What Is Affogato?

June 30, 2025

Ice cream. Espresso. No overthinking required.

A Dessert or a Drink?

Affogato is one of those Italian desserts that feels fancy, but takes zero effort. Just a scoop of gelato and a shot of espresso poured over the top. That’s it – creamy, bitter, hot, and cold all at once. If you’ve never tried this coffee-based treat, now’s the time.

We don’t list affogato on the menu at Anita LA, but here’s the good news: you can make it yourself! Choose your scoop from our gelato & ice cream flavors – vanilla, hazelnut, or coffee swirl are classics – and grab a coffee from the bar. Ice cream with espresso has never been easier.

So, What Is Affogato?

The word affogato means “drowned” in Italian – because that’s exactly what happens. Ice cream is drowned in a shot of rich espresso. It melts, softens, and turns into something in between a latte and a dessert. Not quite a drink. Not quite not.

If you’ve wondered how to eat affogato, here’s the answer: you don’t need to overthink it. Sip the coffee as it swirls into the gelato, then spoon up the creamy texture left behind.

For Your Mood (or Your Cravings)

1. Clean and Classic

Try: Vanilla + espresso
The OG classic affogato pairing. Like a latte and a milkshake had a moment. Works any time of day.

2. Rich and Roasty

Try: Hazelnut, Mocha, or Dark Chocolate + espresso
This combo leans into indulgence. Think Nutella meets strong coffee. Deep, toasty, satisfying.

3. Sweet with a Twist

Try: Salted Caramel, Coconut, or Stracciatella + espresso
Spoon-worthy and a bit unexpected. Great when you want something fun but not too heavy.

Make Your Affogato Moment

It’s simple – no need to choose between coffee and ice cream when you can have both at the same time. Next time you’re at our ice cream shop, pick your favorite scoop, add a shot of espresso, and enjoy an affogato: easy to get when you’re at Anita, even easier to enjoy.

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Anita Avital built a global brand from scratch. 28 stores, original recipes, all made in-house – quality you can taste and trust.

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