When we think of coffee during the warmer months, cold brew tends to be the star. Its smoothness, freshness, and versatility make it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy coffee without sacrificing a refreshing drink.
But there's another option that deserves a prominent place on any summer menu: the affogato.
More than a dessert and much more than a coffee with ice cream, the affogato is a simple, elegant, and surprising experience that allows you to discover coffee from a completely different perspective.
What is an affogato?
The original recipe couldn't be simpler: a scoop of ice cream, traditionally vanilla, over which a freshly brewed espresso is poured.
The contrast between the heat of the coffee and the cold of the ice cream creates a unique combination of temperatures, aromas, and textures. In each spoonful, the intensity of the espresso, the creaminess of the ice cream, and a blend of flavors that evolves as the ice cream slowly melts all coexist.
Its charm lies precisely in its simplicity.
A perfect alternative to cold brew
Cold brew will continue to be one of the summer's main references, but incorporating the affogato offers a completely different experience.
While cold-infused coffee stands out for its smooth and refreshing profile, the affogato retains all the personality of a freshly extracted espresso, adding a creamy dimension that transforms the tasting experience.
They don't compete with each other; they complement each other.
Someone who enjoys a cold brew in the morning can find in an affogato the perfect finish for a meal, a snack, or a summer afternoon.
Each coffee creates a different affogato
One of the great advantages of the affogato is that it changes completely depending on the coffee used.
An origin with fruity notes will bring freshness and vivacity to the whole. A coffee with chocolate nuances will enhance the sweet character of the ice cream. Sweeter profiles will offer a well-rounded and balanced result, while coffees with more personality will create surprising contrasts.
That's why the affogato is a magnificent way to discover how the origin of the coffee influences the final experience.
Much more than vanilla
Although vanilla ice cream is the traditional accompaniment, there are countless combinations that work wonderfully.
Some of our favorites are:
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Fruity profile coffee with mango or passion fruit ice cream.
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Coffee with citrus and chocolate notes with dark chocolate and orange ice cream.
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Ethiopian coffees with cream- or mascarpone-based ice cream and berries.
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Brazilian coffees with dulce de leche, salted caramel, or pecan ice cream.
Each combination opens the door to new nuances without losing the prominence of the coffee.
A simple experience with great added value
Whether prepared at home or in a coffee shop, the affogato offers many advantages.
It requires very few ingredients, is prepared in just a few minutes, and allows you to leverage the quality of a good espresso to create a different, attractive, and visually appealing offering.
Furthermore, it's an excellent way to introduce specialty coffee to those who normally prefer a dessert over a black coffee.
Summer can also taste like espresso
When temperatures rise, we tend to look for cold drinks. Cold brew perfectly meets that need, but the affogato demonstrates that an espresso can also become a refreshing experience.
There's no need to choose between one or the other.
Cold brew invites you to enjoy coffee calmly throughout the day. The affogato, on the other hand, turns a few minutes into a small ritual where coffee and ice cream meet to offer a different, creamy experience full of nuances.
This summer, dare to discover both ways to enjoy coffee. Because when the raw material is excellent, there's always a new way to savor it.
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