An affogato (/ˌɑːfəˈɡɑːtoʊ, ˌæf-/), more precisely known as (gelato) affogato al caffè^[1] (Italian for '(ice cream) drowned in coffee'), is an Italian coffee-based dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of plain milk-flavored (fior di latte) or vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso. Some variations add a shot of amaretto, bicerin, Kahlúa, or other liqueur.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

Though restaurants and cafés in Italy categorize the affogato as a dessert, some restaurants and cafés outside of Italy categorize it as a beverage.^[7] Whether a dessert or beverage, restaurants and cafés usually serve the affogato in a tall glass with a narrow bottom, allowing the ice cream to melt and combine with the espresso at the bottom of the glass.^[6] Occasionally, coconut, berries, honeycomb and multiple flavours of ice cream are added.^[8] A biscotto or cookie can also be served and enjoyed alongside this beverage.^[9] Affogati are often enjoyed as a post-meal coffee dessert combo eaten with a spoon and/or drunk with a straw.^[10][1]

While the recipe of the affogato is more or less standard in Italy, consisting of a scoop of fior di latte (unflavored) or vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso, variations exist in European and North American restaurants.^[11]

Various desserts of ice cream "drowned" in other liquids are documented: al whisky,^[12] al cioccolato, al selz, al kirsch, al vinsanto,^[13] nel Porto,^[14] etc.

The origins of the affogato in Italian history are unknown,^[15] but it gained popularity in Italy during the 1950s. This coincided with the industrialization of ice cream production.^[16] English-language dictionaries document the use of affogato in 1988.^[17][18]

Media related to Affogato at Wikimedia Commons

• List of coffee drinks