Brew guide · Affogato · Updated 2026-08-23
Affogato: The 2-Minute Italian Dessert Coffee
Espresso poured over vanilla gelato — Italy's best dessert idea. The classic affogato recipe plus boozy variations, bean picks and moka pot instructions for no-machine kitchens.
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Step by step
- 1
Chill everything(Step 1)
Put your serving glass and the gelato in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting. A pre-chilled glass stops the gelato collapsing into soup before the coffee even arrives — you want a slow melt at the table, not a puddle in the kitchen.
- 2
Pull the espresso(Step 2)
Brew one short, strong shot — 18 g in, ~30 ml out. A dark or medium-dark roast works best here: chocolatey Brazilian-style beans cut through dairy sweetness far better than bright light roasts. No machine? A moka pot does the job beautifully ([our moka guide](/guides/moka-pot-ratio)) — use the concentrate straight from the top chamber.
- 3
Scoop, then pour(Step 3)
One generous scoop of real vanilla gelato (fior di latte works too) into the cold glass. Serve both components together and pour the espresso over at the table — the half-melted centre is the entire point. Eat immediately with a spoon; drink what's left.
Barista tips
- Use genuine gelato or high-dairy vanilla ice cream — cheap soft-whip dissolves into foam.
- The classic upgrade: a splash of amaretto, Frangelico or sambuca poured in before the coffee.
- Add crunch — crushed amaretti biscuits or dark chocolate shavings on top.
- Make it a dessert course for four: brew a double shot and bring a small jug to the table.
- Decaf works perfectly — nobody can tell, and it's a brilliant after-dinner option ([decaf is genuinely good now](/learn/decaf-coffee-myths)).
Gear for this brew
The best espresso machine under £300 — slim, fast and shockingly capable once you add a decent grinder.
The most-searched espresso bean in the world — and genuinely the best daily-driver value we've tested.
The best beginner espresso machine under £500 — instant heat-up and auto-milk make great espresso genuinely easy.
Frequently asked questions
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