Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Gelato und Affogato?

Der Espresso mit Vanilleeis erlebt seit kurzem ein kleines Revival. Er wird sogar schon in den Zügen der Deutschen Bahn serviert. Handelt es sich bei ihm um ein Getränk oder ein Dessert? Beim Affogato ist die Antwort gar nicht so simpel. Während man in Italien die Spezialität als Nachspeise reicht, wird die Kaffee-Eis-Kombi im Ausland als Getränk angeboten. Worauf man sich aber einigen kann, ist die Zubereitung: Auf eine Kugel Vanilleeis wird heißer Espresso gegossen. Das Eis schmilzt durch die Hitze des Kaffees und verbindet sich zu einer cremigen, fein-süßen Emulsion. Von dort kommt auch der Name: "affogato al caffè", wie es im Italienischen heißt, bedeutet so viel wie "ertränkt im Kaffee".

A simple gesture that becomes a multi-sensory experience, winning hearts with its balance, contrast, and intensity. Five Things to Know About Affogato A Dessert Born by Chance Legend has it that the affogato was created by mistake: a customer ordered gelato and coffee separately, but the waiter accidentally poured the espresso directly over the scoop. From that moment, the “incident” became an icon of Italian gelato culture. Not Just Coffee While the best-known version uses coffee, the affogato lends itself to endless variations. Some make it with hot chocolate, others with liqueurs such as amaretto or Baileys, or even with warm fruit, creating new flavour nuances while preserving the hot/cold contrast that defines it. Dessert or Drink? It Depends Where You Are In Italy, it’s considered a dessert to be enjoyed with a spoon. Abroad, however, the affogato is often served in cocktail glasses and consumed as a drink, sometimes topped with whipped cream or a splash of alcohol. A Perfect Balance of Energy and Sweetness The affogato unites two iconic elements of Italian tradition: coffee, with its intensity and energising power, and gelato, which offers freshness, creaminess, and delicate sweetness. Together, they create a balanced, delightful experience at any time of day. The Secret Lies in the Pace To fully enjoy an affogato, don’t stir it too much. First, savour it with a spoonful that captures both layers, then let the warmth of the coffee gradually melt the gelato, creating a velvety texture and a rich, harmonious flavour. A Dessert That Becomes an Experience The affogato is the meeting point of two worlds: artisan gelato and coffee—two Italian excellences that Babbi celebrates through the selection of the finest ingredients and continuous pursuit of technical perfection. Versatile, elegant, and satisfying, the affogato remains one of the most iconic ways to enjoy gelato, adaptable to all seasons, occasions, and tastes.