Peppermint White Russian Affogato: A Dessert and Cocktail all in One!
My first affogato experience was back in college at a boutique ice cream shop in Bellevue, Washington. I couldn’t believe how something so simple could pack such a punch of flavor. Fast forward to today, and we’ve upgraded to making affogatos at home thanks to our Breville espresso machine—though strong coffee works just fine if you don’t have one. This Peppermint White Russian Affogato is a fun spin on the classic with peppermint bark ice cream, a shot of coffee, and a splash of Castle & Key vodka. Whether you’re feeling fancy or just need a quick treat, this dessert-cocktail hybrid will hit the spot.
From Italy to Peppermint: The Origins of Affogato
Did you know the word “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian? Traditionally, an affogato is all about gelato being lovingly drowned in espresso. This version takes it up a notch by introducing boozy White Russian vibes. Coffee, cream, and vodka—it’s all there, just with a festive peppermint twist.
It’s a great dessert for “drowning” your holiday troubles… see what I did there lol.
Bad jokes aside, I do love an affogato.
This dessert checks all the boxes: quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. The rich peppermint bark ice cream pairs beautifully with the bitter coffee, and the vodka adds a little “wow” factor. It’s elegant enough for a holiday party and simple enough for a Wednesday night treat. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that doubles as a cocktail?
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Peppermint White Russian Affogato:
Ice Cream Game: No peppermint bark ice cream? No worries. Use mint chocolate chip or plain peppermint ice cream and jazz it up with crushed candy canes.
Coffee Clarity: Espresso is ideal (thank you, Breville!), but any strong coffee works. Let it cool slightly to avoid turning your dessert into a puddle.
Vodka Vibes: Castle & Key Vodka is my go-to for its smoothness, but feel free to experiment with coffee liqueur or even bourbon.
Family-Friendly Version: Swap regular coffee for decaf and skip the vodka. Of course a drizzle of chocolate syrup is always a welcome choice!
A Sweet and Spirited Ending
If you’ve never tried combining dessert with a cocktail, this Peppermint White Russian Affogato is the perfect place to start. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest ideas lead to the most memorable moments. So whether you’re channeling your inner barista or just looking for a reason to crack open that bottle of Castle & Key vodka, this recipe has you covered. Cheers to dessert reinvented!
Peppermint White Russian Affogato
Equipment
- Ice cream scoop
- Serving glass or small bowl
- Measuring shot glass
Ingredients
- 2 scoops peppermint bark ice cream
- 1/2 shot brewed coffee cooled slightly
- 1/2 shot Castle & Key vodka
Instructions
- Place two scoops of peppermint bark ice cream into a serving glass or small bowl.
- Pour the coffee over the ice cream.
- Drizzle the vodka over the top.
- Serve immediately with a spoon.
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