by Greg Nolan
Though you may know the dessert drink as affogato, the full name of this delicious concoction is affogato al caffe, which translates literally to “drowned in coffee.” This is a pretty apt name, as the classic recipe for affogato is simply a scoop of ice cream and an espresso shot over it.
That simple recipe is pretty easy to make at home, but there are a few ways to transform your affogato al caffe into art. You can go the classic route and use vanilla gelato instead of ice cream, freeze your glass for a frosted look and chilly presentation, or even garnish it with a variety of different options. The affogato is the perfect, simply impressive dessert for dinner parties and other get-togethers.
When it comes to presentation, consider buying an affogato glass. Any short, heavy glass will work, but most companies actually have an affogato glass available. The shape of the glass is what’s important—it’s narrower at the bottom and wider at the top, allowing the ice cream to stop part of the way down and melt into the bottom. This mixes with the espresso and is both delicious and aesthetically pleasing.
This Affogato is Vanilla Ice Cream with an Aeropress “shot” of espresso.
Delicious Garnishes to Consider
- Coffee beans are either coarse or fine (as a Turkish grind). This will not only offer a tasty garnish, but also an interesting texture experience.
- Powdered cocoa (for a sweet tooth, use hot cocoa packets).
- Chocolate Shavings. You can do this with a room-temperature chocolate bar and a vegetable peeler.
- Cookie crumbs. Biscotti is perfect for this.
- Chocolate syrup is a classic and an old favorite.
- Whipped topping with chocolate syrup creates a classic “ice cream sundae” look that will appeal to those who may not be adventurous enough to try it otherwise.
- Wafer straws or chocolate straws
Crushed nuts or almonds
Variations on the Affogato
Not everyone has an espresso maker, but it’s possible to use regular coffee if the coffee is made double or triple-strong. This allows for the same flavor as the espresso. In addition, you can replace vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream or even add sponge cake to the bottom.
For more adult variations, consider sweet chocolate and coffee-based liqueurs. Chocolate is good, as well as Amoretto or Kahlua.
Affogato Tips
You have about a minute and a half to enjoy affogato al caffe. The contrast of the dish matters—the cold of the ice cream versus the hotness of the espresso and the sweetness of the ice cream versus the bitterness of the espresso.
Affogato al caffe is a dessert very common in Italy, but outside of the country, it is usually categorized as a beverage. Considering how fast it melts, you may want to provide guests with both a spoon and a straw.
Resources
Making Lattes Without an Espresso Machine – If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make affogatos. See this article for ideas.
Homemade Coffee Ice Cream Recipe – How to make coffee ice cream at home.