This Nespresso Affogato Recipe Will Sweeten Up Your Day
Experiencing a midday slump? Transport yourself to the Italian Riviera with four luxuriant syllables: aff-o-gat-o.
The humble affogato, Italian for “drowned,” is a dessert beverage consisting of a scoop of ice cream or gelato submerged in a shot of hot espresso (hence “drowned”). Think of it as an upgraded root beer float. Purists may insist that the affogato should be reserved for after-dinner consumption, but don’t let that stop you from indulging whenever the mood strikes.
Traditionally, this drink can be as simple as one scoop of vanilla ice cream plus one shot of whatever espresso might be on hand. But there are loads of ways to dress up an affogato to create an unforgettable pick-me-up. We recommend selecting your favorite Nespresso pod, and building a flavor profile from there.
For instance, try combining a shot of Nespresso’s Espresso Vanilla with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a tablespoon of honey, and perhaps a dash of hazelnut syrup for a warm, cozy treat. Or, for those seeking more adventurous flavors, combine a bold roast like Nespresso’s Ristretto with a helping of mint (or even mint chocolate chip) ice cream and a sprig of actual mint. Refreshing, no? Those 21 and up might want to spice up an affogato — after work hours! — with a splash of amaretto or other liqueurs. Please drink responsibly.
Other fun goodies to include in an affogato: biscotti, roasted almonds, coconut, berries, honeycomb, chocolate syrup, a bit of cake, mousse, cookies, bananas, etc. English chef Jamie Oliver recommends adding one’s leftover desserts to the foundation of an affogato, such as pie, a tart, or pudding. Ina Garten, Food Network star, advises including whipped cream and chocolate-covered espresso beans for more of an affogato sundae. Is there really a wrong way to combine coffee and ice cream? We don’t think that’s possible. Follow your instincts. Cin cin!