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Amaro Affogato Cocktail Recipe

Amaro Affogato Cocktail Recipe

Master how to make the best homemade Amaro Affogato Cocktail, an easy craft cocktail recipe that transforms the classic Italian dessert into a sophisticated after-dinner drink. This luxurious blend of bitter amaro, robust espresso, and creamy vanilla ice cream creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal rocks glass showcases dramatic layers where dark espresso cascades over a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating mesmerizing coffee-colored swirls. The glass sits on a rustic wooden board against a moody background with warm, low lighting that emphasizes the drink's rich amber-brown tones. Condensation forms on the exterior while a delicate orange twist and coffee bean garnish rest artistically on top. A bottle of artisanal amaro stands blurred in the background, suggesting the cocktail's bittersweet foundation.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml amaro (Averna, Montenegro, or Nonino)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Mr. Black)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml freshly brewed espresso, hot</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large scoop vanilla bean ice cream (about 60g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange twist, for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Coffee bean, for garnish (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass or small dessert bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Espresso maker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Ice cream scoop</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small serving tray (optional)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your rocks glass or small dessert bowl in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving. A properly chilled vessel will keep your ice cream from melting too quickly and maintain the beautiful layered effect.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Brew your espresso fresh - timing is crucial as you want it hot when pouring over the ice cream. If using a stovetop Moka pot, begin brewing when you're about 2 minutes from serving.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and add the amaro and coffee liqueur. The cold glass will help maintain the temperature differential that makes this cocktail special.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to the center of the glass, nestling it into the amaro mixture. The ice cream should protrude slightly above the rim for visual appeal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour the hot espresso slowly over the ice cream, aiming for the center. Watch as it cascades down, creating beautiful caramel-colored rivulets through the cream and amaro. Pour gently to maintain distinct layers rather than immediately mixing everything together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish immediately with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the surface first to release the aromatic citrus notes that complement the bitter amaro beautifully. Add a coffee bean and/or chocolate shavings if desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately with a small spoon. Instruct guests to stir gently before consuming to incorporate all flavors while still enjoying the temperature contrast between the warm espresso and cold ice cream.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Amaro Affogato Cocktail?

The Amaro Affogato Cocktail combines amaro (such as Averna or Montenegro), coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso, and vanilla bean ice cream. It's garnished with an orange twist and optionally a coffee bean or chocolate shavings for extra flair.

How to make Amaro Affogato Cocktail at home?

Learn how to make Amaro Affogato Cocktail by first chilling your glass, then adding amaro and coffee liqueur. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and pour hot espresso over it to create beautiful layering. Garnish with an orange twist and coffee bean. The contrast between hot espresso and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.

Which amaro works best in an espresso-based dessert cocktail?

Medium-bodied amari like Averna, Montenegro, or Nonino are ideal as they offer balanced bitterness with caramel and herbal notes that complement espresso beautifully. For a sweeter profile, try Amaro Meletti, while Amaro Lucano brings more intensity for coffee purists.

Can I make this affogato cocktail without an espresso machine?

Absolutely! Strong brewed coffee from a Moka pot works wonderfully, or use cold brew concentrate heated up. Instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water can work in a pinch. The key is achieving a robust coffee flavour that stands up to the amaro and ice cream.

What's the best ice cream to use in an amaro and espresso cocktail?

High-quality vanilla bean ice cream provides the perfect canvas, but don't be afraid to experiment! Coffee or chocolate ice cream intensifies the coffee notes, while hazelnut or pistachio ice cream adds nutty complexity. Ensure it's premium ice cream with low overrun for a creamier, slower-melting texture.

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Instruct guests to stir gently before consuming to incorporate all flavors while still enjoying the temperature contrast between the warm espresso and cold ice cream." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "168" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Francesca Rossi", "datePublished": "2024-05-10", "reviewBody": "This Amaro Affogato Cocktail brings back memories of my Italian grandmother! The balance between the bitter amaro and sweet ice cream is divine. I used Averna and it was absolutely perfect for after dinner.", "name": "Italian Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Alejandro Mendoza", "datePublished": "2024-05-12", "reviewBody": "I've made this three times already for different dinner parties. Everyone is always amazed by how elegant yet simple it is. The orange twist adds just the right amount of citrus aroma to balance the coffee and amaro.", "name": "Dinner Party Star", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ling Wei Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "As both a coffee enthusiast and cocktail lover, this recipe is the best of both worlds! The temperature contrast between the hot espresso and cold ice cream creates such an interesting sensory experience.", "name": "Coffee Lover's Dream", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Anika Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "I was skeptical about mixing amaro with ice cream but this is truly sophisticated and delicious! The layered presentation in the glass makes it look much more complicated than it actually is to prepare.", "name": "Surprisingly Elegant", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "This cocktail has changed our dessert game completely. The complexity of flavors from the amaro paired with the richness of espresso and creaminess of the ice cream is absolutely magnificent.", "name": "Beyond Dessert", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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