This week’s AFRO Table is all about creativity, comfort, and culture. We begin with Carmelo Anthony’s Baltimore Exhibit, an AFRO News feature highlighting the NBA star’s powerful new project that celebrates his hometown roots and community legacy. Then, cozy up with Warm Drinks for Cool Days, a celebration of African teas, spiced cocoas, and Caribbean-inspired lattes, plus a guide to Black-owned coffee shops and tea houses across the country. Finally, meet our Taste Maker, Rosalynn Daniels, whose approachable elegance shines through her recipe for Italian White Bean Soup—a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for fall.

Warm Drinks for Cool Days: African Teas, Spiced Cocoas, and Caribbean-Inspired Lattes

As autumn settles in, the warmth of a good drink takes on new meaning. Across the African diaspora, tea and coffee are more than beverages—they are acts of care, moments of reflection, and daily rituals that tie us to tradition. Whether you are sipping rooibos in a quiet kitchen or picking up a spiced latte from a local café, these drinks carry stories of migration, creativity, and togetherness.

This season, AFRO Table celebrates both the flavors and the makers behind them, from heritage-inspired recipes to Black-owned coffee and tea houses that bring community and comfort to every cup.

African Teas: A Taste of Tradition

Tea in Africa has long been a symbol of hospitality and connection. Kenyan chai, brewed strong with milk, cinnamon, and cardamom, fills homes with its spicy-sweet aroma. In Morocco, mint tea remains a staple of welcome—green tea steeped with fresh spearmint leaves and poured from a height to aerate the flavors. And in South Africa, the deep red hues of rooibos tea create a caffeine-free comfort that’s both calming and restorative.

At home, try blending your own African-inspired tea by combining black tea, cardamom, cloves, and honey. It’s a simple, soothing way to bring a taste of heritage into your fall mornings.

Spiced Cocoas and Caribbean-Inspired Lattes

Cocoa connects much of the African diaspora, from the cocoa fields of Ghana to the breakfast tables of Trinidad. Ghanaian hot cocoa—rich, dark, and slightly spicy—is made with pure cocoa powder, brown sugar, and a hint of chili. In the Caribbean, cocoa tea is a comfort drink crafted from locally ground cocoa, milk, bay leaves, and nutmeg, served thick and warm.

Meanwhile, modern twists like Coconut Spice Lattes or Ginger Lattes carry the essence of the islands into today’s coffee culture. Add coconut milk, allspice, or ginger syrup to your espresso, and you have a fusion of tropical flavor and autumn coziness.

Where Culture Meets the Café

The same warmth found in a cup of African tea or Caribbean cocoa can be found in the Black-owned coffee shops and tea houses keeping these traditions alive. Across the country, these businesses blend heritage with hospitality, offering spaces where culture and community thrive.

Baltimore – Black Acres Roastery

Known for its bold roasts and community partnerships, this artisan coffee roaster honors the craft from bean to cup. Each blend is sourced ethically and roasted locally, giving Baltimore a taste of coffee that’s both refined and rooted.

Washington, D.C. – Busboys and Poets

More than a coffeehouse, Busboys and Poets is a cultural landmark. Founded by Andy Shallal, it’s part café, part bookstore, and part community gathering space—a place where good coffee meets good conversation and creative expression.

Atlanta – Just Add Honey Tea Company

Blending the art of tea with Southern charm, Just Add Honey offers loose-leaf teas, spiced blends, and bright, welcoming spaces along the BeltLine. It’s a must-visit for tea lovers seeking global flavors and local hospitality.

Los Angeles – Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen

Co-founded by entrepreneur Yonnie Hagos and actress Issa Rae, Hilltop serves high-quality coffee and island-inspired drinks in a space designed for creativity and connection. From espresso to turmeric lattes, each cup celebrates Black excellence and innovation.

New York City – Cafe Con Libros

This Brooklyn coffee shop and feminist bookstore combines conversation, culture, and caffeine. Owner Kalima DeSuze created a space that uplifts women and the Black literary community, one cup and one story at a time.

Chicago – Chicago French Press

This South Loop favorite offers small-batch coffee and herbal teas infused with flavors like maple pecan, coconut crème, and snickerdoodle. Founder Kris Christian built the brand around wellness, community, and joy in every sip.

Sip, Share, and Stay Warm

Whether you’re curling up at home with Ghanaian cocoa or stopping by your neighborhood café, these drinks remind us that warmth is more than temperature—it’s connection. The African diaspora has turned tea and coffee into traditions of resilience, reflection, and joy.

Rosalynn Daniels is a modern lifestyle expert, content creator, and self-taught home chef who blends sophistication with everyday ease. Through her platform, she shares approachable recipes, entertaining ideas, and lifestyle inspiration designed to help people find joy in food and family. Drawing from her multicultural background, Rosalynn celebrates diverse flavors and traditions, crafting dishes that are both familiar and elevated. Her warm, relatable style has earned her a devoted following across social media, where she encourages home cooks to embrace creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Whether she’s developing a new recipe or styling a dinner party, Rosalynn’s work reflects her belief that everyone deserves to enjoy good food, beautiful moments, and a life well-lived.