Affogato Recipe - an Italian classic (2024)

FAQs

How is affogato served in Italy? ›

For those new to affogato, it's a traditional Italian coffee-dessert where hot espresso is poured over gelato or ice cream, with the option of adding a splash of liquor.

Affogato means “drowned” in Italian, which is the perfect name for this dessert, as it's ice cream drowned in espresso. Affogato also makes an impressive, but easy, dinner party dessert if your guests enjoy an after dinner espresso.

Originally invented in Italy, the word “affogato” literally translates as “drowned” in English. This is fitting, as the affogato is no more than a scoop of ice cream “drowned” in espresso. Keiko Sato is an SCA-certified barista and coffee buyer.

An affogato is typically served in a small, shallow, cylindrical glass dish. If you don't have a designated dessert bowl that fits this description, a rocks glass works perfectly.

Affogato literally means “drowned” in Italian. The word is used to describe when a liquid is poured over a food, usually cold food, but it can also describe cooking techniques using minimal liquid at a temperature of 175-185 °F, which should never reach the boiling point.

As for how to eat it, an affogato is best enjoyed with a spoon before sipping back the remaining espresso. Here's how to make a really great affogato at home.

The Italian affogato, however, is just the right size and can be consumed anytime of day; it's perfect as a mid day pause from hours staring in front of a computer screen :: schermo or as an after meal dessert to wake you up before heading out to a club to dance with your friends.

The affogato began in Italy, somewhere

However, some say that a medieval friar called Angelico from the Piedmont region of Italy spontaneously blended ice cream with espresso, creating affogatos.

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The affogato is an Italiano creation that translates to “drowned.” An affogato is essentially one to two scoops of vanilla gelato or ice cream doused by a shot of fresh espresso. This marriage of sweet ice cream and bitter coffee mingle, melting into a puddle of goodness.

What is iced coffee called in Italy? ›

Caffè freddo (kah-FE FRAYD-o) - Iced, or at least cold, coffee, very popular in summer but may not be found at other times of the year.

An affogato means something a little different at Starbucks. Instead of espresso poured on top of gelato, an affogato is a shot of espresso poured on top of any drink, usually a Frappuccino. What is this? To order a drink with an espresso shot on top, (not blended in), ask for it to be made with an affogato-style shot.

An affogato is essentially a scoop of vanilla ice cream (gelato) with an espresso poured on top, while an espresso con panna is an espresso with whipped double cream and a few little extras.

To make the espresso shot, mix the instant espresso powder with the hot water and stir until dissolved. Scoop ice cream into a small glass and pour the hot espresso shot over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream. Serve with a Savoiardi Ladyfinger cookie, whole or crumbled on top.

Tips for Eating an Affogato

Pair your affogato with a small spoon to easily scoop up the creamy gelato and espresso. Sip any remaining espresso from the bottom of the dish after you've finished the gelato for a final burst of flavor.

Caffè shakerato

They take espresso, shake it with ice in a co*cktail mixer, and then pour it into either a martini-esque glass or a taller glass. As they make it fresh every time, the barista will ask: “Vuoi zucchero?” (Do you want sugar?). With zucchero or amaro is perfectly acceptable.

The Italian affogato, however, is just the right size and can be consumed anytime of day; it's perfect as a mid day pause from hours staring in front of a computer screen :: schermo or as an after meal dessert to wake you up before heading out to a club to dance with your friends.