For a kid-friendly or lower-caffeine version of a traditional affogato, try this hot chocolate affogato recipe. It’s made with hot chocolate mix rather than coffee.
For more ideas, check out all of our drink recipes.

Pete and I went out to an Italian restaurant for anniversary dinner a few years ago and that was the only time I’ve seen an affogato on a menu.
So of course I had to order it.
It’s an Italian coffee-based dessert drink of hot espresso poured over gelato.
It’s pretty good. But, what I think is even better is its younger sister: Hot chocolate affogato.
It’s the same concept except instead of a shot of hot espresso, it has hot chocolate.
I really like coffee and coffee-flavored ice cream, but the extra sweetness in the hot chocolate makes me choose that version of affogato when I’m making it at home.
So, if you’re looking for a fun drink for your kids or you want a dessert after dinner that’s not gonna keep you up all night, make this version.

Of course, we have a affogato recipe on Drugstore Divas. So, click that link if you want to try the traditional coffee version instead.
Hot Chocolate Affogato Recipe
Affiliate links are included in this post and Drugstore Divas may make a small commission if you use them.
Hot Chocolate Affogato Ingredients:
You can get the full list of ingredients with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Milk – Any type of liquid milk works in this recipe. We personally use 2% milk, but you could use anything except powdered milk (mostly because I’ve never used that before and I have no idea how it works).
- Hot chocolate mix – Any hot chocolate mix works. Packaged hot chocolate mix is easiest, but homemade works too.
- Gelato – Any flavor of gelato works. You can really customize this to fit your preferences.
- Optional toppings – I always top this with whipped cream and finishing sugar. You could also put chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or chocolate sprinkles on top.
How To Make A Hot Chocolate Affogato:

Heat some milk on the stove top in a small saucepan over medium heat.
You want warm milk, not boiling milk, because that will be too hot and will melt the gelato.

Remove the milk from the heat and stir in the hot chocolate mix until it is completely combined.
Quick note: You can add a sprinkle of salt in to bring out the flavors.

Scoop the gelato into a cup.
Quick note: Any flavor of gelato works. And you can change it up seasonally too. Personally, I love to use eggnog gelato when I can find it at ALDI.
You might want a peppermint gelato for around Christmas, pumpkin pie gelato for fall, a coffee flavored gelato to still get that flavor, etc. Experiment with different flavors and toppings (like cinnamon for fall or candy cane pieces in winter).
I always use an Irish coffee glass for this drink. You don’t have to, but I just love how the layers look. They’re very defined in a glass, and it feels fancier in an Irish coffee glass. But, of course, anything works.

Slowly pour the hot chocolate on top of the gelato.
Just a small aside in case you’ve never made this before. The gelato will stay at the bottom of the glass until a certain amount of liquid is poured into the glass and then it will rise to the top of the liquid. If you fill the glass too quickly (and fill it all the way to the top before the gelato rises), you risk making a very big mess.

So, pour slowly until the gelato rises and then you can pour a little bit quicker until you’ve almost reached the top of the glass.
You can leave it this way.

Or, top it with canned whipped cream.

Then and a bit of finishing sugar, if you want.
What’s actually really nice about the gelato rising above the hot chocolate is the whipped cream sits on top of it and will hold it shape for a little while.
This will absolutely impress your guests.

Hot Chocolate Affogato: Frequently Asked Questions
The correct answer is yes.
I’m kidding but sort of not kidding. You can drink this like a dessert drink, or you can eat it like an ice cream.
Personally, I drink it through a metal straw. The hot chocolate will start to melt the gelato once you start to drink it, giving it a thin milkshake consistency.
I feel like eating it with a spoon is a little messy, but I’m not the food police. You can enjoy this however you want.
The traditional Italian recipe calls for gelato. But, a scoop of ice cream is a good substitute.
You can’t. You want to make this and serve it immediately.
Hot Chocolate Affogato
For a kid-friendly or lower-caffeine version of a traditional affogato, try this hot chocolate affogato recipe. It’s made with hot chocolate mix rather than coffee.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. milk
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
- 1 scoop (4 oz.) gelato
- Whipped cream
- Finishing sugar
Instructions
- Heat some milk on the stove top in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Remove the milk from the heat and stir in the hot chocolate mix until it is completely combined.
- Scoop the gelato into a cup.
- Slowly pour the hot chocolate on top of the gelato. Pour slowly until the gelato rises and then you can pour a little bit quicker until you’ve almost reached the top of the glass.
- Top it with canned whipped cream and finishing sugar, if you want.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 456Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 12gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 162mgSodium 375mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 1gSugar 39gProtein 14g
Have you tried this Hot Chocolate Affogato recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Pam
Thursday 26th of February 2026
This looks very delicious. I'm a fan of all of the ingredients, so this sounds amazing to me.
Jennifer Wise
Tuesday 24th of February 2026
Oh, I need to try this! I've never heard of affogato, not being a coffee drinker, but I love hot chocolate (especially when made with milk!) and gelato.
Amy Johnson
Monday 23rd of February 2026
I have never heard of this drink before but it sounds delicious and looks incredible.
EsmeSalon
Friday 20th of February 2026
Interesting, what type of gelato?
joanne
Thursday 19th of February 2026
That sounds delicious! I have never hard an affogato but I bet I'd prefer the hot chocolate version too.