Italian Affogato with Amaretto
It doesn’t get much better than this!
I think my very first Affogato was at our Italian coffee shop, where the coffee and gelato flowed freely and abundantly. Oh, those were the days. I’d traveled to Italy enough to know what truly exceptional gelato tasted like, and we had it...along with the perfect gelato case, authentic scoops, cups, and tiny spoons. That little corner of the café was something I treasured. In many ways, it helped ease my constant longing to return to Italy…at least a little :)
The first Affogato I remember having in Italy was in Lecce, in Puglia, during my first trip there with my husband. We shared it together at a beautiful bar tucked into the historic center...I only wish I could remember the name. We were staying in the old town at the home of our new friend and guide, Gabriele, and those few days felt absolutely magical.
We wandered the streets of the city, tasted wine at a tiny locals-only wine bar with wines served on tap, and dined at restaurants filled with locals rather than tourists. We made Pasticciotto with a handsome Italian pastry chef named Luigi, and one evening we visited the butcher, bought horse steaks (I know, I know… but honestly, they were unbelievably delicious!), and cooked them together with Gabriele alongside fresh artichokes from the market.
It was one of those unforgettable trips that stays with you forever…especially the Affogato :) Read about our Weekend in Lecce»»HERE««
This Affogato recipe includes Amaretto liqueur, though you can absolutely leave it out or substitute another liqueur you prefer. You can also use decaf espresso if you’d like. The most important thing is using high quality espresso…preferably Italian, and ideally brewed in a moka pot. It’s such an elegant-looking dessert for something so simple to prepare. You can even assemble the gelato cups ahead of time and keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to pour over the hot espresso and serve
The recipe
Ingredients
1 Scoop Vanilla Gelato or Ice Cream
1/2 oz Amaretto Liqueur or other liqueur of your choice
Shaved Chocolate or Whipped Cream for Garnish
Instructions
Make the espresso and pour 1 oz into a small cup. Mix in the amaretto or other liqueur if using, set aside.
Add 1 scoop of vanilla gelato into a glass or bowl of your choice.
Pour the espresso and Amaretto on top of the gelato.
Garnish if desired and enjoy right away.
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