Affogato
An affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert made by pouring hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream.
An affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert made by pouring hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream. The name means “drowned” in Italian, and it’s commonly served as both a dessert and, in some settings, a coffee drink.
What it is
Affogato is a simple Italian preparation: a fresh shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of cold vanilla gelato or ice cream. The contrast between hot coffee and frozen dairy is central to the dish. The word affogato literally means “drowned” in Italian.
How it’s served
It is served immediately after assembly so the ice cream begins to soften. In Italy, affogato is usually treated as a dessert. Outside Italy, some cafés classify it as a beverage. It is typically eaten with a spoon, though it may also be sipped as the ice cream melts.
Variations and notes
The classic version uses vanilla gelato or fiordilatte and a single espresso shot. Some variations add liqueurs such as amaretto, Kahlúa, rum, or whiskey, or use cappuccino instead of plain espresso. It is distinct from milk-based espresso drinks like a latte, which use steamed milk rather than frozen dairy.
In short
- Affogato is traditionally made with vanilla gelato or ice cream and hot espresso.
- The word affogato means “drowned” in Italian.
- In Italy, it’s a dessert; outside Italy, it may be classified as a beverage.
- Variations can include liqueur or cappuccino.
Affogato is commonly found on restaurant, café, and gelato-shop menus in Canada, especially in Italian restaurants and specialty coffee shops. Canadian readers may encounter it as either a dessert or a coffee-based after-dinner item.
Quick questions
What is an affogato?
Is affogato a drink or dessert?
What is the difference between affogato and latte?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — Supports: Definition of affogato as an Italian dessert of vanilla ice cream with espresso poured over it.
- La Cucina Italiana — Supports: Meaning of affogato as “drowned,” classic affogato preparation, and common variations.
- Dictionary.com — Supports: Definition of affogato as an Italian dessert with hot espresso poured over gelato.
- Wikipedia — Supports: General description, ingredients, and note that it is often a dessert in Italy but sometimes a beverage elsewhere.
- Cambridge Dictionary — Supports: Definition of affogato as an Italian sweet dish consisting of ice cream with strong coffee poured over it.
- Perfect Daily Grind — Supports: General description of affogato, origin in Italy, and categorization as dessert or beverage.
- Creators Of Coffee — Supports: Description of affogato, traditional ingredients, and contrast with latte preparation.
- Allrecipes — Supports: Basic preparation method and general serving ratio guidance.