How is Affogato served?

How is an affogato served?

Affogato means drowned in Italian. A scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream goes in a small glass or bowl, and a shot of hot espresso is poured over it just before serving. You eat it with a spoon while the gelato melts into the coffee. It works as a dessert or a pick-me-up.

Quantities for one serving

One published recipe from Once Upon a Chef uses about half a cup (1 to 2 scoops) of good vanilla gelato or ice cream and one shot, about 1.5 oz or 2 tablespoons, of hot espresso or very strong brewed coffee. It takes about five minutes.

Step by step

1. Chill the glasses or bowls ahead of time. The recipe suggests this to help the gelato hold its shape.
2. Scoop the gelato into the glass. Vanilla or fior di latte (a plain milk flavor) are the classics.
3. Brew the espresso fresh and pour it over the gelato at the table.
4. Serve immediately, with a spoon.

Common toppings and extras

• Shaved chocolate or cocoa dusting
• A biscotti or small cookie on the side
• Whipped cream
• A splash of liqueur, about 1 teaspoon in that recipe, such as amaretto, Frangelico, Kahlua or Baileys. This makes it an alcoholic dessert, so skip it for children.

Tips for a better affogato

• Use fresh, hot espresso. Lukewarm coffee melts nothing and tastes flat.
• Pour at the last moment. Waiting turns it into a soupy coffee milkshake.
• No espresso machine? A moka pot or strong French press or instant coffee also works.
• For a lighter dessert, use a smaller scoop and a single shot.

Do not mix it up with the Starbucks drink

At Starbucks, an affogato-style Frappuccino is a Frappuccino with a shot of espresso poured on top, not gelato. If you want the Italian dessert, ask for gelato or ice cream.

Caffeine note

An affogato contains the caffeine of the espresso shot, which varies by coffee and by how the shot is pulled. Check labels or ask your cafe if you limit caffeine.