'Tis the Season for Festive Cocktails & Treats! 

We happen to be okay with blurring the line between cocktails and desserts. Especially during the very busy holiday season, when a dessert and drink that pulls double duty is not only festive but quite effective from a time and planning perspective! Perhaps because our signature Van Winkle Family Christmas Eggnog is so thick that we usually have to serve it with a spoon, but either way, this delicious boozy twist on a classic Affogato can simultaneously serve as a digestif or a dessert! 

While the Affogato itself has somewhat blurry origins, it is quite easy to understand how this dish is attributed to Italians. Traditionally, an Affogato is made with rich and roasted Italian espresso served over thick and creamy Italian gelato. The name itself literally meansdrowned, a fitting moniker for a dessert that is quite literally ice creamdrownedin freshly brewed and piping hot espresso. This meaning also delightfully invites the equally as appropriate, for our version anyway,  addition of bourbon.

 Our Maple Bourbon Affogato is a rich symphony of flavors. Naturally, in place of espresso, we use our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee (we recommend brewing it on the strong side for deeper bourbon flavor), served immediately over fresh vanilla bean ice cream for melting rivulets of flavor.  

This barrel-aged twist on an Italian classic is somewhat inspired by the simplest dessert we have in our repertoire: thick vanilla bean ice cream served with a heavy drizzle of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon-Barrel Aged Pure Maple Syrup, (or if we are feeling particularly fancy, crumbled pieces of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Nib Brittle or Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee Nib Brittle). 

For this boozy Maple Bourbon Affogato, adding freshly brewed, roasted, and rich Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee mixed with a splash of actual bourbon takes it to the next level. A drizzle of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged syrup, with the deeply sweet signature Pappy Van Winkle notes of caramel, vanilla, butter, and the woodsy undertones of charred oak complements the sweetly rich, and deeply warm fresh vanilla bean flavor. 

If you want to truly make this a decadent Maple Bourbon Affogato masterpiece - adding bits of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Nib Brittle ought to do the trick. These morsels of creamy buttery Southern Style brittle, with Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged nibs smothered in rich and creamy chocolate made the old-fashioned way by Olive & Sinclair in Nashville, Tennessee, for powerhouse flavor.  For even richer coffee flavor, consider adding pieces of our signature Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee Nib Brittle, with the arguably best trio of chocolate, coffee, and bourbon flavor. 

While a traditional Italian Affogato is served in a Martini glass, we recommend our Signature Pappy & Company Keys Coupe Cocktail Glasses for their vintage and sophisticated charm. Pre-chill for an extra boost of cold before scooping your fresh vanilla bean ice cream. If you are hosting or gathering for the holidays - wow your guests with our boozy version of this traditional affogato for a simply delicious festive treat. Cheers!