Affogato
The Affogato is a wonderfully simple yet elegant Italian creation that combines two beloved classics: gelato and espresso. A scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato is placed in a small bowl or glass, and a shot of freshly brewed hot espresso is poured over the top. The contrast of the hot, bitter coffee with the cold, sweet gelato creates a delightful sensory experience. It's often enjoyed as a quick dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Affogato is best classified as a classic Italian dessert drink. It blurs the line between a beverage and a dessert, often enjoyed after a meal. While simple, its combination of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, makes it a unique and enduring classic.
Serving
The Affogato is a small dessert drink served with contrasting hot and cold temperatures in a small bowl or glass. It is traditionally non-alcoholic but can be easily spiked with a liqueur.
Serving size
Approx. 100-150 ml / 3.5-5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV (can be made alcoholic with a liqueur, ~5-10% ABV)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Contrasting (Hot and Cold)
Glass type
Small bowl, dessert glass, or a short tumbler
Glass treatment
Chilled glass (optional, to slow melting)
Backstory
The exact origin of the Affogato is somewhat murky, as is common with many simple Italian classics. It's believed to have gained popularity in Italy in the late 20th century, coinciding with the modernization and mass production of ice cream machines. The name "affogato" means "drowned" in Italian, perfectly describing the act of submerging the gelato in espresso.
Origin
Italy, late 20th century.
Affogato
The drink is primarily known as Affogato, which is its original Italian name. It is sometimes specified as "Affogato al caffè" to distinguish it from other variations. The name literally translates to "drowned," referencing the ice cream being drowned in espresso.
Original name
Affogato
Alternative name
Affogato al caffè
Characteristics overview
The Affogato boasts a rich aroma of roasted coffee and vanilla, with a balanced flavor profile of bitter espresso and sweet gelato. Its creamy texture and contrasting temperatures make it a unique treat for any season.
Flavor
Coffee, vanilla, sweet, bitter, creamy
Aroma
Roasted coffee, sweet vanilla
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering coffee, creamy sweetness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Dark brown espresso over white gelato, creating a marbled effect
Texture
Creamy, smooth, liquid
Seasonality
All-season, refreshing yet comforting
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is a prominent duel between sweet creaminess and robust bitterness, resulting in a bold yet balanced experience. The alcohol strength is non-existent unless a liqueur is added.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple recipe requires just two core ingredients: a scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato and a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso. For an adult twist, a splash of liqueur like Amaretto can be added.
- Vanilla Gelato or Ice Cream1 large scoopHigh-quality gelato is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
- Hot Espresso30 ml / 1 ounceFreshly brewed and hot.
- Amaretto or Frangelico15 ml / 0.5 ounce(optional)For an alcoholic 'corretto' version.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
No mixing equipment is needed, but you will require an espresso machine to brew the coffee and an ice cream scoop for the gelato.
- Espresso machine
- Ice cream scoop
Instructions
Preparation is simple: place a scoop of gelato in a chilled glass, then pour a freshly brewed shot of hot espresso directly over it. Serve immediately to enjoy the temperature contrast.
1. Chill your serving glass or bowl in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Place one large scoop of vanilla gelato into the chilled glass.
3. Brew a fresh, hot shot of espresso.
4. Immediately pour the hot espresso over the gelato.
5. Optional: If desired, pour a small amount of liqueur like Amaretto or Frangelico over the top.
6. Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
7. Serve immediately with a small spoon.
Garnishing
The Affogato is beautiful on its own, but a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder can be added. It is often served with a crisp biscotti on the side for dipping.
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, sprinkled on top)
- Biscotti (optional, served on the side)
Dietary Information
This dessert contains caffeine and dairy, and often eggs depending on the gelato. It can be made dairy-free and vegan by using plant-based ice cream.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A single serving of Affogato is moderately caloric, with most of its carbohydrates and calories coming from the sugar in the gelato.
Calories
Averagely 150-250 kcal / 628-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
15-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
15-25 g
Sugar level
Occasions
Perfect as a sophisticated yet effortless after-dinner dessert, the Affogato also serves as an indulgent afternoon treat. It's an excellent choice for a special coffee break when you desire something more than a simple cup of coffee.
- After-dinner dessert
- Afternoon treat
- Coffee break
Pairing suggestions
The Affogato is a dessert in itself and pairs wonderfully with crisp Italian cookies like biscotti for dipping. It's the perfect conclusion to a rich Italian meal, such as pasta or pizza.
- Biscotti
- Shortbread cookies
- A light meal (as dessert)
Affogato: The Beautifully Drowned Dessert
The Affogato is the epitome of Italian simplicity and elegance, a dessert-drink hybrid that delights with its stark contrasts. It combines a scoop of cold, sweet vanilla gelato with a shot of hot, bitter espresso, creating a pool of delicious, creamy coffee. Often enhanced with a splash of liqueur, it's an incredibly easy yet sophisticated treat. Perfect for an after-dinner indulgence or a luxurious afternoon pick-me-up.