Affogato

Coffee ice cream dessert

The Affogato, meaning 'drowned' in Italian, represents the perfect marriage of two of Italy's greatest culinary achievements: espresso and gelato. This simple yet sophisticated dessert-beverage hybrid consists of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream 'drowned' in a shot of hot espresso. The genius of the Affogato lies in its contrasts: hot and cold, bitter and sweet, liquid and solid, creating an ever-changing experience as the gelato slowly melts into the coffee.

The preparation of an Affogato is an exercise in timing and temperature contrast. The gelato should be frozen firm, and the espresso freshly pulled and hot, creating the maximum temperature differential when combined. As the hot espresso meets the cold gelato, it creates a creamy, complex mixture that evolves with each spoonful. The vanilla gelato's sweet, creamy notes complement the espresso's intensity, while the temperature contrast creates an exciting sensory experience. Some variations include additions like a sprinkle of cocoa powder, amaretti cookies, or a shot of liqueur, though purists prefer the simple elegance of the classic preparation.