Affogato: Gelato Meets Coffee

Among the simplest yet most refined combinations in the world of artisan gelato is the affogato: a scoop of gelato—often fiordilatte or cream—“drowned” in a freshly brewed hot espresso. A simple gesture that becomes a multi-sensory experience, winning hearts with its balance, contrast, and intensity.

Behind its apparent simplicity, the affogato hides a fascinating history and many curiosities worth discovering.

Five Things to Know About Affogato

1. A Dessert Born by Chance
   Legend has it that the affogato was created by mistake: a customer ordered gelato and coffee separately, but the waiter accidentally poured the espresso directly over the scoop. From that moment, the “incident” became an icon of Italian gelato culture.

2. Not Just Coffee
   While the best-known version uses coffee, the affogato lends itself to endless variations. Some make it with hot chocolate, others with liqueurs such as amaretto or Baileys, or even with warm fruit, creating new flavour nuances while preserving the hot/cold contrast that defines it.

3. Dessert or Drink? It Depends Where You Are
   In Italy, it’s considered a dessert to be enjoyed with a spoon. Abroad, however, the affogato is often served in cocktail glasses and consumed as a drink, sometimes topped with whipped cream or a splash of alcohol.

4. A Perfect Balance of Energy and Sweetness
   The affogato unites two iconic elements of Italian tradition: coffee, with its intensity and energising power, and gelato, which offers freshness, creaminess, and delicate sweetness. Together, they create a balanced, delightful experience at any time of day.

5. The Secret Lies in the Pace
   To fully enjoy an affogato, don’t stir it too much. First, savour it with a spoonful that captures both layers, then let the warmth of the coffee gradually melt the gelato, creating a velvety texture and a rich, harmonious flavour.

A Dessert That Becomes an Experience

The affogato is the meeting point of two worlds: artisan gelato and coffee—two Italian excellences that Babbi celebrates through the selection of the finest ingredients and continuous pursuit of technical perfection.

Versatile, elegant, and satisfying, the affogato remains one of the most iconic ways to enjoy gelato, adaptable to all seasons, occasions, and tastes.