An affogato with coffee, please.
af-fo-GA-to — four syllables, double 'f', stress on third.
When you want gelato 'drowned' in a shot of hot espresso — a grown-up dessert combining gelato and coffee.
'Affogato' = drowned. A scoop of vanilla or fior di latte gelato is 'drowned' with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. The hot coffee partially melts the gelato, creating a rich, bittersweet combination. It can be served as dessert or a refreshing afternoon treat.
Un affogato con due caffè.
An affogato with two coffees.
Double espresso for extra intensity — popular with coffee lovers
Affogato con gelato di pistacchio.
Affogato with pistachio gelato.
Unconventional but excellent — the nuttiness of pistachio with bitter coffee
Affogato con whisky al posto del caffè.
Affogato with whisky instead of coffee.
An adult variation — some cocktail bars offer this version
The affogato is one of Italy's simplest and most perfect desserts — the heat of the espresso creates a hot-cold contrast that is deeply satisfying. It requires only two ingredients but their quality must be impeccable. Many fine dining restaurants serve it as the culminating dessert experience.