Origin: Italy  |  Prep: 2 minutes  |  Brew: 1 minute

About This Brew

Affogato, Italian for 'drowned', is the simplest and most decadent of coffee treats: a scoop of cold vanilla gelato or ice cream 'drowned' under a hot shot of espresso. Equal parts dessert and beverage, it sits proudly on Italian menus as a dolce, eaten with a spoon as the espresso slowly melts the gelato into a creamy, coffee-laced pool.

The magic is in the contrast: scalding, bitter espresso against sweet, cold cream, the two melting together into something richer than either alone. It comes together in seconds and needs nothing else, though a splash of amaretto, Frangelico or a sprinkle of crushed nuts or chocolate can dress it up. It is the ideal finish to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large scoop vanilla gelato or ice cream
• 1 hot shot espresso
• Liqueur, crushed nuts or grated chocolate (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Espresso machine or moka pot
• Small glass or bowl
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Place a scoop of gelato into a chilled glass or bowl.
2. Pull a fresh, hot shot of espresso.
3. Pour the espresso directly over the gelato.
4. Add a splash of liqueur or a sprinkle of nuts/chocolate if desired.
5. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Tags: Europe · Hot · Easy