Elegant, creamy, and indulgent — the Matcha Affogato is a mindful twist on Italy’s iconic dessert drink. Traditionally made with espresso poured over vanilla gelato, this version replaces coffee’s intensity with the grounded calm of Japanese matcha.
It’s the perfect harmony of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, energy and serenity.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A sophisticated dessert that’s quick to prepare
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Combines warmth, creaminess, and balance
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Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan
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Perfect for after-dinner moments or slow afternoons
🪷 Transform simple indulgence into ritual with the ZENSŌ Matcha Collection
🍃 Ingredients (2 Servings)
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1 teaspoon (2 g) ceremonial-grade matcha powder
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60 ml (2 oz) hot water (~77 °C / 170 °F)
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2 scoops vanilla ice cream (or coconut-based vegan alternative)
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½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a sweeter tone)
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Pinch of sea salt (enhances matcha’s flavor)
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Optional toppings: white chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, or matcha dust
🍵 Tools You’ll Need
From your ZENSŌ Matcha Ritual Set:
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Sifter (Furui) – to avoid clumps
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Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) – for precise dosing
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Matcha Bowl (Chawan) – to whisk your matcha
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Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) – to achieve smooth foam
Additional tools:
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Small dessert bowls or glasses – for serving
💚 Create mindful indulgence with handcrafted tools from the ZENSŌ Matcha Collection
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Matcha
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Sift 1 tsp (2 g) of matcha into your Chawan using the Furui (Sifter).
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Add 60 ml (2 oz) of hot water (~77 °C / 170 °F).
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Whisk briskly in a “W” motion with your Chasen until fully dissolved and lightly foamy.
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Let it cool for 30–45 seconds — it should be hot but not boiling when poured.
2️⃣ Assemble the Dessert
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Place one scoop of ice cream in each small glass or bowl.
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Add a pinch of sea salt if desired for balance.
3️⃣ Pour and Serve
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Slowly pour the warm matcha over the ice cream.
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Watch the matcha melt into the creamy texture, creating swirls of green and white.
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Serve immediately before the ice cream melts completely.
🌸 Pro Tips for a Perfect Affogato
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Don’t use boiling water — it will scorch matcha and melt the ice cream too quickly.
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Use high-quality ice cream. Simple flavors (vanilla, coconut, or matcha) highlight the tea best.
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Cool the matcha slightly for a slower melt and richer mouthfeel.
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Add texture: toasted coconut or crushed biscuits complement perfectly.
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Serve immediately — affogato is meant to be enjoyed fresh and melting.
🍦 Flavor Variations
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Coconut Matcha Affogato: Use coconut ice cream and sprinkle toasted flakes on top.
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Matcha Mocha Affogato: Add ½ tsp cocoa powder to the matcha for a deep chocolate tone.
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Honey Vanilla Affogato: Drizzle warm honey over the top before pouring the matcha.
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Mint Matcha Affogato: Add a fresh mint leaf for aroma and color contrast.
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Black Sesame Affogato: Add a spoon of black sesame paste for a nutty, dramatic finish.
🧽 Cleaning and Care
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Rinse your Chawan and Chasen with warm water right after use.
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Avoid using soap on bamboo tools; air dry naturally.
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Wipe any matcha spills immediately — matcha stains quickly on light surfaces.
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Store matcha in an airtight container to retain its vivid color.
☯️ ZENSŌ tools are built to enhance your mindful dessert rituals — explore them here
🌼 Serving Suggestions
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Serve in clear glass bowls to show the green-and-white contrast.
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Pair with almond cookies, mochi, or biscotti.
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For a café-style look, dust with matcha and add a decorative spoon.
🕊️ Final Thoughts
The Matcha Affogato is proof that simplicity can be profound. A scoop of ice cream, a pour of matcha, and a moment of stillness — it’s luxury through mindfulness.
With your ZENSŌ Matcha Set, this dessert drink becomes a meditative act: whisk, pour, watch, and savor. 🌿🍨