This luxurious Giada chianti affogato is one of my favorites when I want something quick, easy, and totally delicious. I love how the flavors pop—especially with the basil and the sweet taste of Chianti. To make it extra special, I like to serve it in individual cups. It’s simple, fun, and always makes me feel like I’m treating myself.

Recipe Ingredients

• ¼ cup turbinado sugar
• 2 cups Chianti wine
• ½ teaspoon grated orange zest (from ½ orange)
• ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 fresh basil sprigs
• 1 pint vanilla gelato or ice cream

How To Make Giada chianti affogato

Make the Chianti Sauce

1. Combine and Simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the wine, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, sugar, basil, orange zest, and salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to help dissolve the sugar.
2. Steep and Strain: Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher.

Assemble and Serve

1. Pour Over Gelato: Divide the gelato among 6 coffee cups or small glasses. Pour the warm liquid over each portion and serve with demitasse spoons.

Recipe Tips

• Experimenting with Flavors: To give your Giada chianti affogato a unique twist, try substituting the vanilla gelato with almond or pistachio ice cream and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top. This swap creates an exciting contrast of flavors and textures, and the added spices bring out the warm, rich tones of the Chianti wine.
• Enhancing the Wine Reduction: For a more intense flavor, reduce the Chianti wine on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes or until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency, stirring occasionally. This process concentrates the wine’s flavors, resulting in a bold, fruit-forward taste experience that perfectly complements the creamy gelato.
• Textural Contrast: To add an exciting textural element to your Giada chianti affogato, sprinkle crushed cookies, such as biscotti, amaretti, or cantuccini, over the gelato before pouring in the wine reduction. The crunchy cookies provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy gelato and the deep, syrupy wine sauce.
• Customizing with Fresh Fruits: Take advantage of seasonal fruits to create a unique and flavorful combination for your Giada chianti affogato. Try pairing sweet berries like raspberries or strawberries with a scoop of creamy gelato and the Chianti wine reduction, or experiment with sliced peaches or nectarines for a warm, summer-inspired treat.
• Presentation Makes Perfect: To elevate your Giada chianti affogato presentation, pour the Chianti wine reduction over the gelato in a steady stream, creating a visually appealing, swirling pattern on top. Garnish with a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon to add pops of color and create an Instagram-worthy dessert.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis “House” Soup
• Giada Pan-Roasted Asparagus With Crispy Fried Egg
• Giada Hazelnut Beef With Noodles