I’ve been seing signs for “affogato” in our local Starbucks lately. You seem so knowledgeable about things having to do with Starbucks (why is that, anyways?), can you please tell me what this new “affogato” is?
Thank you!
Thirsty
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Dear Thirsty,
2005 does seem to be the Year of the New Starbucks Drink, doesn’t it? First it was their amazing Chantico chocolate drink, and now this new “affogato”.
Affogato is not so much a drink as it is a style of drink, and in particular with respect to Starbucks, affogato is a version of their popular Frappuccino. The way it works is that you order your favourite Frappucino, and then you ask them to make it affogato style, which means putting a drizzle of either chocolate or caramel syrup on it, and then pouring a shot of espresso over it.
In fact, legend has it that the name “affogato” comes from the New York Starbucks barrista from the Bronx who accidentally invented the new craze when he blended up a Starbucks caramel Frappuccino for a customer, neglected to include the espresso, and realizing his error at the last minute slapped himself on the forehead, poured the espresso on top of the already blended drink, and explained to the customer “Affogoto put the espresso in”.
I can actually recommend the vanilla Frappuccino done affogato style with caramel sauce and espresso. It’s pretty darned tasty. Try it!