Today, dear reader, I'm truly excited! Because we're diving into one of my favorite coffee desserts: affogato al caffe!
Today, dear reader, I’m truly excited! Because we’re diving into one of my favorite coffee desserts: affogato al caffe!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Affo-al-what-now?” Trust me, once you get a taste of this simple yet delicious coffee, you’ll be singing its praises, too. At its core, caffè affogato is a dreamy combo of hot espresso and cold, velvety gelato. In essence, it’s an epic battle of hot and bitter vs sweet and creamy.
Wanna learn how to make it? Join me as I unpack what this little cup of heaven is all about.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- RecipeIngredientsEquipmentMethodPro Tips
- VariationsAffogato CorrettoAffogato con PannaCioccolato AffogatoAffogato alla NocciolaAffogato al CaramelloAffogato FreddoMatcha Affogato
- Best Coffee BeansItalian RoastPremium Espresso BlendColombian SupremoSumatra Mandheling
- Best GlassesEspresso or Demitasse MugDouble-Walled Cappuccino or Latte GlassStemless Wine GlassMartini GlassSundae Glass
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Overview: What Is Affogato al Caffe?
I don’t think there’s ever been a group of people outside the Coffee Belt who’ve embraced coffee as much as the Italians. Need proof? Just look at what they’ve done with the affogato al caffe!
This Italian coffee dessert consists of a scoop of gelato or ice cream (typically vanilla) “drowned” in Italian espresso. In fact, the word affogato means “drowned,” referring to how the hot coffee “drowns” the ice cream.
You may very well ask, “What’s so special about this combo? Isn’t it just espresso and ice cream?” It is, but boy, oh, boy don’t discount its simplicity. That’s where the beauty lies. You see, the magic is in the way the rich, bitter espresso flavors meld with the sweet, creamy gelato. In addition, the contrast between the hot coffee and the cold ice cream creates an interesting temperature play.
Now, who had the genius idea to marry coffee with ice cream in the first place? It’s hard to say. What we do know is that this coffee dessert definitely springs from Italian coffee culture. Many attribute it to 17th century Franciscan friars from the Piedmont region. The same monks who distilled that famous hazelnut liqueur, Frangelico.
But others point to a more modern ’50s origin. This makes sense as this was well after the invention of the espresso machine. Italian coffee shop or ice cream parlor owners likely came up with the combo after the rise of industrial ice cream production.
Although this coffee is still popular in Europe, its popularity dipped at the height of the third-wave coffee movement. Particularly after Starbucks popularized the frozen coffee Frappuccino. Still, affogato al caffe is making somewhat of a comeback.
New-wave pastry chefs are whipping up versions with almonds, hazelnuts, chocolate and caramel. Some even add crushed Italian cookies like amaretti and biscotti.
Classic Affogato al Caffe Recipe
Now that I’ve waxed lyrical about this delicious Italian coffee, I bet you’re wondering how to make it. Here’s how to make one serving of a classic Italian affogato al caffe:
Ingredients
1 scoop of high-quality vanilla gelato (preferably Italian)
1 shot of freshly brewed espresso (or stovetop espresso)
A drizzle of amaretto or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings (optional)
Equipment
Espresso machine (or moka pot for making a stovetop espresso)
Gelato scoop
Small glass or clear cup for serving (clear glass is the preferred choice to showcase the contrast between the espresso and gelato)
Method
Start with a scoop of vanilla gelato and place it in a chilled serving glass or cup. Italians prefer creamy gelato, so make sure it’s soft and velvety but still holds its shape. If you can’t find Italian gelato, sub for a good quality ice cream with a high fat content.
Using a traditional espresso machine or a moka pot, brew a fresh shot of espresso. You may also use a manual espresso maker if you fancy being more hands on.
The espresso should be strong and rich with a noticeable golden crema.
Brew as an Italian would using finely ground, high-quality coffee beans, with a dark roast profile.
Immediately after brewing the espresso, affogare! That means drown the gelato with coffee.
You want the hot coffee to slightly submerge the gelato. Pour slowly, allowing the coffee to gently melt the gelato.
Serve your affogato al caffe while the gelato is still frozen, but slightly melting into the espresso.
For variety, add a dash of amaretto liqueur or grappa typically used in Italian boozy coffees. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, but this is optional.
Enjoy!
Pro Tips
Whatever espresso coffee beans you choose, make sure they’re fresh. We’re talking roasted within the last 7 to 21 days.
Always grind those beans yourself using a high-quality espresso grinder. The espresso will brew just as the Italians intended. It should be sweet, chocolaty, slightly bitter and with abeautifulcrema.
Presentation is half the battle. Pick a glass that makes your affogato al caffe look as good as it tastes.
Always chill your glass in the freezer before serving. It’ll keep your ice cream from melting before you’ve had a chance to indulge.
Affogato al Caffe Variations
Like with most coffee drinks (especially Italian ones), affogato al caffe has some delicious variations. These marry ingredients that make the core flavors of this dessert coffee shine. Some popular versions include:
Affogato Corretto
Adults in the room, say hey! Like the classic Italian corretto, this after-dinner variation spikes a classic affogato with a shot of liqueur. Amaretto, Frangelico or Baileys are solid choices. But if you wanna go full-on Italian, splash in some grappa.
Affogato con Panna
This variation is all about cream and is perfect for those who love espresso con panna. Start with your regular affogato, then dollop a generous amount of freshly whipped cream on top. That cloud of heaven floating on your coffee will have you drooling.
Cioccolato Affogato
Calling all chocoholics! Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a scoop of rich chocolate gelato or ice cream with this variation, then drown it in espresso. Top it off with some chocolate shavings, too if you like! If you like marocchino, you’ll love this!
Affogato alla Nocciola
Nutty about hazelnuts? This affogato al caffe variation is for you. In fact, why not go the full hog? Use hazelnut gelato or ice cream instead of vanilla, then sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts and dollop some Nutella on top after pouring in the espresso. Very Turin!
Affogato al Caramello
For the sweet tooths out there, affogato al caramello, like the caramel macchiato, is a solid go-to. A base of caramel gelato or ice cream gets a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a pour of hot espresso. It’s so good, you might just ghost your regular affogato al caffe for this version.
Affogato Freddo
This twist, akin to the espresso freddo, is perfect for those scorching summer days when you can’t even with hot coffee or heavy cream. Use cold espresso sorbet (instead of vanilla gelato as a base), then top with a shot of cold espresso. Better still, sub cold brew for the espresso and you’ve got a refreshing treat that’ll cool you down real good!
Matcha Affogato
Now, I can already hear you yelling: “That’s not Italian!” But if you love fusion twists or all things Japanese coffee, this is the variation for you. Swap the espresso for a shot of hot matcha tea. Like in a matcha latte, the grassy notes of the matcha play off nicely against the sweet, creamy canvas of vanilla gelato.
Remember, these affogato variations are just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t be afraid to get creative and invent your own.
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Affogato al Caffe?
Now, let’s talk coffee beans! Because without premium beans there’s no way you’ll make a cracking affogato al caffe. When choosing beans for a killer caffè affogato, it’s essential you choose the right ones. You want a brew that can stand up to the sweet creaminess of the ice cream without confusing your taste buds.
So, what beans make the best choices for making your affogato’s espresso? Here are some excellent choices:
Italian Roast
To begin, let’s kick it old school. A dark Italian roast is the OG choice for affogato. It’s bold,intense and will cut through that ice cream beautifully. Spanish or Portuguese dark roasts work well, too. Look for beans with a smoky aroma and slick, oily surface – that’s where all the magic happens.
Premium Espresso Blend
Duh, right? But seriously, a high-qualityespresso blend is your best friend here. Go for a blend with pronounced notes of chocolate and nuts. It’ll play nice with the creamy, yet blank slate of vanilla gelato or ice cream and leave your taste buds satisfied.
Colombian Supremo
If you’re looking for something middle-of-the-road but still fan-freaking-tastic, Colombian Supremo is your go-to option. These coffee beans are well-balanced with a touch of acidity that’ll wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Sumatra Mandheling
For you adventurous types, Indonesian coffee beans are the bomb-dot-com for an affogato al caffe. They’re earthy, full-bodied and due to its unique wet-hull processing, have a low acidity that’ll jive well with the ice cream. Vietnam and Laos beans aren’t bad either.
Espresso for Super Automatic Espresso Machines
Discover Espresso Beans Perfectly Suited for Your Machine!
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Exceptionally Low Acidity
Freshly Roasted in Brooklyn
Medium Roast
What Are the Best Glasses for Affogato al Caffe?
Onto another important consideration: Just how do you serve affogato al caffe? I mean, you wouldn’t serve a top-shelf vodka or whiskey in a plastic cup, would you? So why skimp on the glass for this delicious Italian number?
I have a few suggestions on how to serve your caffè affogato with characteristic Italian flair:
Espresso or Demitasse Mug
Wanna keep it real? A clear glass espresso or demitasse cup (large enough for a double espresso) is where it’s at. This glass will give you that authentic Italian café culture vibe. Just make sure your espresso glass is big enough to handle the gelato or ice cream scoop and the espresso shot without making a mess.
Double-Walled Cappuccino or Latte Glass
For you coffee geeks out there, a double-walled cappuccino or latte glass for your affogato al caffe will be just right. It’ll keep your affogato looking fashionable without annoying condensation on the outside. We do sell them if you wanna check ’em out!
Coffeeness Double Wall Coffee Cups, Set of 4
Coffee, americano, cappuccino and latte have never looked so good.
6.8 and 10.1oz capacity
Heat-resistant borosilicate glass
Double walled
Beautiful floating effect
Stemless Wine Glass
Like for espresso tonics, this stylish choice is the real MVP of affogato service. It’s got the perfect width to show off that sexy layering, and the stem-free design keeps your mitts from warming up the ice cream. Plus, it looks hella classy!
Martini Glass
Feelin’ like a fancy caffè affogato? Bust out the martini glass! The fashionable V-shape will show off your affogato nicely. I mean, if it works for the espresso martini, it’ll work for your affogato! Just be careful–one false move and you could have a lap full of coffee ice cream.
Sundae Glass
This right here is old-school cool! A classic sundae glass brings a retro ’50s diner feel to your affogato. It’s perfect for when you’re going all out with toppings, ensuring everything fits into the glass. Plus, it’s perfect for those patriotic holidays. Memorial Day or Fourth of July, anyone?
Final Thoughts on Affogato Al Caffe
So, there it is: affogato al caffe. Simple but oh, so delicious! This Italian coffee is the ultimate one-two punch of coffee and dessert rolled into one.
The next time you’re torn between a cup of joe or something sweet, why not have your cake and eat it too?
Whip up caffe affogato at home to impress your squad, or order it at your local café for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. You won’t regret it. Now get out there and drown some ice cream in hot espresso!
Have you tried making caffè affogato at home? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and share your favorite ice cream flavors, espresso blends or unique twists on this classic Italian dessert.
Affogato al Caffe FAQ
Caffè affogato is an Italian dessert consisting of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso.
You eat affogato al caffe with a spoon. Start with the ice cream and then mix it with the espresso as it melts.
Unless you want to give your Italian waitstaff heart attacks, no. Primarily, you eat affogato al caffe with a spoon. You can drink the melted ice cream-coffee mixture at the end.
Affogato means “drowned” in Italian. It refers to how the hot espresso “drowns” the cold ice cream.
