Affogato (/ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːt, ˌæf-/), known in full in Italian as affogato al caffè (lit.'drowned in coffee')[1] and gelato affogato al caffè[citation needed] (lit.'gelato drowned in coffee'), is an Italian dessert comprising a scoop of gelato or ice cream, either plain milk-flavored (fior di latte) or vanilla, topped with hot espresso. Some variations add a shot of amaretto, bicerin, Kahlúa, or other liqueur.[2][3][4][5][6]

Affogato
TypeDessert
Place of originItaly
Main ingredientsGelato or ice cream (vanilla), espresso

Varieties

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Although restaurants and cafés in Italy categorize the affogato as a dessert, some restaurants and cafés outside of Italy categorize it as a beverage.[7] Whether a dessert or beverage, restaurants, and cafés usually serve the affogato in a tall glass with a narrow bottom, allowing the ice cream to melt and combine with the espresso at the bottom of the glass.[6] Occasionally, coconut, berries, honeycomb, and multiple flavors of ice cream are added.[8] A biscotti can also be served alongside.[9] Affogatos are often enjoyed as a post-meal coffee dessert combo eaten with a spoon and/or drunk with a straw.[10][1]

While the recipe of the affogato is more or less standard in Italy, consisting of a scoop of fior di latte (plain milk-flavored) or vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso, variations exist in European and North American restaurants.[11]

Various desserts of ice cream "drowned" in other liquids are documented, including whisky,[12] hot chocolate, soda, kirsch, vin santo,[13] and port wine.[14]

History

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The origins of the affogato are unknown,[15] but it gained popularity in Italy during the 1950s. This coincided with the industrialization of ice cream production.[16] English-language dictionaries document the use of affogato in 1988.[17][18]

See also

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  Media related to Affogato at Wikimedia Commons   Affogato at the Wikibooks Cookbook subproject

References

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  1. ^ a b Nolan, Greg (April 26, 2018). "An Introduction to Affogato (Recipes and Tips)". I Need Coffee. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  2. ^ Vettel, Phil (July 7, 2002). "Unfussy Fortunato; Wicker Park eatery is simply impressive". Chicago Tribune. p. 25.
  3. ^ Gray, Joe (July 3, 2008). "Gelato + espresso = affogato". Chicago Tribune. p. 7. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  4. ^ Leech-Black, Sarah (August 15, 2008). "An affogato to remember". Boston Globe.
  5. ^ Parks, Stella. "Fior di Latte Gelato Recipe". www.seriouseats.com. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  6. ^ a b Powers, Deb. "Drink Guide: Affogato al Caffe". Blackout Coffee Co. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  7. ^ "Recipe Of The Day: Affogato". The Huffington Post. May 17, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  8. ^ "Expensive affogato and arrogant attitude". Tripadvisor. May 23, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  9. ^ "Affogato Recipe". The Travel Bite. August 5, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  10. ^ Schiessl, words: Courtney (July 28, 2017). "What the Heck Is an Affogato". VinePair. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  11. ^ Davies, Emiko (August 26, 2013). "Italian Table Talk: Gelato, affogato & some history". Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  12. ^ Zingarelli, Nicola (1983). "affogato". Vocabulario della lingua italiana (in Italian). Zanichelli.
  13. ^ Fedele, Fabrizia (2005). Gelaterie d'Italia del Gambero Rosso. Oltre 190 indirizzi dal Piemonte alla Sicilia. Ediz. illustrata (in Italian). G.R.H. S.p.A. ISBN 978-88-87180-88-6.
  14. ^ L'Espresso colore (in Italian). 1970.
  15. ^ Petrich, Ivan Laranjeira (July 13, 2020). "What Is An Affogato?". Perfect Daily Grind. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  16. ^ Porte, Café (December 2, 2021). "The history of Café Affogato and how to prepare it". Porte. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  17. ^ "affogato". Oxford English Dictionary. 2012.
  18. ^ "Affogato". Merriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved September 8, 2020.