It’s summer, and let’s be real — your feed is probably overflowing with people living their best lives under the Italian sun. From the Kardashians to all the guests at the Bezos wedding, everyone seems to be roaming around Italy, twirling pasta on cobblestone patios and slurping creamy affogatos — the iconic mix of espresso and gelato.
But if your wallet says “no” to Venice this year, you’re not alone. Fortunately, TikTok and travel guru Samantha Brown just handed us the next best hack to bring Italy home: recreating the Italian affogato from the comfort of your nearest gas station.
What exactly is an affogato?
Simple, elegant, and unapologetically indulgent. It’s made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato. As the coffee melts the ice cream, these two ingredients combine into a mixture that’s part dessert, part drink. The bitterness of the espresso pops through the sweetness of the gelato giving you the balanced treat that feels both refreshing and delicious.
How is an affogato traditionally made?
An affogato is all about quality and simplicity. You start with a scoop of real Italian gelato, usually vanilla placed in a small bowl or glass. Then, you pull a shot of espresso and pour it directly over the top. The dessert is meant to be eaten immediately, while the gelato is half melting into the coffee below. You can also add a dash of liquor like amaretto or a simple cocoa. However, the classic gas station affogato made by Samantha Brown needs no frills.
What is gas station affogato?
Enter Samantha Brown — travel guru and queen of turning gas station snack breaks into the ultimate affogato experience. In her TikTok video, she shares a no-fuss, low-cost version of the affogato that you can make with nothing more than a gas station coffee machine and ice cream. She uses an ice cream sandwich, dipping it into black coffee for a quick, delicious treat. Try it out: head to your nearest gas station, grab any ice cream you like and a cup of coffee, give it a stir, grab a spoon, and voilà — your very own roadside Italian snack moment.
People are flooding the comment section, thanking Brown for this great snack idea. Comments include “We have Italy at home,” “Not the travel tip, but it is the travel tip I need,” and finally, “As someone who’s crushed I couldn’t go to Italy this summer, this is priceless.”
How do I make gas station affogato?
You truly don’t need to be on an Italian getaway to easily treat yourself. If you’re craving something bitter and sweet, just stop by at the gas station or convenience store and pick up any ice cream sandwich you like, (it doesn’t even have to be vanilla) and dip it into some hot, fresh coffee from the machine. Stir gently and enjoy immediately. It’s creamy, slightly bitter, and just hot enough to make you forget you’re not in Italy.