in 2013, a cheeky entrepreneur in the Ukrainian city of Melitopol jerry-rigged a standard coffee vending machine into an illicit vodka shot dispenser right in the bustling town center—turning morning caffeine cravings into impromptu happy hours. Dubbed the “wonder machine” by locals, it became a short-lived symbol of Ukraine’s underground booze economy before tax authorities shut it down. Here’s the spirited story:
What It was
- The Hack: The machine, originally designed for hot coffee, was modified to pour 50ml shots of vodka (neat, as per Eastern European tradition) for about 8 hryvnia (~$1 USD at the time). For an extra coin, it dispensed fruit juice mixers like orange or apple to whip up quick cocktails—think a DIY screwdriver straight from the spout.
- Payment and Access: It accepted coins and banknotes, operating 24/7 like any street vendor, but with a boozy twist. No ID checks, no fuss—just insert money and select your poison.
- Purpose (or Lack Thereof): Likely a black-market side hustle amid Ukraine’s rampant illegal alcohol trade, where experts estimated 35% of vodka sales in 2012 were unregulated. It catered to pedestrians, workers, and the curious, offering a “pick-me-up” far stronger than espresso.
When and Where
- Timeline: Surfaced in early September 2013, drawing crowds immediately. By mid-month, state TV (UT1) exposed it, prompting a swift investigation. Tax inspectors seized the machine and hunted its anonymous owners, but no arrests were publicly reported—classic cat-and-mouse in Melitopol’s gray economy.
- Location: Plunked down in the heart of Melitopol, a mid-sized city in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast (southeastern Ukraine, near the Sea of Azov). Think central square or pedestrian zone—prime real estate for impulse buys, far from any bar’s prying eyes.
Impact and Aftermath
This DIY dispenser went viral in global media for its audacious ingenuity, blending Soviet-era resourcefulness with modern vending woes