The origins of the affogato are unknown.
English-language dictionaries document the use of affogato in 1988.
The recipe of the affogato is more or less standard in Italy, consisting of a scoop of fiordilatte (plain milk-flavored) or vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso, variations exist in European and North American restaurants.
Various desserts of gelato in other liquids are documented, including whisky, hot chocolate, kirsch, vin santo, and port wine.
Affogato (), or more fully affogato al caffè (lit. 'drowned in coffee'), is an Italian dessert comprising a scoop of gelato, either fiordilatte (plain milk-flavored) or vanilla, topped with espresso.
In Italy the affogato is often categorized as a dessert, while outside of Italy restaurants and cafés categorize it as a beverage.
Cafés usually serve the affogato in a tall glass with a narrow bottom, allowing the gelato to melt and combine with the espresso at the bottom of the glass.
Occasionally, coconut, berries, honeycomb, and multiple flavors of gelato are added.
Biscotti can also be served alongside.
Some variations add a shot of amaretto, bicerin, Kahlúa, or other liqueur.