Few coffee drinks are as simple yet luxurious as the Affogato. Meaning “drowned” in Italian, this dessert coffee features a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream “drowned” in hot, freshly brewed espresso, creating a delicious contrast between hot and cold, bitter and sweet, bold and smooth.
Served as both a dessert and a coffee, the affogato is a treat that melts in your mouth, offering a delightful fusion of rich espresso and velvety ice cream in every spoonful.
What Makes an Affogato Special?
🔹 A Dessert & Coffee in One – Unlike most coffee drinks, an affogato is considered both a dessert and a beverage, making it a versatile, indulgent treat.
🔹 The Perfect Hot & Cold Contrast – The warm espresso melts the ice cream, creating a creamy, sweet, and intensely flavorful experience.
🔹 Simple Yet Elegant – With only two ingredients, the affogato is effortless to make, yet it feels decadent and sophisticated.
How to Make an Affogato
☕ Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (10g) finely ground coffee
- 6 oz (180ml) cold, filtered water (for brewing espresso)
- 1 large scoop of vanilla ice cream (or gelato)
🌡 Temperature Guide
- Brew water: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
- Ice cream: Frozen, straight from the freezer
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew a Double Shot of Espresso
- Use an espresso machine to extract 2 oz (60ml) of espresso.
2️⃣ Scoop the Ice Cream into a Small Cup or Bowl
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream or Italian gelato for the best flavor.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
- ☕ Breathe it in. The scent of fresh espresso paired with sweet vanilla is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Pour the Espresso Over the Ice Cream
- Slowly pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream, letting it melt slightly.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy Immediately
- The affogato is best enjoyed right away, as the ice cream melts into the espresso, creating a creamy, indulgent mixture.
Affogato vs. Other Dessert Coffees
✔ Affogato vs. Mocha: A mocha is blended with milk and chocolate, while an affogato is simply espresso poured over ice cream.
✔ Affogato vs. Vienna Coffee: Vienna coffee is espresso topped with whipped cream, while an affogato uses ice cream that melts into the coffee.
✔ Affogato vs. Irish Coffee: Irish coffee contains whiskey and sugar, while an affogato is a pure espresso-ice cream experience.
Why Choose an Affogato?
- For a Coffee Dessert That Feels Like a Luxury – The affogato is decadent, yet incredibly simple to make.
- Perfect for After-Dinner Indulgence – Whether served after a meal or as a mid-afternoon treat, this coffee dessert is both satisfying and elegant.
- Customizable & Versatile – Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate, caramel, or hazelnut flavors for a unique twist.
☕ Next Up: Café de Olla – Mexico’s Spiced Coffee Tradition 🇲🇽
