Affogato 🍨☕ Hot Espresso Meets Cold Ice Cream
— The Ultimate Two-Ingredient Power Play
The Affogato is pure alchemy — a shot of blazing-hot espresso poured over cold, creamy gelato or ice cream. It’s bold, bitter, sweet, and smooth all at once.
Dessert? Drink? Doesn’t matter. It’s coffee at its most indulgent and minimal — no milk, no syrups, no fluff.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 generous scoop vanilla gelato or ice cream
- 1 shot (1 oz) hot espresso
- Optional: chocolate shavings, crushed biscotti, amaretto, sea salt, or flavored gelato
Instructions
Step 1: Scoop
- Place one generous scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream in a small bowl, coupe glass, or chilled mug.
- Keep the ice cream ultra-cold until the espresso is ready.
Step 2: Pull the Espresso
- Brew 1 shot of hot, strong espresso — right before serving.
- A short, intense shot works best (use dark, chocolatey beans if possible).
Step 3: Pour & Serve
- Pour the espresso directly over the ice cream just before serving.
- Serve immediately — it should be hot and cold, creamy and liquid, all at once.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Affogato – Use chocolate gelato and top with cocoa nibs or syrup
- Nutty Twist – Add crushed pistachios or almond biscotti on top
- Boozy Boost – Add a splash of amaretto, Kahlúa, or coffee liqueur
- Salted Caramel Version – Use caramel gelato + pinch of flaky salt
- Tiramisu-Inspired – Dust with cocoa powder + a tiny dash of marsala wine
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality gelato or dense ice cream — soft serve or light styles melt too fast
- Pull the espresso right before pouring — timing is everything
- Serve in a clear glass or bowl to show off the hot-cold melt layers
- For extra texture: serve with a mini spoon + crispy cookie on the side
Flavor Profile
- Taste: Bitter espresso + sweet vanilla cream
- Texture: Liquid, soft, and creamy — like melting espresso ice cream
- Contrast: Hot vs. cold, bold vs. mellow, short vs. lingering
Final Thoughts
The Affogato is effortless decadence — just espresso and ice cream, transformed. It’s your espresso break turned dessert. Your dessert turned pick-me-up. Your last bite of the night.
Scoop it. Pour it. Let it melt. 🍨☕🔥
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