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Spoon taking a spoonful of Affogato out of glass
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5 from 3 votes

Affogato

Quick and easy dessert beverage made of gelato and espresso!1
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 1
Calories: 558kcal
Author: Julie Evink

Ingredients

Base Affogato

  • 2 large scoops gelato see below for flavor combinations
  • 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso

Add-Ins, all optional

  • 1 ounce liquor of choice see below for flavor combinations
  • Mini Chocolate Chips
  • Caramel Sauce
  • Chocolate Sauce
  • Chopped Nuts

Instructions

  • Scoop the gelato to a small bowl. Pour over the hot espresso. Top with any desired add-ins. Serve immediately.

Notes

Flavor Combinations:
  • Nutella: Chocolate Gelato, Chocolate Sauce, Chopped Hazelnuts, Frangelico Liquor (optional)
  • Turtle: Chocolate Gelato, Caramel Sauce, Chopped Pecans
  • S’mores: Chocolate Gelato, Mini Marshmallows, Chopped Graham Cracker, Bailey’s Irish Cream (optional)
  • Triple Chocolate: Chocolate Gelato, Chocolate Sauce, Mini Chocolate Chips, Godiva Chocolate Liquor (optional)
  • Mocha: Chocolate Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Kahlua Coffee Liquor (optional)
  • Peppermint Mocha: Chocolate Ice Cream, Peppermint Schnapps (optional), Peppermint Pieces, Mini Chocolate Chips
Can you use regular ice cream instead of gelato?
Yes, regular ice cream will work but gelato is traditional! One thing about gelato is that it is creamier and denser than ice cream. It works really well with the hot espresso.
Can you use cold espresso instead?
What makes affogato so amazing is the combination of hot espresso with the cold gelato. Of course, you can do what you like but just keep in mind that chilled espresso is very bitter – it just won’t be the same.
I don’t have an espresso machine! Can I use regular coffee instead?
If you don’t have a way to make espresso, you can substitute very strong brewed coffee. I recommend using a good quality coffee that is dark and robust and brew it stronger than you would for a regular cup of coffee.
Is affogato a dessert or drink?
It’s a little of both! Technically, it’s a dessert – sort of like a milkshake since you can sip on it as the ice cream melts but also eat it with a spoon.
What’s the best way to serve it?
I like to serve it in mugs. Since the espresso melts the gelato, serving it in a mug or narrow, small bowl will keep it from getting to soupy.

Nutrition

Calories: 558kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 996IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 1mg