How to Make Affogato at Home

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I love a good iced espresso drink. I recently discovered this amazing version at my local coffee shop, they used a heavenly homemade vanilla bean ice cream. It was pure bliss. Sharp, strong, hot Espresso poured over smooth, cold, decadent vanilla ice cream, I knew that I HAD to make it at home!

For those of you who don’t know, an affogato (which literally translates to “drowned” in Italian), or affogato al caffe (drowned in coffee) is an amazing two-ingredient treat! Some might say an affogato is really an upgraded iced latte. I completely disagree. It’s on another level entirely. This coffee-based dessert is served in cafes and gelato shops all over Italy.

Just imagine, hot espresso poured over cold gelato (or ice cream in my case). It has become one of my go-to afternoon pick-me-ups. So, if you like the sound of sweet and creamy gelato mingling with the strong flavor of espresso, an affogato will soon be your go-to treat too!

No Espresso Machine?

Don’t worry, you can still enjoy an affogato at home. One option is to use a different brewing method. A stovetop espresso maker is a great option. But you could also simply use your standard coffee maker, brew extra strong coffee, and use about a cup of coffee vs the 1.5 oz. whatever method, you choose, you’ll just have to make sure to brew enough for all individuals being served.

No Gelato?

This might sound strange to some… but gelato (outside of the mass-produced grocery store stuff) is hard to come by in Wisconsin unless you live within 100 miles of Milwaukee (which I do not), you’d have to travel a few hours to find some. But I live in Wisconsin! We have some of the best Ice Cream and Frozen Custard in the World (you will not convince me otherwise). So For me, using a delicious Wisconsin replacement still makes an amazing treat. I would not deviate from using vanilla, but using a vanilla bean ice cream or rich vanilla frozen custard would make an amazing substitute for the Italian Gelato.

How to Serve an Affogato

I like to serve an affogato in a clear glass. It adds a fun visual to the drink. Watching the hot espresso hit the gelato/ice cream and begin to melt together is part of the experience. You’ll want to have the gelato already scooped into glasses and ready to go so that once the espresso or coffee is brewed you can pour the shot over the top and then serve immediately.

A traditional affogato is topping-free. This is my preference, but don’t feel confined to that. Feel free to add a little something before serving. Maybe some freshly made whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or dip in a crunchy biscotti. 

Include the Kids

DISCLOSURE: These tips are generalized, and meant to be suggestive. Everything I’m sharing I do with my kids, and they are all different even within my own five. So please take these as suggestions or ideas and if you think your child needs more or less help, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your kids, do what YOU think is best.

Depending on the age of the kids, you may not want them to drink coffee (chocolate milk could be a great change up, or just make them a root beer float), but they can still help by scooping ice cream (make sure you have a couple of dishes for them to enjoy the ice cream), and pouring the espresso (remember it’s hot, so this should be an older kid).

Make it boozy

Add a splash of amaretto or horchata con ron for a fun adult cocktail dessert!

Did you try it, have questions?

Your feedback on my version of an affogato is highly appreciated. Kindly share your thoughts in the comments section and don’t forget to rate the recipe, it’s tremendously helpful.

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