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Introducing the Banana Bread Latte
A few years ago, we launched our seasonal beverage contest—a chance for the experts behind the bar, cafe baristas and managers, to showcase their creativity and gain firsthand experience in product development here at Joe. This contest invites them to brainstorm, develop, and compete to craft the next standout drink for our seasonal menu.
The latest winner emerged from our Bryant Park cafe, a small but mighty kiosk tucked away in the southwest corner of the park on 41st Street. Crafted by barista Makenzie Sandoval, the Banana Bread Latte is a cozy creation that blends banana, praline, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon-nutmeg spice creating the ultimate nostalgic aroma of freshly baked banana bread—sweet, spiced, and topped with a perfect crumble. Plus, it pairs perfectly with espresso or matcha! We’re so excited to bring Makenzie’s creation to you and hope you love it as much as we do.
After a recent shift at the cafe, we caught up with Makenzie to learn more about the inspiration behind the drink and what’s been happening in her life lately.
JOE: Hey Makenzie! Nice to see you. How long have you worked at Joe for now?
MACKENZIE: Since March 2023!
J: What do you love about working at the Bryant Park cafe?
M: Building connections with our regulars. I love getting to know their preferences and hearing their stories. It’s also amazing to meet people from all over the world, especially with so many tourists passing through. And, of course, being surrounded by the iconic Bryant Park adds to the fun every day.
J: What was the inspiration behind the Banana Bread Latte?
M: The inspiration behind the Banana Bread Latte came from countless cozy afternoons with my roommates, baking banana bread together. The aroma of the bread would fill our kitchen so I wondered how it would taste in drink form. That curiosity led to creating a latte that captures the warmth and flavor of banana bread to fill my satisfaction.
J: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
M: Just go for it, even if the outcome isn’t what you expected. At least you’ll have tried, and you’ll gain experience, confidence, and valuable lessons along the way.
J: That’s great advice, thanks for taking the time to chat! We’ll be sippin’ on the Banana Bread Latte all season long.
Banana Bread Latte is now available for a limited time at all Joe Coffee cafes.
Sign up for the Joe Coffee loyalty app and enjoy a discount on your first one!
Dry January with Ready to use Espresso
Well friends, 2025 is officially here. The festive decorations are coming down, the office buzz is back, and kids are settling into their routines. Maybe you’re embracing a resolution or two. If your holiday season was anything like ours, you’re probably ready to reset—and Dry January might just be calling your name. But around here, dry never means dull.
We’ve rounded up some of our team’s favorite drink recipes featuring our cult classic Cold Brew and Ready to use Espresso—perfect for spritzes, tonics, and sodas, no alcohol required. Sip them at 9am, 9pm, or anytime in between!
Coconut Espresso Soda
Ingredients:
125g Coco Rico Coconut Soda
2g lime juice
1 oz Ready to use Espresso
15g sweetened condensed coconut milk
1 oz simple syrup
Recipe:
Pour Coco Rico Coconut Soda over a glass of ice, then add simple syrup, lime juice, and sweetened condensed coconut milk. Mix until well blended, and top with Ready to use Espresso.
Hibiscus Espresso Soda
Ingredients:
2 oz hibiscus tea
1 tbsp honey
1 oz Ready to use Espresso
4 oz sparkling water
Recipe:
Pour sparkling water over a glass of ice, then add hibiscus tea. In a separate container, mix freshly Ready to use Espresso and honey until the honey dissolves, then pour the espresso mixture over the top.
Lemon Espresso Soda
Ingredients:
6 oz Lemon Spindrift
1 oz vanilla syrup
1.5 oz Ready to use Espresso
Recipe:
Pour a Lemon Spindrift over a glass of ice, add vanilla syrup, and top with Ready to use Espresso.
Sparkling Cherry Orangeade
Ingredients:
1 oz grenadine
1 orange
1 oz Ready to use Espresso
1 oz simple syrup
4 oz sparkling water
Recipe:
Fill a cup with ice, then add sparkling water, simple syrup, grenadine, and Ready to use Espresso. Squeeze the juice of half an orange into the drink and garnish with an orange slice.
Ready to use Espresso is now available for purchase online and in select cafes.
Coldstretto® and the Coldstretto™ logo are trademarks of BKON LLC.
2024 Gift Guide ⭐
The roastery & production team have been hard at work, curating a gift guide packed with seasonal coffees, must-have brew gear, and all the little extras to make this season shine. Whether you’re shopping for the coffee lover who’s always brewing up something new or the one who simply loves a cozy cup, we’ve got the perfect pick to spread the holiday cheer—Joe Coffee style.
For the DIY Coffee Chemist
This is for the friend (or family member) who’s always trying out the latest recipe going around on TikTok or Instagram—remember the viral whipped coffee craze? They’re constantly crafting tasty concoctions at home or recreating that one unforgettable drink from years ago. Our Ready to use Espresso and Specialty Instant Coffee are absolute game-changers, opening up endless possibilities for DIY lattes, baking, cocktails, mocktails, and beyond.
Stocking Stuffers
As stockings make their way from storage to the mantle, here are our picks for the best little joys to fill them with this holiday season. For the loved one who’s always stopping at the cafe on their way to work, treat them to a week’s worth of coffee with a cafe gift card. Shopping for someone constantly on the go? A box of Specialty Instant Coffee is the perfect way to guarantee a great cup of Joe, no matter where they are. And don’t forget—our seasonal Rockefeller coffee is now available in a 6 oz bag—making it the ideal companion for a cozy home brew.
For the Specialty Coffee Connoisseur
Light roast lovers are always on the hunt for fresh flavors to brighten their palates—fruity, floral, and light-bodied. We’ve built strong partnerships with the producers we work with to bring you some of the finest offerings available. The Village celebrates the role of women in coffee and features seasonally rotating beans, currently from Burundi. La Familia Guarnizo, a bright and light-bodied selection, was grown by a special group of El Paraiso’s member farmers: the Guarnizo family. Plus, our Roaster’s Choice Set showcases what we are currently brewing and most excited about.
For the Can’t-Pick-Just-One Crew
Shopping for that indecisive friend who can never make up their mind? This one’s for them. Whether they’re in the mood for a rich, chocolatey black cold brew or a slightly sweetened Honey Oat Latte, a combo pack will keep them satisfied and caffeinated. Can’t decide if they want hot or iced? The 12 oz Miir Travel Tumbler has them covered, keeping drinks perfectly hot or cold during their office commute. And when they’re unsure which coffee to choose, our Signature Coffee Set—packed with our most popular roasts—keeps things fresh, fun, and never boring.
For the at Home Barista
It’s no secret that baristas truly make the world go round. If you’ve got a barista at home or a friend perfecting their pour-over skills, surprise them with the sleek Hario V60 #2 Ceramic Dripper to elevate their morning brew. Or take their coffee journey to the next level with an Espresso Workshop Class at our Pro Shop lab here in the City. Not sure what they love most? The Daily Gift Set is a thoughtful, well-rounded option, featuring a classic Joe mug and our best-selling house coffee brewed daily in our cafes.
Meet Leslie, the Founder of Edenesque
We’re proud to support our New York City community, and partnering with Edenesque allows us to do just that. Much like Joe Coffee, Edenesque approaches food and beverage with love, intention, and a deep commitment to nourishing not just our bodies, but also the communities and environments we care about. From nutrient-rich ingredients sourced from New York farms to production and fulfillment across New York State, Edenesque embodies a sustainable, community-focused approach. In this Q&A, we sit down with founder Leslie Woodward, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, to learn more about her journey, her passion for crafting high-quality, sustainable foods, and how Edenesque uplifts those around them through innovative, plant-based dairy alternatives.
Edenesque is all about nourishing people and the planet. What inspired you to blend your culinary expertise with such a powerful mission for sustainability?
Combining culinary expertise with a commitment to sustainability was a natural progression for me. Food is foundational to health, culture, and the environment, and I believe that what we consume should not only taste good but also contribute positively to our world. With Edenesque, I wanted to craft plant-based dairy products that prioritize whole ingredients and support local farmers, making it possible to nourish people while protecting our planet.
As a Black woman, chef, and business owner, your journey has given you a unique perspective. How have those experiences shaped Edenesque and the way you approach your work today?
My journey as a Black woman, chef, and entrepreneur has profoundly shaped Edenesque's mission and vision. These experiences drive my commitment to tackling food insecurity and advocating for sustainable food systems, while ensuring our brand embodies transparency, resilience, and accessibility.
I’ve been shaped by both adversity and the unwavering support of my community—especially my grandmother and Bishop Jackie McCullough, a minister who visited our church. Their love and guidance were lifelines during difficult times, empowering me to find strength and resilience. That care inspired me to pay it forward, to be a source of light for others facing challenges.
Becoming a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef has given me a powerful way to nourish others, and through Edenesque, I aim to extend this impact further. My goal is to create a company that not only produces high-quality, sustainable food but also nourishes communities and uplifts those around us.
With over two decades of experience, how has your background in fine dining and nutrition influenced the way you create your plant-based milks?
My background in fine dining taught me to respect ingredients and craftsmanship. This experience, combined with my knowledge of nutrition, guides me in creating products that balance taste and health. Every Edenesque product reflects a commitment to quality and nourishment, crafted with whole ingredients that provide genuine flavor and nutritional benefits.
Your culinary background spans from high-end kitchens to holistic nutrition. How do you balance indulgence with nutrition in the plant-based milks you create?
Balancing indulgence and nutrition is at the heart of Edenesque. I want our plant-based milks to feel luxurious yet nourishing. We focus on high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients that not only taste indulgent but also support well-being. It’s about creating flavors and textures that feel like a treat without compromising health.
You work closely with local, sustainable farms in New York. How do you go about choosing your partners, and why is supporting local farmers such a big part of your vision?
Choosing local, sustainable farms is key to creating high-quality, responsibly sourced products. We partner with farmers who share our commitment to ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Supporting local farmers helps reduce our carbon footprint and strengthens the regional economy, aligning with Edenesque’s values of community and sustainability.
Edenesque’s focus on whole ingredients—without fillers or preservatives—really sets you apart. Why is this commitment to clean, transparent food so important to you?
Transparency in food is crucial. I believe that what you see is what you should get. At Edenesque, we’re committed to providing products that are free from cane sugar, fillers and preservatives, allowing the natural ingredients to shine. This dedication to clean food reflects our respect for the consumer and our responsibility to provide truly nourishing options.
Your Food Insecurity Initiative is such an important part of Edenesque’s mission. Can you tell us how this program came about and how it’s making a difference in the community?
The Edenesque Food Insecurity Initiative™ emerged from a commitment to support communities facing food scarcity due to challenges like unemployment, illness, and economic instability. We recognize that access to nutritious food is essential for fostering resilience and dignity. Through partnerships with local farmers, agencies, and community programs, such as Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood and Columbia County Recovery Kitchen, the initiative increases food availability and eliminates barriers to access. By collaborating with organizations aligned with our mission, we’re able to provide nourishing, high-quality foods that address immediate needs while also building long-term solutions for food justice.
You’ve grown from selling at farmers’ markets to being on the shelves of Whole Foods and now all 24 of our cafes. How has that journey been for you, and what excites you most about partnering with Joe Coffee?
The journey has been incredibly rewarding. Moving from farmers’ markets, to partnering with brands like Joe Coffee allows us to reach a broader audience while staying true to our roots. I’m thrilled that Edenesque can now be part of so many daily routines, offering people a wholesome, plant-based option in their morning coffee or afternoon pick-me-up.
For other aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build something with purpose, like Edenesque, what’s the best piece of advice you’d give them?
First, don’t give up. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when things seem bleak. I would tell them to stay true to their values and mission. Building something with purpose isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. Surround yourself with partners and team members who believe in your vision, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
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Now available in all 24 of our cafes, Edenesque’s chef-crafted oat milk brings a new level of care and quality to every cup—made with nutrient-rich ingredients from New York farms and locally produced to support a sustainable future. Experience the goodness of Edenesque at Joe Coffee, where nourishing yourself and the community go hand in hand.
Learn More About Edenesque
Images Curiosity of Edenesque
Rockefeller Returns
When you’ve lived in New York as long as we have, you start to see the magic in those small, everyday gestures that bring warmth to our bustling city. It’s the barista who remembers your order, the stranger who gives you directions, the subtle nod from a fellow New Yorker on a crowded street. This spirit—of connection, resilience, and kindness—inspired Rockefeller, our annual holiday coffee blend. With flavors that evoke shared moments around the holiday table, Rockefeller is as vibrant and rich as New York City itself.
Rockefeller brings together exceptional coffees from Antigua, Guatemala, and Ngozi, Burundi, all of which are 100% women-produced, resulting in a beautifully balanced cup that starts with notes of sweet, dried fruits like dates and papaya. As you sip, layers of candied nuts, baking chocolate, and butterscotch unfold, with a touch of red apple acidity for a festive brightness in every sip. Crafted to celebrate “NY Nice” and the small gestures that make the season brighter, each cup of Rockefeller is a reminder of what the holidays are all about—coming together, savoring the moment, and honoring the unique beauty of our city. From our Joe Coffee family to yours, happy holidays!
Support Our Community
Each year, we donate $1 from every bag of Rockefeller to an organization that supports our New York City community. This year, we invited baristas from all our cafes to nominate nonprofits that resonate with them and align with our mission. The clear standout choice was 9 Million Reasons, New York City’s largest and farthest-reaching community food pantry (and our roastery’s neighbors in Long Island City!). 9 Million Reasons serves more than 30,000 food-insecure families per month, moving up to 60,000 pounds of food in just seven hours each day.
Meet the Artist: Aly Miller
Say hello to Aly Miller, the talented illustrator behind our Rockefeller Holiday Coffee for the second year in a row! A New Yorker for over ten years, Aly is now based in Milwaukee, WI, where she creates food and beverage illustrations, soulful maps, and artwork for books and brands. For this year’s 12 oz bag design, she drew inspiration from the holiday magic that comes to life at the cafe that started it all in the West Village. Join us in savoring this year’s Rockefeller Holiday Coffee, made even more special by Aly’s delightful vision!
Brew Like A Pro
Crafted to meet you wherever you are on your coffee journey, Rockefeller is approachable and easy to brew—shining on any drip method. The result? A sweet, inviting cup with a touch of holiday magic. For the best experience, Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, our VP of Coffee, recommends brewing Rockefeller with a V60. Here’s her personal go-to recipe to help you unlock this coffee’s full potential:
EquipmentHario V60 Ceramic Dripper
BloomPour: 60g of water
Give it a brew and experience Rockefeller’s perfectly balanced sweetness, a warm companion for the holiday season.
Meet Kettl
When it comes to the world of tea, few brands have taken as thoughtful and dedicated an approach as Kettl. Founded in 2011, Kettl has made it its mission to share the freshest, highest-quality Japanese teas with the world—something that wasn’t easily accessible outside of Japan. With roots in Fukuoka and a strong presence in New York City, Kettl’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a well-regarded name in both tea and hospitality is a story of passion, patience, and craftsmanship. In this Q&A, we sit down with Kettl’s founder Zach Mangan to explore the brand’s evolution, its deep connection to the NYC hospitality scene, and its exciting new partnership with Joe Coffee.
Can you talk about the unique relationship between Kettl and Joe Coffee, from being neighbors to building the partnership we have today?
Owners Zach and Minami Mangan
All Photos Courtesy of Kettl
What inspired the new Kettl offerings at Joe Coffee?At Kettl, we source 100% of our offerings from Japan. The exciting challenge for me was to source a remarkable collection of teas that felt global and would both cater to the tastes of long term Joe customers while inspiring them with a new dimension of freshness, quality, taste and fragrance. I am really proud of what myself and the team have come up with and I believe the menu at Joe represents a perfect snapshot of the very best of what’s happening now in the world of Japanese tea.
Can you walk us through how Kettl was formed and how the brand has evolved since?Kettl was founded in 2011 after visiting Japan and realizing the freshest, most sought after teas generally stay within Japan’s domestic market. After spending over two years building relationships with Japan’s top producers, I set up an office in Fukuoka Japan to work within the domestic market and source these amazing teas. I started by working directly with chefs to provide them with high quality tea and over the last decade have worked to build a community of customers and tea lovers through our stores, online store and incredible wholesale partners.
If you could start the process over, what advice would you give your past self?I would continue to remind myself that the best things take time - and not to be in a rush. Building a long term business means you must be thoughtful about every brick you lay. It is the design of the foundation that allows you to grow. No matter how much you think you know, continuing to seek out opportunities to learn, grow and develop a team is absolutely paramount.
What drew you to the hospitality industry?The community of folks within the industry. The incredible camaraderie and friendship that exists in hospitality - especially here in NYC - is second to none. I find a lot of personal inspiration in seeing people push themselves, overcome the inevitable adversities, and make an impact on their community. Hospitality is a form of service - putting others before you - and I think that is a great road map for life in general.
How has being based in New York City shaped your brand over the years?Sort of to my previous point, the community in NYC is unlike any other. I don’t know of another place that has such an eclectic and talented pool of folks as New York. The level of creativity, passion and focus - and the ability to communicate it - is something that has inspired me personally and Kettl as a brand since the inception of the business. I can’t think of a better city to work in and create a brand than NYC.
How do you approach creating a sensory experience that goes beyond just the product?For me, Japanese tea is the hub of a wheel with many spokes radiating from it - community, culture, design, cuisine, wellness, travel - the list goes on and on. I take inspiration from each and every spoke and find my job is to thread them through Kettl to tell a richer story of what tea can be. Having tea as the centerpiece opens an endless world of possibilities for story telling and community building. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the possibilities Japanese tea provides but also find it endlessly inspiring knowing there is such a compelling story to tell.
Discover the exceptional taste of Kettl’s Japanese teas at Joe Coffee, now featuring Kagoshima Wakoucha, Hoshino Sencha, Genmaimatcha, Soba Cha, and their signature Matcha—bringing a whole new level of flavor to every sip.
Introducing Our New Fall Menu
As the crisp October mornings roll in, we’re excited to announce the arrival of our new fall menu. Discover exceptional teas from our new partner, Kettl, a Japanese tea company based here in New York City. Plus, don’t miss our latest seasonal sip: the Butternut Star Anise Latte. And good news—by popular demand, the Yuzu Elderflower Spritz is here to stay on the menu! So, throw on your trench coat, grab a friend, and swing by the cafes—cool mornings are best enjoyed with even cozier drinks in hand.
Butternut Star Anise Latte
Each season, our baristas are tasked with crafting a drink that captures the spirit of the times. Through teamwork and collaboration, these creations are then perfected to ensure they deliver the best taste and balance when they reach you in the cafes. The Butternut Star Anise Latte, crafted by Rachel, a barista at our Brooklyn Heights cafe, is a warm, spiced delight. This comforting treat blends butternut squash, star anise, pumpkin syrup, and brown sugar, and can be made with either turmeric or espresso as the base—perfect for the cool fall days ahead!
Kettl Teas
Driven by the desire to make the finest and freshest teas of Japan available to a wider audience, Zach and Minami Mangan founded Kettl. With offices in Fukuoka and Brooklyn, the duo has achieved the most diverse catalog of Japanese tea available in the United States with an unwavering commitment to quality from producers who have become dear friends. All of their teas are sourced directly from growers and producers whom they know and visit several times a year. Today, we’re welcoming Kettl into our cafes here in New York City, with a new selection of teas and their signature matcha—truly elevating the tea experience here at Joe Coffee.
Our fall menu is here to make the transition into a new season all the easier. Whether you’re savoring the Butternut Star Anise Latte or exploring Kettl’s refined teas, we can’t wait to share these moments with you. See you at the cafe!
Ready to use Espresso
Ready to use Espresso is making its debut at Joe Coffee! Thanks to our partners at BKON and their innovation of Coldstretto® extractions, our Ready to use Espresso captures the essence of our signature Waverly Espresso in a convenient, shelf-stable bottle. This breakthrough allows you to enjoy the rich, balanced flavor of our espresso with ease and convenience, no matter where you are.
The perfect addition to any home bar or coffee setup, Ready to use Espresso opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re crafting a morning latte, an afternoon espresso tonic, or even experimenting with some coffee-infused baked goods, this versatile product brings the same quality and taste you love from our cafes directly to your home. Experience the convenience, quality, and flavor of Joe Coffee anytime, anywhere.
So Many Ways to Enjoy
To introduce Ready to use Espresso, we teamed up with members from every corner of the Joe Coffee family, including baristas from your favorite cafes. Together, we crafted these refreshing recipes to keep the good vibes flowing and deliver delicious coffee experiences to you—no espresso machine necessary.
Orange Blossom Honey Latte
Ingredients
2 oz Ready to use Espresso
20g orange blossom honey simple syrup
0.5g orange blossom water
105g oat milk
Fill a cup with ice.
Pour in the oat milk.
In a separate container, mix the Ready to use Espresso, orange blossom honey simple syrup, and orange blossom water.
Top the milk with the espresso mixture.Stir well to combine
Lychee Soda
Ingredients
1 oz lychee nectar
4 oz sparkling water
0.5 oz simple syrup
1 oz Ready to use Espresso
In a glass filled with ice, combine the lychee nectar and simple syrup.
Add the Ready to use Espresso and gently stir to mix.
Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Coffee Old Fashioned
Ingredients
1.5 oz whiskey
0.5 oz Ready to use Espresso
0.25 oz simple syrup
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
orange peel for garnish
In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, Ready to use Espresso, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel twist.
Espresso Martini
Ingredients
3 oz vodka
1.5 oz Ready to use Espresso
1 oz simple syrup
coffee beans for garnish
Add the vodka, Ready to use Espresso, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a few coffee beans.
Latte
Ingredients
1.5 oz Ready to use Espresso
5 oz milk of choice
Fill a cup with ice.
Pour in the milk of choice.
Top the milk with the espresso.
Stir well to combine.
Brown Sugar Shakerato
Ingredients
8 oz ice
1 oz Ready to use Espresso
1 oz brown sugar simple syrup
0.5 oz oat milk
6 drops of saline solution
Add the ice, Ready to use Espresso, brown sugar simple syrup, oat milk, and saline solution to a shaker.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture over fresh ice into a glass.
Fig Balsamic Latte
Ingredients
2 oz hot water
1 oz fig spread
0.75 oz sugar
0.3 oz balsamic glaze
pinch of cinnamon
1.5 oz Ready to use Espresso
milk of choice
To Make the Syrup:
In a heat-safe pitcher or measuring cup, combine the hot water and fig spread.
Whisk until the fig spread is fully integrated.
Add the sugar, balsamic glaze, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir thoroughly.
Strain the mixture through a sieve into another vessel. use a spoon to scrape along the mixture, helping it strain more evenly and quickly.
To Make the Latte:
Pour about 2 oz of the fig balsamic syrup into a 12 oz cup.
Add 1.5 oz of Ready to use Espresso and stir to combine.
Top with hot or cold milk of your choice (add ice if making a cold latte).
Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon
Pineapple Espresso
Ingredients
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
1 oz cream of coconut
1 oz Ready to use Espresso
pinch of cinnamon
In a shaker, combine the pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and Ready to use Espresso.
Shake vigorously until well-mixed.
Strain into a glass over ice.
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for a finishing touch.
This is the future of cold espresso, brewed to bring the signature flavor of our Waverly espresso right to you, wherever you are.