An “affogato al caffè” is a delightful Italian dessert that combines a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato.
This delightful treat is perfect for those who love the contrast of hot and cold, as well as the blend of strong coffee and creamy gelato. It’s typically served in a dessert bowl or glass.
Enjoying an affogato al caffè means indulging in a sweet and satisfying treat that offers a unique coffee experience.
To order it, say, “Vorrei un affogato al caffè, per favore.”
Ingredients
1 Espresso Shot + Vanilla Ice Cream
How to order an Affogato al Caffè in Italy?
"Vorrei un affogato al caffè, per favore."
History and Origin
The affogato al caffe – literally “drowned in coffee” – is an Italian creation that blurs the line between dessert and coffee. Its exact origins are hard to pin down, but it likely emerged in the mid-20th century as gelaterias and coffee bars became central to Italian social life. The concept is brilliantly simple: take Italy’s two greatest culinary contributions to the world – espresso and gelato – and combine them. The affogato became popular across northern Italy first, particularly in cities like Milan and Turin where cafe culture and gelato traditions intersect. Today, it is enjoyed throughout Italy and has been adopted by restaurants and coffee shops worldwide. It is a testament to the Italian philosophy that the best things in life are often the simplest.
How It’s Made
An affogato is made by placing one or two scoops of vanilla gelato (or ice cream) into a small bowl or glass, then pouring a freshly brewed shot of hot espresso directly over the top. The hot espresso immediately begins melting the gelato, creating a swirl of creamy, coffee-flavored liquid around the still-frozen center. The contrast between hot and cold, bitter and sweet, is what makes this drink-dessert so special. Some places serve the espresso on the side so you can pour it yourself. The gelato should be high-quality and ideally vanilla (fior di latte is also traditional), though creative variations exist.
How to Order an Affogato
In an Italian cafe or gelateria, say: “Vorrei un affogato al caffe, per favore” (vor-RAY oon ahf-foh-GAH-toh ahl kah-FEH, pair fah-VOR-eh). Many places will simply have it listed as “affogato” on the menu. If you want it with a splash of liquor, add “con [liquore]” – for example, “affogato con amaretto.” For more about this drink, check out our guide on what is an affogato.
When and Where Locals Drink It
Italians typically enjoy an affogato as an after-meal dessert, especially after lunch or dinner. It is particularly popular in summer when the combination of hot espresso and cold gelato feels perfectly refreshing. You can find affogatos at gelaterias, restaurants, and some coffee bars, though not every espresso bar will have gelato on hand. It is more common in sit-down restaurants and dessert-focused establishments. In touristy areas, you will find it almost everywhere. Italians see the affogato as a lighter alternative to a heavy dessert – it satisfies the sweet tooth and provides a caffeine boost at the same time.
Variations
The classic affogato uses vanilla gelato and plain espresso, but there are many delicious variations. An “affogato al cioccolato” uses chocolate gelato. Some restaurants add a shot of amaretto, Frangelico, Baileys, or Kahlua for a boozy version. Caramel gelato with espresso is a modern favorite. In some places, you can get an affogato with stracciatella (chocolate chip) or pistachio gelato. Creative coffee shops outside Italy have experimented with matcha affogatos and even chai affogatos, though purists would argue those are different drinks entirely. The key is always the contrast between hot liquid and cold frozen dessert.
Affogato vs Iced Latte
An affogato and an iced latte might seem vaguely similar – both involve espresso and something cold and creamy – but they are fundamentally different. An iced latte is a drink made with espresso, cold milk, and ice cubes. An affogato is a dessert made with espresso and ice cream or gelato. The texture, sweetness, and experience are completely different. An iced latte is thin and refreshing; an affogato is rich, creamy, and indulgent. You sip a latte through a straw; you eat an affogato with a spoon. If you are deciding between the two, ask yourself: do you want a drink or a dessert? The affogato is always the dessert answer.
How to Make an Affogato at Home
This is one of the easiest and most impressive desserts you can make. Scoop one or two balls of high-quality vanilla ice cream or gelato into a small bowl, cup, or glass. Brew a shot of espresso (a Moka pot works great if you do not have an espresso machine). Pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream and serve immediately with a spoon. That is it. The whole process takes about two minutes. For an elevated version, drizzle a shot of amaretto or Kahlua over the top, or sprinkle crushed biscotti or chocolate shavings. Use the best quality ice cream you can find – it makes a huge difference since there are only two ingredients.
FAQ
What does affogato mean?
Affogato means “drowned” in Italian. The gelato is “drowned” in hot espresso.
Is an affogato a drink or a dessert?
It is technically a dessert, though it contains a full shot of espresso. Italians categorize it with desserts and dolci rather than with coffee drinks.
What flavor of ice cream is used for an affogato?
Vanilla is the traditional and most popular choice. Fior di latte (a simple milk-flavored gelato) is also classic. Chocolate and caramel are common modern alternatives.
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
You can, but espresso works much better. Its concentrated flavor and small volume melt the gelato slowly, creating the perfect texture. Regular brewed coffee would dilute the ice cream too quickly.
