AFFogato VARIATIONS

I think the best part of being an adult is that you can eat ice cream whenever you want. Actually I take that back, wine is the best part of being an adult. However ice cream any time of day is a close second.
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For this week's Sunday coffee I'm sharing a favorite after dinner drink. Wait, I know what you're thinking...it's Sunday coffee... what's up with the after dinner drink? Well, this drink is a classic cocktail that uses coffee, however I think you could indulge any time of day. A classic affogato is incredibly simple to make yet elegant and indulgent. I've also got a few twists to make it ah-maz-ing. Coffee AND ice cream? Could it get any better?
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So for a basic affogato you really only need two classic ingredients, coffee and ice cream. The key here is quality. You really want to use a strong coffee (espresso is preferable but if you have a Nespresso machine that works too). If you don't have access to espresso just brew a really really strong pot of coffee. ​
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You also want to use a good quality ice cream (this is not the time to skimp on reduced fat or sugar). Look for a french vanilla ice cream that has flecks of vanilla bean visible in it. If you want a reasonably priced option, Haagen-Dazs or Breyers work great, if you can spring for a local specialty ice cream, do that! 
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Okay, so this is how easy it is. Scoop the ice cream (one to two scoops) into a large mug or dessert glass (these ones are adorable). Pour over a shot of hot espresso (or again strong coffee if that's what you have). The result will be a heavenly delicious treat. That's it! So easy and elegant. ​
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Now, as always, there are ways to jazz it up, here are five of my favorites:

1. Syrup

 
Add a drizzle of syrup. Caramel is my prefered, chocolate would be great too. Rasberry would be delicious as well. Add it prior to pouring the coffee on and it will get all melty and delicious.
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2. switch Ice cream flavors

Switch up the ice cream flavor. Although vanilla is the classic in this recipe, you can swap it out for your favorite. Coffee ice cream would be delicious, as would chocolate. I often use salted caramel and love the combo. Essentially if it is a flavor that pairs well with coffee, you can bet that that flavor ice cream will go well too.

3. add nuts or dried fruits

Add in "mix ins." Nuts are my favorite but I also add in bits of chocolate, coconut flakes, and dried fruits. If you can add it to a sundae, you can add it to affogato! 

4. add soda water

What? Yes, you read that right. I know, it sounds weird at first. However just a splash of fizz will give this effervescence and combined with the cold ice cream and hot coffee will get your taste buds going crazy! If you don't like soda water, a splash of coke or root beer works well too.

5. add booze!

My favorite? Add some coffee liquor! Drizzle it over the ice cream just prior to pouring the coffee. I love serving this after dinner, and guests love it too! ​
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You can serve affogato already in the glass, but when serving it as an after dinner drink, I love to serve guests the ice cream with the shot of espresso on the side and let them pour. It's a fun way to end a meal. ​
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There are so many ways to have fun with this simple concept. It really is a great way to end a meal and will definitely make guests think they are getting the ritzy treatment, when in fact it's the easiest dessert to put together! I've also been known to indulge on hot mornings, so it doesn't just have to be an after dinner drink! ​

 
Would you stick with the classic or would you change it up a little? Share your combos below! ​