Italians are fantastic at making delectable coffee-based desserts, and you’ve probably heard of at least one of them. But do you understand what an affogato is? There are two commonly accepted definitions: traditional and Starbucks. After reading this article, you will understand what this espresso treat is and how to make it.
Table Of Contents
−- What is an affogato?
- How affogato is made
- Affogato: how to serve (and eat!)
- How to make an affogato if you don’t have an espresso machine
- Affogato coffee ice cream toppings:
- Additional affogato flavor combinations:
- Is it possible to make affogato ahead of time?
- What is an Affogato shot from Starbucks?
- Affogato Recipe
- Final Thoughts
Without further ado, let’s get started.
What is an affogato?
Affogato is an espresso-based dessert that meaning “drowned” in Italian.
How to pronounce affogato
Affogato is pronounced |afgt| in English.ˌä-fō-ˈgä-(ˌ)tō /ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtəʊ/, /ˌæfəˈɡɑːtəʊ/
If you’re in Italy or want to seem more sophisticated while buying a drink at Starbucks, say it like the Italians
How affogato is made
Pouring an espresso dose over a ball of ice cream creates an affogato (usually vanilla gelato). It may sometimes include a shot of liqueur, such as Baileys, Frangelico, or amaretto. The traditional affogato is served in a glass cup with a teaspoon.
In Italy, it is often referred to as ‘affogato al caffè,’ which translates as ‘drowned in coffee,’ since the ice cream is symbolically drowned in the espresso shot.
I know a lot of people are curious about how to consume this dessert. They are unsure if they should take a sip of espresso or sit tight for the gelato to melt.
Here’s how to consume an affogato:
- Take out the teaspoon.
- Scoop some of the drowned gelatos on top of the espresso.
- Enjoy your affogato dessert before the ice cream melts.
Affogato coffee sweets are often offered as a dessert after lunch or supper.
They’re the simplest method to make your dinner guests pleased.
You may add a shot of Baileys or Frangelico (1 fl. oz. or 30 ml) (an Italian hazelnut liqueur).
Let’s go on to the Starbucks definition now that we’ve defined the basic affogato.
Affogato: how to serve (and eat!)
In my opinion, serving an affogato in a clear glass is vital, since witnessing the espresso hit the gelato and start to melt together is part of the experience. You should have the gelato pre-portioned and ready to go so that as the espresso or coffee is made, you can pour the shot on the top, add a little bit of liqueur, and serve immediately.
While the original affogato is served without any toppings, feel free to add a few before serving. An affogato is ideally served with a spoon before drinking the leftover espresso when eating it.
How to make an affogato if you don’t have an espresso machine
This is the approach to use if you have an espresso machine at home. Prepare a shot of espresso and pour it over your gelato. However, you may prepare an affogato at home by employing a different brewing technique, such as a stovetop espresso machine or a regular coffee machine (if this is the case, brew extra strong coffee). Brew enough espresso or coffee for the number of people being served using either method.
What ice cream is the best for affogato?
Because vanilla bean ice cream is easy to get at the grocery store, we make affogato with it. However, it is traditionally done with vanilla gelato, so for an authentic Italian experience, pour the espresso over the vanilla gelato and watch the magic unfold.
Affogato coffee ice cream toppings:
There is so much opportunity for creativity when it comes to Affogato toppings. You may serve it with only coffee and ice cream, but if you want to be daring or wow someone, try these:
- Caramel sauce
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Biscotti or Italian pizzelle cookies, crushed
- Chocolate shavings from a chocolate bar
- Sea salt
- Toasted and chopped hazelnuts or pistachios
- Grated chocolate espresso beans
- Chocolate sauce
- Liquor for adults (Bailey’s, Frangelico, or Kahlua)
Additional affogato flavor combinations:
- Vanilla ice cream, espresso, chocolate shavings
- Vanilla bean ice cream, roasted chopped pistachios, caramel sauce, espresso
- Vanilla bean ice cream, espresso, chocolate sauce, sea salt
Is it possible to make affogato ahead of time?
You may scoop the ice cream and even add toppings ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Remove from the freezer just before serving and pour espresso over the ice cream. If the espresso or coffee is scalding hot, pour it over the ice cream rather than immediately over the glass to avoid breaking it.
Serving the affogato in cooled glasses or bowls is ideal on hot days or when serving outside since the ice cream will not melt immediately.
What is an Affogato shot from Starbucks?
The term affogato is often used at Starbucks to describe how the espresso shot is poured into the drink. An espresso shot poured last or on top of anything is known as an affogato-style shot.
For example, if you want a large latte affogato, the barista will pour the milk first, followed by the espresso shot.
In addition, when you request an Affogato Frappuccino, the Starbucks barista will pour a shot of espresso over your iced blended drink, creating a lovely ombre effect.
In certain regions, the shot is even poured on top of the whipped cream.
In a way, they’re drowning the other constituents of your drink in espresso.
That is the reasoning behind Starbucks’ coffee affogato.
Affogato Recipe
Ingredients
- Two spoonful scoops of vanilla ice cream (or vanilla gelato)
- 2 oz strong brewed coffee (2 shots) or espresso
Instructions
- In a serving dish or glass, place two scoops of ice cream.
- If preferred, top with chocolate shavings or other toppings.
- Immediately pour two shots of strong brewed coffee or hot espresso over the ice cream and serve.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what an affogato is, go ahead and order one at your favorite Italian restaurant or make one at home.
It’s a delectably simple but tasty dish that you should try.
You may, however, go to a Starbucks and get a drink with an affogato-style espresso shot poured into it.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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