what is affogato

An affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert that consists of a scoop of plain milk-flavored or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso. The word "affogato" loosely translates from Italian into English as "drowned," which is fitting since the hot espresso is poured over the cold gelato. Some variations also include a shot of amaretto, Bicerin, Kahlúa, or other liqueur. While the recipe of the affogato is more or less standard in Italy, consisting of a scoop of fior di latte (unflavored) or vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso, variations exist in European and American restaurants. Although it is mainly viewed as a dessert, some restaurants and cafes in Italy still categorize the affogato as a beverage. It is often served in a tall narrowing glass, allowing the gelato or ice cream to melt and combine with espresso into the hollowed space in the bottom of the glass. An affogato can be enjoyed as a post-meal coffee dessert combo eaten with a spoon and/or drunk with a straw.