Why We Can’t Shut Up About This Coffee Recipe

Alchemy is the new black when it comes to coffee. What once was black, now serves as a carrier for a variety of nutrients - collagen, ghee, coconut oil, reishi, cordyceps etc. The single-ingredient experience can now easily include 2-6 enhancements on any given day. And we feel pretty good about this. What would you have before a big presentation or a speech? Or a long day of work that requires focus? Any situation that requires effective communication skills?  If your answer is a cup of coffee, you might be onto something positive.Coffee has been consumed by most cultures across the globe for centuries. It came to the Americas in the 17th century, replaced tea in popularity, and never left. Coffee is one of the oldest drinks to connect itself to a social activity, the 'coffee house' mentality has been around as long as people have sipped on coffee. Coffee has the ability to boost your mood, and enhance your mental clarity and focus unlike any other plant on earth. It is scientifically proven that coffee can improve your overall energy levels, and actually enhance memory. There are many controlled human trials that indicate coffee actually increases various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function. Coffee may also protect you from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Feeling better about this yet? Coffee has also been shown to relieve symptoms of depression and make you chemically happier. Its also rich in antioxidants and a variety of minerals.I think all of this makes coffee uniquely cool. A beverage that not only elevates your mood and makes you happier, but it brings people together- to socialize, connect, sip coffee, create, get inspired and feel empowered.Imagine what you could do with one little cup of coffee!? You could become President! Seriously. A little piece of trivia I discovered many years ago was that all Presidents of the United States have been notorious coffee lovers. Consider these guys:Thomas Jefferson called coffee “the favorite drink of the civilized world."Abraham Lincoln was said to be indifferent to food “except that he liked apples and hot coffee."President Roosevelt coined the Maxwell House slogan, "Good to the Last Drop"There was "Coffee with the Kennedys."The presidential love affair with coffee goes on and on. While they might not be exemplars of health, most of them hang around for a long time — and get a lot done.Since we're talking about the power of communication, we're celebrating caffeination!This recipe is inspired by a recent trip to Mexico, where each morning I was greeted by sunrise over the ocean and a little carafe of Mexican coffee scented with a pinch of cinnamon. There was something particularly magical about this little touch of hospitality, and it rekindled my love for a morning cup of joe.Not only does the cinnamon taste great and give the illusion of added sweetness, it  also gives coffee an added boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.YUM.I make my coffee pour-over style, but you can add the touch of cinnamon no matter how you prefer your brewing.MEXICAN COFFEE with CINNAMON

• Weigh out  about 25-30 grams of coffee (2-3 tablespoons) of whole beans
• Grind coffee to a medium fine consistency
• Stir 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon into coffee grounds (freshly ground is ideal)
• Boil water
• Set up filter and dripper over coffee mug
• Make sure grounds are evenly distributed in filter
• Pour water onto grounds starting from the center, and gently working your way out. You want to be careful not to "dump" water onto beans, but rather let it gently saturate and 'bloom' the coffee to create the perfectly brewed cup.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon honey or coconut nectar (optional)

Makes 6-9 ounce cup of coffee.Serves 1