Wave Gelato: how we make the perfect Affogato (and why Italians love it)
An affogato is a minimalist Italian dessert: a scoop of gelato with a shot of hot espresso (the word affogato literally means “drowned” in Italian). It lives on the border between dessert and coffee — eaten with a spoon, sometimes drunk through a straw, and often treated as an elegant finish to a meal.
The Origins of the Affogato
The origins of the affogato are fuzzy. Most food historians agree it is Italian in origin but disagree about an exact date or inventor. Two common theories are that the affogato emerged once espresso became widespread — likely in the 20th century — or that similar pairings of cold cream/dessert with hot coffee evolved regionally over time. Some sources point to a mid-20th-century rise in popularity as gelato production modernised; others simply note that the name entered English usage relatively late.
Wave Gelato’s affogato — our philosophy
Since we introduced the affogato to our market about two years ago, it has enjoyed steady customer adoption — and not only among Italians. The affogato is a year-round product: light and refreshing in summer, comfortingly indulgent in winter. We always allow customers to choose their preferred gelato flavour, but recommend creamy, nutty options such as vanilla, vegan chocolate, pistachio or hazelnut. These profiles pair particularly well with espresso, providing a rounded sweetness and mouthfeel that complements the coffee’s acidity and helps create a silky coffee-gelato emulsion on the palate.
Buy our gelato and make your own affogato at home
You can buy our gelato on our website or when you pass by Broadway Market; we also sell gelato thermo boxes in different sizes. Making your affogato at home is quick and straightforward:
Pull a shot of espresso with your espresso machine (a Moka pot works fine if that’s what you have).
Place one or two spoonfuls of gelato in a mug or small glass.
Pour the hot espresso over the gelato and enjoy.
When you’re next getting an espresso, try something different, order an affogato and you’ll see why it’s a year-round favourite.
