When a simple cup of coffee isn't enough to brighten your day, an Affogato will fill the void with sweet and creamy delight. This eye-catching hot and cold delicacy is classified as a dessert by some and a drink by others.

An Affogato is a rich and creamy blend of two distinct flavours. It was invented in Italy but is now found all over the world.

So, what exactly is an Affogato, and how do you eat an Affogato? Here’s everything you need to know about this bittersweet treat.

What Does Affogato Mean In Italian?

An Affogato consists of two components: vanilla ice cream and espresso. The word "affogato" translates to "drowned" in English, which accurately describes the drink because the ice cream is literally "drowned" in the espresso.

Although the Affogato is known as an Italian classic, the exact date it was created is unknown. However, it is thought to have emerged in the late 1900s, following the invention of the espresso machine.

The Affogato has long been debated as either a dessert or a beverage. Since the majority of it is solid, it must be consumed with a spoon. Regardless of whether the Affogato is a dessert or not, there is agreement on how to eat it. It's best to pour the espresso over the ice cream right before serving and consume it before it starts to melt.

How To Make An Affogato

So how do you prepare an Affogato coffee? While it is a specialty delicacy, it is extremely easy to make on your own.

Step 1: Place a scoop of fior di latte ice cream in a small cup. "Fior di latte" directly means "flower of milk" in English, and it is made with just dairy, sugar, and starch, with no egg yolk. If you can't find fior di latte, vanilla ice cream will work just fine.
Step 2: Pour hot espresso over the ice cream.
Step 3: Garnish your Affogato with your favourite toppings. To elevate your Affogato, you can add chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, biscotti (aka Italian cookies), or even Crème Chantilly (a type of French cream).

Using highly concentrated coffee is the key to making a perfect homemade Affogato. If you want to create a classic Affogato, you'll need espresso. You don’t need an espresso machine to make affogato – you can use a Moka pot, capsules, or even instant coffee.

What Are Different Ways To Have Affogato's?

You can play around with the two ingredients of an Affogato. Feel free to try ice cream flavours other than fior di latte and vanilla, such as caramel or chocolate.

You can also alter the taste of the espresso. The sweetness of the dessert will vary depending on how much espresso you use and how it is extracted. For example, if you make an Affogato with two shots of espresso instead of one, the coffee flavour will be much stronger.

Another option is to use fruit ice cream in your Affogato, which is very popular in Brazil. This is a tasty way to make an Affogato, but it isn't the traditional way.

If you prefer more sophisticated coffee cocktails, you can make an alcoholic version with liqueurs or wine. To spice up your Affogato, try adding Baileys, Frangelico or Kahlua on the side. Simply delicious!

What To Expect From The Affogato

Since its introduction many years ago, the Affogato has remained unchanged. With its two main ingredients: delicious ice cream and coffee, this delicacy is likely to remain a classic.

Even if the Affogato doesn't change in the future, it will continue to be one of the world's most popular coffee-based treats.

If you’re searching for espresso blends that are suitable for your Affogato, look no further than Di Stefano. Our Specialty Coffee Beans have a complex flavour profile that gives your cup a delightful, pleasant, and full-bodied taste.