Move over, cold brew – the affogato is having its moment. If you haven’t experienced the magic of hot espresso “drowning” perfectly churned gelato, you’re missing out on what might be the most Instagram-worthy coffee creation of the season.

 Why are coffee influencers suddenly obsessing over this drink? Because it hits every pleasure point: the dramatic pour, the mesmerizing melt, the interplay of temperatures and textures that makes every spoonful a revelation. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make – once you know the insider tricks that separate a good affogato from a transcendent one.

First, let’s talk history (because we all love a good origin story). The affogato, meaning “drowned” in Italian, emerged from Italy’s legendary café culture. While several regions claim to be its birthplace, what matters is how this simple combination – hot espresso poured over gelato – has become a global sensation.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to affogato perfection:

1. Bean Selection: This is crucial. Skip the dark roasts – they’ll overwhelm the gelato. Instead, opt for medium-dark beans with chocolate and nut notes. My current go-to? A naturally fermented Bourbon from Minas Gerais in Brazil. The natural chocolate and nut notes create an unforgettable flavour profile that spoons smoothly with the gelato.

2. The Gelato Question: Yes, you could use ice cream, but don’t. Traditional gelato’s lower fat content and denser texture create that perfect, slow-motion melt that makes for killer Reels. Vanilla is classic, but here’s a pro tip: try fior di latte for an even more authentic experience. The subtle dairy notes complement the espresso perfectly.

3. Perfect Your Pour: Here’s where the bliss kicks in. You need one perfect scoop (about 75g) of gelato and a double shot (60ml) of freshly pulled espresso at precisely 190°F. The temperature differential is everything – too hot, and you’ll have coffee soup; too cool, and you miss the drama.

Ready to level up? Try these game-changing variations:

• Add a dust of raw cacao just before pouring
• Garnish with orange zest for a citrus kick
• For special occasions, spike your espresso with a splash of amaretto
• Try a sprinkle of Maldon salt for a mind-blowing sweet-savory experience

Pro tip: Video your pour in slow motion – trust me, your engagement rates will thank you. The key is catching that moment when the espresso first hits the gelato. Pure coffee content gold.

Be sure to tag your creations with #AffogatoMaster – I’ll be sharing the best ones in my Stories!

Remember: great coffee is about more than just the perfect pour – it’s about creating moments worth sharing. Like, share and comment if you’re ready to up your affogato game, and let me know which variation you’ll try first!

Next week: Why your choice of grinder might make all the difference for you. Hit that subscribe button for The Coffee Authority Weekly so you don’t miss it!