This affogato recipe is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that is a tea lover’s twist on the classic. Pour a tea of your choice over a scoop of ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold treat.
What is Affogato?
Affogato is probably one of the most simple desserts. Traditionally, it is a scoop or two of cold ice cream served with hot espresso poured over it. That’s it!
The Italian word affogato means drowned. So, essentially ice cream drowns in espresso in this popular treat. It’s the perfect mix of hot and cold and the simplicity makes it even more appealing.
For a twist on this classic Italian dessert, tea can be used instead of espresso! Similar to the original version, hot tea can offer a unique flavour and balance to the sweet and creamy gelato.
Tea Affogato Variations
The best part about making affogato with tea is that you can try it with so many different types of teas – pure teas, tea blends, herbal teas, etc.
The list below is just the beginning of many tea affogato recipes you can make!
- Earl Grey Affogato
- Chai Affogato
- Matcha Affogato (the recipe for this is slightly different since it is a tea powder, check it out here)
- Hojicha Affogato
- Roasted Oolong Affogato
- Jasmine Green Tea Affogato
Tea and Ice Cream Combos
Vanilla gelato or ice cream is the traditional choice for affogato, but don’t let that stop you from using another ice cream flavour. It’s fun to try different tea and ice cream combinations!
For this how-to guide I used vanilla ice cream with a black tea, but here are some other combinations to add to your list.
- Chocolate Ice Cream with Earl Grey black tea
- French Vanilla Ice Cream with Roasted oolong
- Butterscotch Ice Cream with Hojicha
- Cookies and Cream Ice Cream with Chai
Tea Affogato Recipe
Find the printable recipe card below for the full directions and ingredient measurements!
Heat water to the temperature needed for the type of tea you are using for this recipe.
Example: If you are using a black tea, you may need to use freshly boiled water (100°C/212°F). But, if you are using a green tea, you may need to use under boiling water (80°C/175°F).
Steep the tea of choice in hot water for the time recommended. Cover the tea while steeping.
When the time is up, strain the loose leaf tea leaves or remove the tea bag.
Add a scoop of ice cream or gelato to a small bowl, teacup, mug or glass.
Pour the tea while it is still hot over the cold ice cream or gelato. The ice cream will slowly melt and merge with the tea. Enjoy immediately!
How to Eat Tea Affogato
Tea affogato can be consumed the same way as the espresso version. Using a spoon, eat the ice cream and then drink the remaining tea with the melted ice cream.
Top Tips & Tricks
- The tea should still be fairly hot when pouring on the ice cream. Make sure the ice cream is very cold (hasn’t been sitting out for long) or else it will melt immediately when the 2 ingredients are combined.
- For more texture, add toppings! Some ideas include: crushed cookies, sprinkles, citrus zest, shaved chocolate, nuts and/or fruit. There are no toppings on a traditional affogato, but since this is a tea version you can do whatever you like.
- The serving bowl/glass should be small so that the ice cream properly drowns in the tea.
Tea Affogato
This affogato recipe is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that is a tea lover’s twist on the classic. Pour a tea of your choice over a scoop of ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold treat.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of loose leaf tea or 1 tea bag
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or gelato
Instructions
Heat water to the temperature needed for the type of tea you are using for the tea affogato. Example: if you are using a black tea, you may need to use freshly boiled water (100°C/212°F) But, if you are using a green tea, you may need to use under boiling water (80°C/175°F).
Steep the tea of choice in hot water for the time recommended (ie. Black tea 5 minutes, Green tea 2 minutes). Cover the tea while steeping.
When the time is up, strain the loose leaf tea leaves or remove the tea bag.
Add a scoop of ice cream or gelato to a small bowl, teacup, mug or glass. Pour the tea while it is still hot over the cold ice cream or gelato.The ice cream will slowly melt and merge with the tea. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Learn more about the recommended water temperature and steeping time for different types of teas on the blog here.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
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Which tea would you love to try as an affogato? Let me know in the comments!
