Tipsy Affogato

Everyday Food (May 2010)

Surely you're familiar with the drag queen name-game, right? You know, the one where you take the name of your first pet, coupled with the first street you lived on, and that's the name you'd adopt as your fabulous drag-queen persona?

Zach has always thought this particular method yielded a great drag name for him: "Suki Westwood." Clay's, on the other hand, is a little less ideal: "Treasure Route #1."  (Although that's still better than our friend Whitney's would-be drag name: "Reggie Old Medina Hwy.")

Well, apologies to the drag queen name-game, but we've decided on a new moniker, should the mood ever strike us to paint on some makeup and slap on a wig: "Tipsy Affogato."

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Tipsy Affogato! 

It's got a nice ring to it, yes?

Okay, okay. We're not going to do drag anytime soon. (Trust us, we would make for some ugly ladies.) Instead, we'll continue to make this dessert, which has instantly become one of our all-time favorites.

We'd heard of affogatos for a long time, although we hadn't ever tried one. They're classic Italian desserts that consist of ice cream or gelato swimming in coffee or espresso (affogato is Italian for "drowned"). It always sounded fine to us -- who wouldn't like ice cream with some coffee poured on it? -- but too simplistic to be anything very special.

We couldn't have been more wrong. This Tipsy Affogato is one of the most delicious, most satisfying desserts we've had in a long time. The creamy vanilla ice cream, the hot, strong coffee, and the nutty, sweet Frangelico make a to-die-for trio.

And it couldn't be any simpler. We like to keep desserts simple, especially in the summer. Usually, that means either fresh or grilled fruit (easy) or a granita (even easier). But those easy peasy desserts are complex and time-consuming compared to these affogatos.

Seriously, just a couple scoops of some really good vanilla ice cream, some strong, fresh-brewed coffee, and a little pour (or two) of hazelnut liqueur. Perfection!

Trust us -- this is going to become your favorite dessert of the summer. And why not?  It's cool, refreshing, delicious and, most importantly, effortless.

After all, making complicated desserts can be such a drag.

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UPDATE: Over on our Facebook page folks are leaving their "drag names" and it's a hoot. Leave yours in the comments below! 

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Tipsy Affogato
Everyday Food (May 2010)
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(This photo: Martha Stewart Living)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pint vanilla-bean ice cream
• 1/4 cup strong coffee
• 1 ounce Frangelico or other hazelnut liqueur

DIRECTIONS

Divide ice cream among four tumblers. Pour coffee and Frangelico or other hazelnut liqueur over ice cream in each glass and serve.

OTHER AFFOGATO IDEAS

• Try chocolate ice cream with Benedectine or orange liqueur. 
• Use masala chai tea instead of coffee.
• Serve with lady fingers or butter cookies for dipping.
• Sprinkle with chopped dark chocolate or cocoa nibs.
  

Comments

[sarah @ syrupandhoney]

I'm so glad you made this...When I saw it in the magazine I pointed it out to my husband immediately: we must make this soon. But we haven't! Thanks for the additional push.

[Paula]

oh, it`s great! I`ll do it tomorrow :)

[Amy]

mmm.....I like anything that has 'tipsy' in the title :) I'm a true Tennessee girl at heart!

[Heather Antonelli]

I would be Rebel Cherry Lane! Imagine.
I am Italian and grew up with affogato I can happily say. Glad to see its still a fav out there.
Great post.

[Rocquie]

Your dessert looks scrumptious.

signed,
Brandy Floral

[Heather]

I have to respectfully disagree...I think you are both quite lovely as you are, and would be equally attractive drag queens, should the mood ever strike! :)

[Morgan]

Literally leaving to buy the ingredients for this NOW

[mixbakestir]

What a terrific combination. I am such a fan of the separate ingredients and can't wait to try them together. Now clear the stage for Smokey Boyd!

[sarah @ syrupandhoney]

Finally had this last night and I whole-heartedly agree - amazing!

[Kelly]

My name would be "Barney 7th Street." I think not.

Total coffee overload: try it with Kahlua.

[Heather Tophen]

Tiger Perth Line 88.... I wouldn't pay to see that.

[Diane]

Should the coffee be hot in this recipe?

[Clay]

Hi Diane -- The coffee can be hot or cold. Totally up to you. We used hit coffee, but of course that makes the ice cream melt quicker.

Enjoy!

[abby jenkins]

Afuggetaggato! I am so craving this right now....hope you don't mind I linked you to today's post.

[Sarah]

My signature dessert for next summer!
Thanks,
Taffy Whipporwill

[taobao]

a friend indeed is a friend in need

[Amber Murphy]

My drag name would be Dot Clark, has a nice ring to it : ) except I'm a woman so....
I couldn't agree more about affogato style treats, I still remember my first.

[GenevaVargas]

According to my own investigation, thousands of persons in the world receive the credit loans from various banks. Thence, there is good chances to find a secured loan in every country.

[Deborah]

Love the post, and LOVE the affogato. Thanks for the tip.

BTW, my drag queen name would be Muffin Fennimore, which I think works in an old-world sort of way.

[Patti]

Honey Connection.

The addition of frangelico to affogato sounds sublime- I know what I am having for dessert today!

[Betty Loulu]

My name would be Diamond Monroe. LoL. I will be making this for holiday dessert!