L’Affogato: Discovering an Italian Delight

Affogato is a simple-looking but incredibly tasty Italian dessert that brings coffee lovers and ice cream lovers together around the same table. Are you passionate about Italian gastronomy or simply curious to know more about this must-have dessert? Discover all the secrets of affogato, from its origins to its preparation.

The Affogato - What is it?

The term affogato (past participle of the verb affogare) comes from Italian and literally means “drowned.” This name refers to the way in which hot espresso “drowns” the ice cream. Traditionally, affogato consists of a scoop of vanilla ice cream, on which hot espresso is poured. This contrast of flavors and temperatures, between the cold of the ice cream and the heat of the coffee, between the sweetness of the vanilla and the intensity of the coffee, offers an irresistible fusion of flavors for a unique taste experience.

The Origins of Affogato

As its name suggests, the affogato has its roots in Italy. Although it is difficult to trace the precise origins of the affogato, it first appeared in Italian cafes and restaurants in the mid-20th century.

In a country where coffee is an institution and ice cream is a traditional product, affogato is a tasty compromise between a dessert and a hot drink. Often served after a meal, affogato can also be eaten as an afternoon snack. Despite its simple appearance, affogato is a refined dessert, offering an elegant touch after a dinner without requiring a long preparation.

How to Make Affogato at Home?

No long list or complicated instructions, the Affogato recipe couldn't be simpler. Preparing Affogato is quick and easy and requires no special cooking skills.

Ingredients :

• 1 or 2 scoops of Angiolo ice cream of your choice: Bouquet 4 Vanilles (4 Vanillas) for tradition, La Nocciola (Hazelnut), Chocolat Grand Cru (Chocolate), or Angiotella (Gianduja) for a touch of originality)

• 1 shot of hot espresso (about 30 ml): a strong, well-prepared espresso is essential to balance the sweet taste of the ice cream.

The steps:

1. Put Angiolo ice cream in a glass or cup : Choose a small container like a dessert cup or a heat-resistant glass. Place your ice cream ball at the bottom.
2. Making the espresso : The quality and intensity of the coffee are crucial to making a delicious affogato. Use your coffee machine to make a strong, concentrated espresso. The dosage is crucial: too tight and the ice won't be drowned, too long and the intensity of the espresso will be lost.
3. Pour espresso directly over ice : Pour it hot directly over ice.
4. Enjoy immediately : The affogato should be consumed immediately, when the hot coffee begins to melt the ice.

Affogato at Angiolo

With only two ingredients, the quality of an affogato depends on the quality of the products that compose it. An exceptional affogato requires an exceptional ice cream. At Angiolo, Laboratoire de Haute-Glacerie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, discover the affogato in all its excellence. From traditional vanilla to generous hazelnut ice cream, let your creativity run wild by personalizing your affogato according to your tastes:

• Angiolo recommendation – a hazelnut affogato, with our La Nocciola ice cream
• The traditional – the essential vanilla, to rediscover with our Bouquet 4 Vanilles ice cream
• Coffee and its square of chocolate – with our Grand Cru Chocolate ice cream
• The best of both worlds – an affogato combining chocolate & hazelnut, with Angiotella , our gianduja ice cream
• A touch of indulgence – with our signature Saint-Germain-des-Prés caramel ice cream
• The praline touch - with our Pecan Praline

Conclusion: Affogato, the Best of Italy

Appreciated for its simplicity, rich taste and the unique taste experience it offers, affogato has become an essential Italian dessert in just a few decades. Whether you are a coffee lover or a fan of frozen desserts, this dessert, as tasty as it is original, will delight you and your guests.

Angiolo ice creams are available in our store at 180 boulevard Saint Germain, Paris 6, or for delivery in Paris and the first suburbs by ordering directly on our website Angiolo.com , Deliveroo or Uber Eats .