What’s an Affogato?
What’s an Affogato? The Dreamy Dessert Coffee You Didn’t Know You Needed
At Tom & Dot’s Gelato Shop, we’re all about celebrating life’s simple joys—sunny afternoons, creamy scoops, and cozy coffee moments. But what if we told you there’s a treat that combines all three? Enter: the affogato.
You may have seen it on our menu or heard someone raving about it at the counter. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about—or if you’ve never had one before—get ready for your new favorite indulgence.
What Is an Affogato?
Let’s start with the basics.
The word affogato comes from Italian, meaning “drowned.” And while that might sound dramatic, it’s actually the perfect description of this elegant, simple dessert: a scoop of creamy gelato "drowned" in a fresh, hot shot of espresso.
It’s that magical moment when something hot meets something cold, and the result is a creamy, melty, bittersweet delight. It’s dessert. It’s coffee. It’s comfort in a cup.
At Tom & Dot’s, we serve it up with our signature authentic gelato and delicious hot espresso brewed to perfection. It’s one of those combinations that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
A Little Affogato History
The affogato’s origins are, like many great Italian treats, rooted in simplicity. The dessert became popular in Italy in the mid-20th century, especially in coffee bars where espresso flowed freely and gelato was an everyday treat.
Traditionally, it’s made with vanilla gelato and a single shot of espresso. But over time, people began to experiment with flavors—from chocolate and caramel to nutty or fruity twists. And we’re happy to say: there are no rules. (Well, except one—it has to be delicious.)
Why It’s a Customer Favorite at Tom & Dot’s
We like to think of the affogato as the grown-up cousin of the root beer float. It’s simple, playful, and full of flavor—but with a sophisticated, coffee-forward edge.
Here’s why our customers keep coming back for it:
- It’s the perfect midday or after-dinner treat. Not too heavy, not too sweet, and just enough caffeine to give you a gentle boost.
- It’s customizable. Love caramel? Craving chocolate? We’ll help you find your dream combo.
- It’s both dessert and coffee. Why choose when you can have both?
Plus, our affogato is a great introduction for anyone trying espresso for the first time—it softens the bitterness of the coffee with a creamy, sweet finish.
Our Favorite Gelato Pairings for Affogato
While classic vanilla is a tried-and-true choice, at Tom & Dot’s, we like to get creative. Here are some of our staff and customer favorite affogato pairings:
- Salted Caramel + Espresso
Sweet, salty, and bold—a perfect balance. - Stracciatella (Vanilla Chocolate Chip) + Espresso
Like a fancy mocha, but better. - Chocolate Hazelnut (a.k.a. our Nutella-inspired dream) + Espresso
Rich, indulgent, and unforgettable. - Cherry Almond or Pistachio + Espresso
A nutty, earthy twist for true flavor explorers. - Mint Chocolate Chip + Espresso
A cool, refreshing take on your coffee float.
Feeling adventurous? Ask our team for seasonal recommendations—we always have something new brewing.
How to Enjoy Your Affogato
There’s no wrong way to eat an affogato—but there is a right way to savor it:
- Don’t stir too fast. Let the espresso slowly melt the gelato and create that creamy coffee pool at the bottom.
- Scoop and sip. Take a bite, then a sip. Then repeat. Trust us.
- Take your time. This is a treat meant to be savored—whether you’re chatting with friends or enjoying a solo moment of peace.
Want to take it to the next level? Tom & Dot's also offers an Espresso Eclipse- Three Scoops of Gelato, Two shots of espresso, whipped cream and your choice of chocolate or caramel sauce- Yummm!
Come Try One!
If you’ve never had an affogato, you’re in for a treat. If you have had one, you already know—it’s the kind of dessert you never get tired of.
Whether you’re stopping in for your regular scoop or just need a little pick-me-up, ask for an affogato at the counter. You’ll walk out with more than a dessert—you’ll leave with an experience.
From Italy, with love—and from Tom & Dot’s, with espresso.
