What Is Sorbetto?
Emily Klein • February 12, 2026
A Sweet History of Italy’s Most Refreshing Frozen Treat
When it comes to light, refreshing desserts, sorbetto stands in a class of its own. Bright in flavor, silky in texture, and naturally dairy-free, sorbetto has been cooling people down for centuries. But what exactly is sorbetto and where did it come from?
What Is Sorbetto?
Sorbetto (the Italian word for sorbet) is a frozen dessert made from fruit purée or juice, water, and sugar. Unlike gelato or ice cream, it contains no dairy, making it lighter and intensely fruit-forward.
The texture of sorbetto is smooth and delicate—achieved by carefully balancing sugar and water so the mixture freezes softly rather than into a solid block of ice. Traditional flavors include:
Lemon (Limone)
Blood Orange (Arancia Rossa)
Raspberry (Lampone)
Mango
Strawberry
Because there’s no cream to mellow the taste, sorbetto delivers a bold, clean burst of flavor with every spoonful.
The Origins of Sorbetto
Sorbetto’s story stretches back thousands of years.
Ancient Beginnings
The earliest versions of sorbet-like treats date to ancient Persia, where people combined fruit syrups with snow gathered from mountain peaks. These icy delicacies were enjoyed by royalty and were considered a luxury.
The concept traveled along trade routes, eventually reaching the Arab world. The Arabic word “sharbat”—meaning a sweet drink—later evolved into the Italian “sorbetto.”
Arrival in Italy
Sorbetto became especially popular in Sicily, thanks to Arab influence during the Middle Ages. Sicily’s warm climate and access to citrus fruits made it the perfect birthplace for refined fruit-based frozen desserts.
By the Renaissance, sorbetto was a favorite among Italian nobility. It’s even said that Catherine de’ Medici introduced frozen desserts to France in the 16th century when she married King Henry II.
From Royalty to Everyday Indulgence
As ice harvesting and later refrigeration improved, sorbetto became more accessible to the public. What was once reserved for elites eventually became a staple in Italian cafés and gelaterias.
Today, sorbetto is enjoyed worldwide—served as: A light dessert. A palate cleanser between courses. A refreshing summer treat
Sorbetto vs. Sorbet vs. Gelato
While “sorbet” and “sorbetto” are essentially the same, sorbetto is typically associated with Italian craftsmanship and traditional preparation methods.
Compared to gelato:
Sorbetto
= fruit, water, sugar (dairy-free)
Gelato
= milk, cream, sugar, and sometimes eggs
Sorbetto is lighter and more refreshing, while gelato is creamy and rich.
Why Sorbetto Is Still So Popular
Sorbetto has stood the test of time because it offers:
✔ Clean, vibrant flavors
✔ A dairy-free dessert option
✔ A naturally refreshing texture
✔ Simplicity rooted in tradition
In a world full of over-the-top desserts, sorbetto remains beautifully uncomplicated—just fruit, sweetness, and centuries of history in every bite.
Whether enjoyed in a seaside café in Italy or scooped fresh at your local gelato shop like Tom & Dot's,
sorbetto is more than just frozen fruit. It’s a timeless dessert born from innovation, culture, and a universal love for something sweet and refreshing.
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.
The Main Scoop
