Restaurants›The Little Jewel of New Orleans›Affocato Recipe

Affocato Recipe

Inspired by The Little Jewel of New Orleans

Time7m

Serves1

Make Affocato Recipe in just 7m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Affogato

2 shots Freshly brewed espresso2 scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream1 tsp dark chocolate shavings1 tbs toasted almond slivers (optional)1 tsp coffee liqueur (optional)1/2 tsp grated orange zest (optional)

Equipment & serving

1 to taste pre-warmed small serving glass or cup1 to taste espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker1 to taste small spoon

Method

Affogato

Chill and prepare

Place two scoops of vanilla gelato or ice cream into a small serving glass or cup. For best texture, remove gelato from the freezer for about 1–2 minutes before scooping so it’s slightly softened but still firm.

Brew espresso

Brew two fresh shots of espresso (about 60 ml total). If using a stovetop espresso maker, brew a concentrated 1–2 oz. Keep the espresso hot and serve immediately after brewing.

Optional liqueur

If using coffee liqueur, pour 1 teaspoon over the gelato scoops now to add depth. Swirl gently so the liqueur soaks slightly into the surface but does not fully melt the gelato.

Assemble

Carefully pour the hot espresso over the gelato scoops — pour slowly so one scoop is partially submerged and the other retains some shape. The hot coffee will melt the gelato creating a creamy, coffee-flavored sauce.

Garnish

Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the top, add the toasted almond slivers if using, and finish with a light dusting of grated orange zest for brightness.

Serve immediately

Serve the affogato right away with a small spoon. Encourage diners to break the gelato with the spoon and combine with the espresso as they eat.

Equipment & serving

Use a warmed glass or cup to help maintain temperature contrast — run hot water into the cup, discard, then assemble. Provide a small spoon for scooping and stirring. Clean espresso equipment promptly after brewing.