Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRed AshEspresso Affogato Recipe

Espresso Affogato Recipe

Inspired by Red Ash
Time15m
Serves2

stracciatella gelato / frangelico fonte espresso

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Ingredients

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Gelato

Espresso

Liqueur & Garnish

Method

Prep

  1. 1

    Chill servingware

    If possible, chill the serving glasses or small bowls in the freezer for 10–15 minutes so the gelato holds its texture against hot espresso.

  2. 2

    Have the stracciatella gelato slightly softened so it's scoopable but still cold (leave at room temperature 2–4 minutes if straight from very hard freezer).

Assemble Affogato

  1. 3

    Place 3 scoops of stracciatella gelato into each chilled serving glass or bowl, arranging so there is a little peak for visual appeal.

  2. 4

    Pour 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of Frangelico evenly over the gelato in each serving. The liqueur will seep into and flavor the gelato.

  3. 5

    Brew two fresh shots (about 2 oz / 60 ml) of espresso. Use the freshest possible coffee and pull the shots just before serving to retain crema and heat.

  4. 6

    Immediately after pulling the espresso, pour one hot espresso shot over the gelato and liqueur in each serving. Pour slowly in the center to create attractive melting patterns.

Finish & Serve

  1. 7

    Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of finely grated dark chocolate over each affogato to enhance the stracciatella chocolate notes.

  2. 8

    If using, scatter about 1 teaspoon of toasted chopped hazelnuts on top for crunch and to echo the Frangelico's hazelnut flavor.

  3. 9

    Serve immediately with a small spoon. Encourage guests to eat promptly while espresso is hot and gelato still holds some texture.

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