Sandra Flores considers herself an “in-betweener.” By this, she means that she’s Latin American, which makes her look for places that speak to both sides of her identity. That’s why, when she thought of opening a coffee shop, she wanted to make sure it did exactly that. She wanted a place that was modern but also traditional, somewhere that provided a home feel.

Her love for coffee houses grew when she was in college. She would spend hours on end studying or doing schoolwork at coffee shops. Coffee creates unity since it prevails across cultures, and people come together to drink it.

Walking into Azukar, you’re greeted by the music of Manu Chao or Jarabe de Palo. If you stay long enough, you’ll hear the B-Side Players and Boca Floja…wut wut! As soon as you sip one of their drinks, you’re transported to a childhood moment if you grew up Mexican. If you didn’t, then you remember the last time you ate at a Mexican joint or went to your friend’s grandma’s house (you know you have a Mexican friend!).

People of all ages show up to hang out at Azukar. Photo by LaPhoenikera.com.

The place has a signature Horchata Cold Brew that is motha-effin lit right now! Do you know that polite you feel in the back of your throat when you drink horchata with your tacos? Azukar’s cold brew has it, and combined with that delicious coffee kick, it’s golden. And by the way, it came before the big chain came up with their appropriation blend.

They also have what we at LaPhoenikera.com call a mangonada in a cup. You know what I’m talking about. It has the mango, the chamoy, and even a chunk of tamarindo floating in it, but this one you can sip. Yeah…think about it. Are you salivating yet?

Sandra hopes to bust out her signature café de olla for the winter, but I can’t tell you how much we’re crossing our fingers and toes for it. For those unfamiliar, café de olla is a traditional Mexican coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined brown sugar). The preparation process is where it’s at, so you must be a pro to make a good one.

Azukar’s Mango summer drink is what you’ve dreamed of all your life. For sweet coffee lovers, Dulce Miel is a good option. Photo by LaPhoenikera.com.

Sandra was born and raised in South Phoenix, around 19th Avenue and Southern. She and her husband own a home on the same street where they grew up. “That block holds my mom’s house, my husband’s parents’ and grandparents’ house, our comadre’s house, so we’re pretty invested in this community,” she says, unable to hold a laugh.

Now that their coffee shop is open in Central, just south of Southern, Sandra says they’re introducing themselves to the community and learning from it because it is something relatively new to the area. “People are trying to figure us out, and we’re trying to build a relationship with them. We’re figuring out the community’s needs and how to meet them and unite people.”

Sandra prepares a Dulce Miel for her afternoon customers. Photo by LaPhoenikera.com.

One of Sandra’s identified needs is youth mentorship; they hope Azukar can help create it. They want to show youth that, being from South Phoenix, they can build something meaningful for their community. Eventually, as their business grows, they want to create jobs for young people.

They also hope to become a space where the community can come together. They understand that Latinxs are family-driven and want to be a place where families can show up together and have a good time. They even set up a place inside the coffee shop where kids can play to make that easier. Sandra recounts a time when a guy came in to get coffee for his wife and kids but then called them all in to hang out. What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into an hour of family time.

This Saturday, Azukar is having its grand opening (they’ve been open for a bit but haven’t been too public about it). If you have a chance to stop by, you should. Also, the next time you drive down the South Side and need your daily fix, think beyond the big chains and support this local spot. While you’re there, tell them you read about them on LaPhoenikera.com.

Grand Opening Details

WHEN: Saturday, August 19, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

LOCATION: Azukar is located at 7246 S. Central Ave. Phoenix

WHAT TO EXPECT: Music by DJ Vicious and Eclecto Fenix, performances by Primavera Folklórico Dance Company, and botanas

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