Sep 04 2026

Affogato Recipe

Time10m
Serves1

SCOOP OF VANILLA ICE CREAM TOPPED WITH A SHOT OF ESPRESSO AND AMARETTO SYRUP

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Ingredients

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Affogato

For espresso (if making at home)

Garnish / optional

Method

Affogato

  1. 1

    Prepare glass and ice cream

    Chill a small serving glass or coupe in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. Place 2 generous scoops of high-quality vanilla ice cream into the chilled glass, arranging them so they're slightly rounded and not tightly packed.

  2. 2

    Add amaretto syrup

    Drizzle 1 tablespoon of amaretto syrup evenly over the top of the ice cream scoops so the flavor is distributed. If you prefer a lighter almond note, use 1 teaspoon instead.

  3. 3

    Brew espresso

    Brew one fresh espresso shot (about 30 ml). If using an espresso machine, grind ~7 g beans and extract a 30 ml shot. If you don't have espresso, brew very strong coffee (30–45 ml) using an Aeropress or Moka pot.

  4. 4

    Toast almonds (optional)

    If using toasted sliced almonds, warm a small dry skillet over medium heat and toast 1 teaspoon of sliced almonds, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat to stop cooking.

  5. 5

    Assemble

    Immediately after brewing, pour the hot espresso shot directly over the ice cream and amaretto syrup. Pour slowly so the espresso cascades over the scoops, creating a mélange of melted cream and coffee.

  6. 6

    Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle toasted almonds and 1 teaspoon of dark chocolate shavings over the affogato. If desired, add an extra drizzle (1 teaspoon) of amaretto syrup and a small mint leaf for color. Serve immediately with a small spoon — the contrast of hot espresso and cold ice cream is best enjoyed right away.

For espresso (if making at home)

  1. 7

    Measure 7 g of freshly roasted espresso beans and grind to a fine consistency suitable for your espresso machine. Tamp and extract a 30 ml shot into a cup immediately before pouring over the ice cream.