What Is an Affogato

An affogato is a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. That is the entire recipe. The name means drowned in Italian. The gelato drowns in espresso. It melts into a warm, sweet, creamy pool of coffee and dairy that is neither fully dessert nor fully drink. It is both, simultaneously, and it does not care about the distinction.

The Details That Matter

Gelato is traditional. Its lower fat content and denser texture absorb the espresso differently than American ice cream, which has more air whipped in. Gelato melts slower and holds its shape better against the hot espresso. Vanilla is the classic base because it does not compete with the coffee. The espresso must be freshly pulled. A stale shot or a pre-poured espresso that has been sitting will lack the temperature contrast that makes the affogato work.

When to Have One

The affogato is a post-dinner indulgence. The answer to "should we get dessert and coffee?" It takes less than a minute to prepare and less than five minutes to consume. It is the shortest, sweetest end to a meal. Most cafes will make one if you ask even if it is not listed. Find a shop near you and ask. The worst they can say is they are out of gelato.

Keep reading: What Is Espresso, What Is a Cortado, How the World Drinks Coffee.