Bold Espresso Popularini
A rich espresso cocktail blending dark roasted coffee with smooth vodka and a touch of vanilla, delivering bold flavor with a popular flair. This recipe, ready in about 8 minutes, brings together vodka, freshly brewed espresso, vanilla liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 0.75 oz vanilla liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 3 pieces coffee beans
The espresso machines we’d pull this shot on → Best Espresso Machines for Home in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 1 oz of hot espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes halfway. Add 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz cooled espresso, 0.75 oz vanilla liqueur, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is cold and frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled martini coupe glass to ensure smooth texture.
- Step 5: Garnish with 3 whole coffee beans arranged in a cluster on the surface of the drink for aroma and presentation.








