Baileys Affogato Coffee Cocktail

This Baileys Affogato Coffee Cocktail puts a twist on a classic Italian ice cream dessert! It's made with Irish Cream, whiskey, and espresso.

If you're looking for a festive dessert cocktail to enjoy this holiday season, you can't do better than this Baileys Affogato. It's an Irish Italian mashup that combines all of the best things in life - Ice cream, coffee, whiskey, and Baileys Irish Cream!

This is one of those things that's so simple and made with only a few ingredients, yet completely satisfying and delicious. It falls somewhere between a dessert and a cocktail and is perfect to serve after dinner or at your next party.

This coffee cocktail is inspired by a traditional Italian dessert made with ice cream (or gelato) topped with espresso. The addition of whiskey and Baileys Irish cream gives it a boozy kick.

All that's needed is to assemble the ingredients in a glass and garnish with shaved chocolate. This affogato is a decadent contrast of cold ice cream, hot coffee, and the nutty chocolate and vanilla flavor of Baileys.

This is one of those concoctions that makes any occasion just a little extra special.

Jump to:

• What Is An Affogato?
• Ingredients For Baileys Affogato Coffee Cocktail
• What Is The Best Ice Cream For An Affogato?
• Which Coffee Is Best?
• How To Make A Baileys Affogato
• Can I Sub Any Of These Ingredients?
• Is Baileys Irish Cream Gluten Free?
• What To Serve With An Affogato
• Can This Affogato Be Made Ahead Of Time?
• Baileys Affogato Coffee Cocktail

What Is An Affogato?

An affogato is an Italian dessert that consists of vanilla ice cream or gelato topped with hot espresso or coffee. The term affogato means 'drowned' in Italian. Ice cream drowned in coffee? Umm, yes please!

A traditional affogato is said to contain two scoops of ice cream and one shot of espresso. A shot of liqueur such as amaretto or Frangelico is sometimes added as well.

If made at home, an affogato can be customized to your liking. You can switch up the flavor or variety of ice cream, coffee, or liquor and adjust the amount of each one to your tastes.

Ingredients For Baileys Affogato Coffee Cocktail

Here's what you'll need to make it.

• Vanilla Ice Cream or Gelato (or ice cream of choice)
• Brewed Espresso or Coffee (regular or decaf)
• Jameson Irish Whiskey (or whiskey of choice)
• Bailey's Irish Cream (or Irish cream of choice)
• Semisweet Chocolate for garnish (optional)

What Is The Best Ice Cream For An Affogato?

As mentioned, this recipe can be customized to your liking.

I recommend a quality brand of vanilla ice cream or gelato, because the vanilla allows the flavors of all the other ingredients to shine through without overpowering them.

A flavor other than vanilla may result in an overly sweet affogato or contrast with the other ingredients. If you'd like to opt for a flavor other than vanilla, I'd recommend one that's not overly sweet or laden with add-ins.

There are many varieties of vanilla ice cream on the market today. Feel free to use a classic ice cream, Italian gelato, lactose free, or a non-dairy ice cream alternative such as almond, coconut, or soy ice cream.

Love ice cream? Check out this Cookies and Cream Ice Cream and No Churn Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream!

Which Coffee Is Best?

Again, the type of coffee used in this Baileys Affogato can be customized to your liking.

Traditionally, an affogato is made with a shot of espresso, but you can sub brewed coffee (regular or decaf) or cold brew coffee (homemade or store-bought).

Feel free to use freshly brewed hot espresso or coffee or allow the espresso or coffee to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the ice cream. Alternately, you can opt for cold brew coffee instead.

Decaf may be used in place of regular coffee if you don't want to keep your guests up all night.

How To Make A Baileys Affogato

When it comes to desserts, it doesn't get any easier than this affogato.

1. Start by brewing a shot of espresso or some strong coffee (regular or decaf).
2. Place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (or non-dairy ice cream alternative) into a serving glass.
3. Add ½ ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey (or whiskey of choice) to the ice cream.
4. Pour 1 ounce of Bailey's Irish Cream (or Irish cream of choice) on top of the ice cream.
5. Pour one shot of brewed espresso or coffee over the ice cream.
6. Garnish the dessert by grating some semisweet baking chocolate over the top using a Microplane zester (this step is completely optional).

Can I Sub Any Of These Ingredients?

Yes, you can sub any of these ingredients to your liking!

• Feel free to use any variety of Irish whiskey you like in place of Jameson. Bushmill's, Tullamore DEW, or Redbreast are all great options.
• You can sub Bailey's Irish Cream for any variety of Irish cream. Carolan's or Michael's are both great choices and have a cheaper price point.
• You can leave out the whiskey, Baileys, or both of them if you'd like to keep this affogato nonalcoholic.
• Any liqueur may be subbed for Baileys. Amaretto, Frangelico, or Kahlua are all delicious choices.

Is Baileys Irish Cream Gluten Free?

According to the Bailey's website, it is produced with ingredients that do not contain gluten, but does not explicitly state that the product is gluten free. It does clearly state that Bailey's contains milk and lactose in the allergy disclosure.

You can also choose a brand of Irish cream that you feel more comfortable with if gluten is an issue for you.

Alternately, you can omit the Baileys and/or the whiskey if you have any concerns.

If you love Baileys Irish Cream, be sure to check out these Baileys Doughnuts!

What To Serve With An Affogato

To finish, grate or shave some semi sweet or dark chocolate on top if you like.

Or, you can top it with chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon if you prefer.

This affogato is sweet, but not overly sweet - The whiskey and the coffee cut through the sweetness and create a super balanced boozy treat. It's decadent but not over the top.

It can be served with a spoon and enjoyed just as you would a bowl of ice cream.

This is a festive dessert cocktail that goes great with any of your favorite sweet or savory party bites.

For a sweet pairing, check out these baklava tartlets or peppermint cheesecake bites.

This affogato can also be paired with savory appetizers such as these Gruyere prosciutto tartlets, mushroom Gruyere tartlets, or rosemary roasted almonds.

Love Italian desserts? Check out these recipes!

• Pistachio Panna Cotta
• Strawberry Mint Panna Cotta
• Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
• Pumpkin Panna Cotta

Can This Affogato Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this dessert may be made ahead of time!

1. To make ahead of time, simply place 2 scoops of ice cream or gelato into a serving glass or dish.
2. Add ½ ounce Irish whiskey and 1 ounce Irish cream as directed.
3. Place the serving dish in the freezer until ready to serve.
4. Pour one shot of espresso or coffee over the affogato just before serving (make sure espresso or coffee is freshly brewed for the best flavor).
5. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

For a great nonalcoholic beverage, check out this Virgin Strawberry Mojito, Mango Mojito Mocktail, and Cranberry Apple Mint Mocktail!

Love cocktails? Check out these recipes!

• Tom and Jerry Cocktail
• Pomegranate Mojito
• Raspberry Mule

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