Cold sweets to beat the heat: Affogato al Caffè

Show the summer heat who's boss with an Affogato al Caffè.

Need a caffeine fix but the Austin heat got you down? Head over to Paciugo in the chic 2nd Street District for some gourmet gelato topped with espresso.

Something magical happens as the freshly-brewed espresso melts the gelato: the bitterness of the espresso expertly balances the sweetness of the gelato, making this one wicked cuppa Joe.

A regular-sized Affogato al Caffè includes your choice of three scoops of gelato and a shot of espresso; a small includes two. With flavors ranging from traditional to inventive (think Rose, Chocolate Vanilla Lavender, and Black Pepper with Olive Oil), the hardest part is deciding what to choose from their overwhelmingly delicious case of gelato.

If available, try the Affogato al Caffè with Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel, Amaretto Chocolate Chip and Hazelnut Mocha Swirl. And for the decaf crowd, opt for Paciugo’s Affogato al Cioccolato. It uses hot chocolate instead of espresso.

Summer’s blistering heat will be no match for this lovely caffeine buzz and sugar high.