What is an Affogato?

– A Complete Guide –

We all love our coffee.

And, especially on hot days, ice cream is one of the best foods to let us cool off a bit.

So, why not combine these two?

There are a lot of great food innovations we can thank the Italians for.

Pizza, prosciutto, parmesan cheese, virtually any pasta sauce imaginable. Lasagna, tiramisu, the list of delicious food treats goes on and on.

Let’s add one more specialty to this glorious list, today. Shall we?

Luckily, the Italians have one more mouth-watering recipe in store for us. It will surely become the next greatest treat in your repertoire.

I am quite sure. The Affogato will become your next new favorite dessert-beverage hybrid. Coffee and ice cream, two of our favorite food items combined in delicious harmony.

But what exactly is it? How do you make it?

And, why does the espresso play such a key role in it?

Let’s find the answers together.

Here is everything you need to know about the Affogato.

What is an Affogato?

Like most Italian dishes, the Affogato is a true lesson in simplicity.

In its very classic and original form, it is the marriage of two delicious items. A scoop of ice cream with a steaming shot of espresso on top.

It is no surprise, why the Affogato is the perfect solution to the post-meal coffee-or-dessert dilemma.

Why have to choose, when you can enjoy both the same time, right?

‘Affogato’ literally translates into ‘drowned’ in Italian language.

It refers to the gelato that is drowned by the piping hot espresso.

Just watching, how the espresso is being poured over. Makes you want to dive right into this tasty dessert experience.

You can enjoy a beautiful combination of satisfactory taste sensations. Sweet, bitter, rich and sharp flavors will all come into play and join forces.

At the same time, you are getting the usual energy boost. Coffee and its energizing caffeine go hand in hand.

In fact, coffee alone has many great health benefits. Many coffee lovers even say that it makes us happier and live longer.

The Affogato’s making is so easy to learn. You hardly need a recipe for it. But in order to create a perfect Affogato. A proper espresso shot is essential.

Later in this article, we will fully dedicate our attention to the all empowering espresso itself.

History of Affogato

The origin of the dessert’s name is very clear.

However, the exact origin of the dessert itself is not that easy to pinpoint.

Its first known use of the name Affogato was in 1992. This is according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It recorded the first listing of the term in English language back then.

Of course, it may very well be that the dessert and its name have already been around for much longer.

I just need to ask one of my own Italian friends. And, they will all proudly tell me the same. Each one of them has very vivid memories of the famous Affogato from long before already.

Generation after generation, Italian families enjoyed the treat on hot afternoons.

Since the 1990s, the rest of the world also finally caught word.

Soon after, you could already find the Affogato on many restaurant menus. This was especially the case in any Italian-inspired venues across North America and Europe.

Nowadays, even small coffee bars are offering the popular dessert in various versions.

And, of course, big coffee chains like Starbucks could also not turn a blind eye on this booming coffee trend.

In fact, Starbucks unveiled a line of Affogato-inspired drinks just a few summers ago. First, the coffee giant started out at a few select Reserve coffee bars.

Maybe you have heard of the Frappuccino already.

Today, some even already consider the Affogato to be mainstream.

You probably even tried it already. But maybe, you did not know the story behind it yet. Mostly, we don’t exactly find the term Affogato on our local coffee shop’s menu.

But there is surely a combination of ice cream and espresso for you to try. Which has its roots in Italy.

How to Make it

Traditionally, the Affogato is a very simple 2-ingredient dessert.

It is simply meant to be easy and delicious. Therefore, the coffee dessert is less of a recipe than a preparation method.

In its very classic form, the Affogato starts with a single, tightly packed scoop of vanilla. Usually, you would be using a chilled glass or small bowl.

The goal is not for the espresso to immediately melt the ice cream. Ideally, it runs down the sides and pools at the bottom. A chilled glass helps to achieve this effect.

Most coffee makers will go with a two-ounce double shot of espresso. Alternatively, you can also use very strong coffee made in a French press or Aeropress.

Right after the espresso shot was pulled, it will be poured directly over the gelato. Immediately after, you are supposed to eat it.

Here is a quick instruction.

Summary – How to Make an Affogato

1. Chill the dessert glass or mug.
2. Make sure the gelato or ice cream is very cold. And, place it in your glass.
3. Brew the espresso just before serving.
4. Either pour the espresso directly over the ice cream. And, serve it immediately. Or, serve the espresso on the side. Let your guests pour it on themselves then.
5. You can optionally garnish it. Go ahead and try sliced almonds, nuts or chocolate curls. A shot of liqueur like Amaretto or coffee liqueur also works well.
6. Enjoy!

All About the Espresso

Especially one ingredient was already mentioned again and again.

The quality and texture of the espresso is essential for any good Affogato.

This little but very powerful ingredient certainly plays the major role. So, let’s have a closer look what makes a good espresso.

An Espresso is actually and technically speaking a coffee brewing method.

Coffee makers will use the same kinds of beans as for regular coffee.

You will brew an Espresso by forcing or expressing very hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.

In general, the Espresso’s texture is much thicker. If you would compare it with coffee brewed by other methods.

Additionally, an Espresso has a high concentration of dissolved and suspended solids.

The Time Factor

Probably the biggest difference between Espresso and regular coffee is the brewing method.

You would make regular coffee by slowly filtering hot water through coffee grounds. This process can be quite time extensive.

On the other hand, a shot of espresso takes much less time to make. Espresso machines use high pressurized and very hot water. These devices force the water through small ‘cakes’, which are made out of tightly packed coffee grounds.

The entire process usually only takes around 30 seconds. A regular coffee machine will take up to 10 minutes to brew a full batch instead.

As end result, you will have a very strong, super concentrated, highly caffeinated, and richly flavorful shot of an Espresso.

All coffee lovers would agree that a good shot of Espresso should have a strong aroma.

Furthermore, a good Espresso should also create a thicker, more velvety sensation in your mouth than a regular cup of coffee.

Lastly, it is usually also much less acidic than regular coffee. The reason for this affect would be a much shorter and different brewing process of an Espresso again.

There is simply less time for the acidic flavors of the coffee beans to seep into the finished beverage.

Espresso and Crema

There are many coffee fanatics, who could spend endless hours or write entire books on how to best perfect their home Espresso machines.

With the main goal and in great hope to eventually create the perfect crowning cap of crema on top of their Espresso shot.

In short, crema is the layer of foam. It rests on top of a shot of Espresso for about 40 minutes after it has been brewed.

The crema is very unique and only appears with an Espresso. A regular coffee would never have any form of crema on top.

It has a major impact on the entire coffee profile. A creamy, full body with a rich taste experience will be the outcome.

There you go. Now, you know why the espresso plays such a central role for the Affogato.

Variations of an Affogato

What if I cannot make espresso at home?

An espresso as ingredient would be ideal for any Affogato. But not everyone has an espresso machine at home.

Alternatively, you can brew very strong coffee with either a French press or Aeropress. If this is still too complicated. Instant espresso powder works perfectly well, too.

Some coffee lovers also react very sensitively to caffeine. As solution, you may substitute regular coffee with decaffeinated one instead.

An Affogato is very easy to make.

Essentially, it’s all about the simplicity and distinct flavors. However, maybe you want to add one or two things to it.

Here are a few tips to make this impressive dessert even extra special.

Affogato Preparation Ideas

1. Top it with a few rich dark chocolate shavings.
2. Try it with a swirl of chocolate sauce. Be brave and even add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
3. Add some caramel sauce. Top it off with a few chopped pecans or pistachios.
4. Cool the coffee, first. Maybe, you don’t want your dessert to melt too quickly.
5. Use a little whipped cream on top. And, garnish with a few flaked almonds or other chopped nuts.
6. Give it a real fun twist. Take high-quality olive oil instead of espresso. Trust me. It’s delicious!
7. Turn your Affogato into a boozy version. Port wine and amaro such as Fernet Branco of Cardamoro especially work well.
8. Dress it up nicely. Add a few fresh or dried berries or citrus. Next, pour some honeycomb besides. Or, sprinkle some biscotti crumbles on top.

Go ahead and try one of these.

Add your own special touch!

Final Affogato Thoughts

I don’t know about you.

But I definitely need an espresso, now. And, preferably I will combine it with a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream.

My very own Affogato is done and ready to be enjoyed.

This coffee dessert sensation is not just great on warm summer evenings. It equally serves well on a chilly winter day, too.

Have you tried an Affogato yourself already?

If, yes, what do you especially appreciate about it? Is there any special variation you prefer? What do you like to add?

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us.

Until then, stay safe, healthy and properly caffeinated.

Cheers!