By Bianca Garcia
Coffee is a long-honored tradition in Mexico, and favorites like café de olla and café con canela are found in almost every home. Those traditional Mexican beverages with a modern twist are now available in Southwest Detroit at Cafecito Alvarez.
Sisters AnaLisa, Adriana, Alicia, and Alondra Alvarez, along with their father Raul, debuted their new venture this past Saturday at their “Sip and Shop Picnic” event at 1325 Military St. next to their family’s tienda, Alvarez Party Store.
Born with the mind of entrepreneurs, the Alvarez sisters host small business pop-ups which feature 15-25 local small businesses. Now in its third year, Sip and Shop is host to dozens of makers who sell jewelry and traditional Mexican clothing and cooks who make everything from birria tacos to tostadas de tinga. Now the events will also feature coffee from Cafecito Alvarez.
After almost a decade of working as a barista, sister AnaLisa, the driver behind the idea, says she always wanted to open her cafe and offer specialty Mexican drinks.
Combining their Mexican traditions into a modern drink was part of AnaLisa’s creative plan. After weeks of working on beverages and perfecting recipes, the sisters held a coffee tasting party where friends, family, and coffee enthusiasts could taste drinks and give them feedback.
Some new drinks include Cafecito de horchata, an iced latte with horchata, Cafecito de mazapan, a homemade iced latte with homemade mazapan syrup, and cafecito de olla made into a cold brew are just some of the unique flavors—all vegan-friendly and non-dairy milk available.
“I’ve always dreamed of having my own coffee business and bringing a small coffee shop vibe into the neighborhood,” Alvarez said.
“Alvarez Party Store has a lot attached to the business,” said AnaLisa, “so my family figured it would serve as the perfect place for us to host small businesses to come and vend.”
Though they’re starting small, AnaLisa says she hopes to grow. “A goal of ours is to be able to expand and maybe get a trailer.” For now, Cafecito Alvarez will be available at “Sip and Shop” events and available for hire. You can contact them via direct message on Instagram @CafecitoAlvarez.
Photo caption: Sisters AnaLisa, Adriana, Alicia and Alondra Alvarez, host small business pop-ups and also feature coffee from Cafecito Alvarez
Photo Credit: Rizzy’s Photograph
