Last updated: 10 October 2026
An affogato is a scoop of ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. In Italian, affogato means "drowned". It takes about a minute to put together.
You don't need an espresso machine for it. A serving of Ten15 Espresso dissolved in a little hot water makes a strong enough shot.
What you need
- 1 serving of Ten15 Espresso (2 g, freeze-dried)
- 1–2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (good quality: this is a two-ingredient recipe, so the ice cream matters)
- Hot water
Optional: a pinch of salt, crushed biscuits, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel.
How to make it
- Chill your glass. Put a small glass or bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. It keeps the ice cream from melting too fast.
- Make a strong shot. Add one serving of Espresso to a small cup and add about 60 ml hot water. That's stronger than the 180 ml on the pack, because an affogato wants a concentrated shot. Stir until it's fully dissolved.
- Scoop. Add one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream to your chilled glass.
- Pour and eat immediately. Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream at the table. Spoon it up while the edges are melting and the middle is still cold.
Total time is under five minutes, most of it spent chilling the glass.
5 ways to make it yours
- Salted caramel: a drizzle of caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
- Crunch: crushed biscuits, nankhatai crumbs or chopped pistachios on top.
- Chocolate: chocolate shavings or a spoon of melted dark chocolate.
- Dairy-free swap: a dairy-free vanilla ice cream works just as well.
- Brownie base: serve it over a warm brownie.
Make it for guests
This is an easy dessert for guests. Line up small glasses, scoop the ice cream ahead of time, keep them in the freezer, and pour the espresso at the table. Four glasses take four servings and about five minutes.
If you like coffee desserts, our no-bake coffee tiramisu is the next one to try.
Tips for the best affogato
- Use hot water, not warm. The contrast between hot coffee and cold ice cream is the whole point.
- Serve right away. An affogato waits for no one.
- Go small. One scoop and a small shot is an elegant dessert. Two scoops and a bigger shot is dinner.
- Taste and adjust. If you want it bolder, use a little less water. Gentler? A little more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make affogato without an espresso machine? Yes. A serving of freeze-dried Espresso dissolves in hot water, so you get a strong coffee shot with just a kettle and a cup.
Which ice cream is best for affogato? Classic vanilla is the traditional choice. Salted caramel, hazelnut and chocolate also work well. Pick a good-quality, creamy one.
How much water should I use? We suggest about 60 ml for one serving, which makes it concentrated. The pack's 180 ml makes a regular black coffee, so adjust to taste.
Can I use Ten15 Americano instead? You can, and it'll be a little gentler. Here's how Espresso and Americano differ.
Is it okay to use the latte sachets? They already contain milk and sweetness, so they make a different, creamier dessert. For a classic affogato, stick to Espresso.
Your dessert starts with one serving
Grab Ten15 Espresso, or try the Starter Pack — 50% off to taste the whole range.
Try the Starter Pack — 50% Off
Keep reading: No-Bake Coffee Tiramisu and Dalgona Coffee at Home.
