A tall highball glass filled with a layered espresso spritz, featuring dark coffee at the base, creamy oat milk in the middle, and carbonated bubbles at the top with a cardamom garnish.

Editorial recipe guidance

coffeehouse espresso · alcohol-free

Vanilla Cardamom Espresso Spritz

Name: Vanilla Cardamom Espresso Spritz
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 fl oz chilled espresso; 0.75 fl oz cardamom simple syrup; 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste; 2 fl oz barista-style oat milk; 3 fl oz chilled soda water; 1 cup fresh ice cubes; 2 whole green cardamom pods for garnish

A sophisticated, creamy espresso-based mocktail that balances the floral warmth of cardamom with the sweet depth of vanilla bean paste, lightened with a crisp soda finish.

Editorial recipe guidanceThis page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim.

Prep time

5 minutes

Total time

10 minutes

Serves

Difficulty

Easy

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coffee mocktails espresso coffeehouse drinks brunch espresso mocktail cardamom recipe

A top-down view of a creamy espresso spritz showing the effervescent bubbles of the soda water and the fine dark specks of vanilla bean paste mixed with the foam.

Bright & refreshing

A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.

Simple ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.

Perfect for occasions

Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

2 fl oz chilled espresso
0.75 fl oz cardamom simple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 fl oz barista-style oat milk
3 fl oz chilled soda water
1 cup fresh ice cubes
2 whole green cardamom pods for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Prepare the glass
Brew a double shot of espresso (approximately 2 fluid ounces).
2
Build the drink
Stir the vanilla bean paste into the hot espresso until completely dissolved and the vanilla seeds are evenly distributed.
3
Add the finishing touch
Allow the espresso mixture to cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
4
Garnish & serve
Fill a 12-ounce highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
5
Garnish & serve
Pour the cardamom simple syrup and the chilled vanilla espresso over the ice.
6
Garnish & serve
Add the oat milk to the glass, allowing it to settle into the coffee layers.
7
Garnish & serve
Top with chilled soda water, pouring slowly to maintain carbonation.
8
Garnish & serve
Gently stir once with a long-handled spoon to incorporate the ingredients.
9
Garnish & serve
Garnish with two whole cardamom pods and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

For the best texture, use a 'barista edition' oat milk, which is designed to hold its structure better in coffee drinks.
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the cardamom syrup to 0.5 fluid ounces.
Ensure the soda water is very cold to keep the drink refreshing and highly carbonated.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: Prepare a batch of the vanilla-espresso base in advance and store it in a sealed carafe in the refrigerator. When serving, pour 2.25 ounces of the base into each ice-filled glass, add the oat milk, and top with soda water for quick assembly.

Easy swaps: Substitute espresso with 2 ounces of cold brew concentrate if an espresso machine is unavailable. Use almond or cashew milk instead of oat milk for a nuttier flavor profile. Replace the cardamom pods with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for a different spiced finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?

Yes, 2 fluid ounces of cold brew concentrate provides a similar bold flavor profile, though it may lack the slight crema of a fresh espresso shot.

Will the oat milk separate in the soda water?

Barista-style oat milk is formulated to remain stable when mixed with acidic coffee and carbonated water, preventing separation or curdling.

How do I make the cardamom syrup?

Simmer 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 6 crushed cardamom pods for 10 minutes, then strain and cool before using.

Recipe by

Larry Leo

Editorial recipe guidance

This page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim. Check the ingredient list, substitution guidance, and dietary labels before serving.

Recipe record updated: September 3, 2026

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