How to Make an Affogato Cocktail
A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Ultimate Serve.
Description: A decadently rich blended cocktail that makes the most indulgent finale to any dinner party or celebration. First created by Simon Difford for Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian bars back in 2013, it’s the perfect choice for guests who love dessert but insist they’re too full for it. Fresh espresso is essential here — it’s what gives the drink that bold, bitter backbone that holds everything together. Whether it’s an intimate supper club or a lavish birthday dinner, this one lands like a showstopper every single time.
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Base Spirit: Vodka
Flavour Profile: Rich, bittersweet, creamy, indulgent
Glassware: Martini Glass (200ml - 250 ml)
Occasion: Dinner Parties, Birthday Celebrations, Supper Clubs, Chef Table Experiences
Created For: Jamie’s Italian Bars, 2013 by Simon Difford
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Ingredients:
• 40ml Vodka
• 20ml Coffee Liqueur
• 15ml Brown Crème de Cacao
• 1 Shot Fresh Espresso (cooled)
• 1 Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
• 3 Coffee Beans (garnish)
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How to make:
Select and pre-chill a coupe glass.
Pull a fresh shot of espresso and allow it to cool slightly, hot espresso will melt the ice cream too fast during the blend.
Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, brown crème de cacao, cooled espresso, and vanilla ice cream into a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy, around 10–15 seconds. You’re looking for a thick, milkshake-like consistency.
Pre-chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Pour the blended mixture into the chilled glass.
Garnish with three coffee beans placed in the centre of the foam.
Serve immediately.
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Allergens:
Recipe contains the following allergens:
Dairy (vanilla ice cream), Milk (coffee liqueur, crème de cacao — brand dependent), Sulphites (wine-based liqueurs, brand dependent)
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Story behind the Serve
Italy’s most beloved dessert, the affogato, a scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso reimagined as a cocktail built for a night to remember. Simon Difford developed this for Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant bars in 2013, and it’s been winning over dessert-skeptics ever since. The brown crème de cacao adds a layer of dark chocolate depth that takes it beyond a simple coffee cocktail, and the vanilla ice cream brings everything together into something gloriously indulgent. When your guests say they couldn’t eat another thing at your next private event, hand them this.
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