Dolce vita in a cup: the affogato with Lake Como Edition coffee

There's a moment, with the arrival of summer, when the afternoon heat calls for something special: something fresh, something sweet, but also deep and aromatic. Coffee affogato offers precisely this perfect contrast, a small ceremony of few ingredients and great effect. 

And if the coffee is 1937 Blend - Como Lake Edition by Caffè Milani, that ritual becomes an authentic moment of dolce vita. 

Born on the shores of Lake Como, this 100% Arabica blend carries with it almost ninety years of artisanal passion: an enveloping aromatic intensity, sweet and fresh notes. 

Poured over a scoop of ice cream, it transforms into something irresistible - hot and cold, creamy and decisive, all at once, all now. The classic Italian dessert in a premium version, simple but perfect!

Ingredients for two people:

• 14 g of 1937 Blend – Como Lake Edition (ground for espresso)

• 4 scoops of quality vanilla ice cream

• water (for espresso extraction)

• dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Steps:

A few minutes before starting, take the vanilla ice cream out of the freezer to soften it slightly, and put two glasses in the freezer. The cold glass will help the ice cream maintain its shape in the precious seconds before serving.

While the ice cream reaches the ideal consistency - soft but not melted, like it just came out of the gelato shop - you'll have time to prepare the coffee.

Extract 14 g of 1937 Blend - Como Lake Edition as a double ristretto: the result should be dense, creamy, and very aromatic, about 30 ml per cup. Let the coffee rest for at least 30 seconds out of the machine: pouring it too hot would melt the ice cream instantly, compromising the hot-cold contrast that makes affogato special.

Now retrieve the glasses from the freezer and carefully place 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in the center of each. 

Then, slowly pour the hot espresso directly over the scoop of ice cream in a continuous stream: the coffee will run down the sides, creating the characteristic two-tone white and brown effect. Do not stir! Let the heat work from below, melting the ice cream at its own pace.

Add, if you wish, dark chocolate shavings and then serve immediately, with a long spoon: affogato is enjoyed while it is still transforming, half hot and half cold, half liquid and half creamy.

Why 1937 Blend - Como Lake Edition? Its sweet notes and aromatic intensity perfectly balance the milky sweetness of the ice cream, without overpowering it as an overly acidic single-origin coffee might. The espresso crema remains visible even when in contact with the cold, making the dessert visually impeccable.

Gourmet variation: Substitute vanilla ice cream with fior di latte or salted caramel for an even more sophisticated pairing with the blend's notes.

Tip: Do not use a long coffee or Americano - the creaminess/heat ratio of a ristretto is essential for a successful affogato!