommend if you need to stock your kitchen! 

PAMPER YOURSELF

1. True Beauty Brooklyn – Go here for eyelash extensions, waxing, microblading, and more. Elizabeth is amazing. 
2. Heyday – Best place for a clean beauty facial, without push sales people. They have locations all over the city. Highly recommend. 
3. PH7 – A non-toxic nail salon that isn’t crazy busy, and the technicians are lovely and talented. 

If you’re visiting Brooklyn for the first time, my biggest suggestion (besides drinking an Awaken Spice Latte to start your day) is to WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. You will probably walk at least 6 miles in a day, maybe more. So wear tennis shoes, or something else that’s comfortable for you. Walking is the best way to see this city, so don’t jip yourself of that by taking rideshares everywhere. xo.