How to Pair Gelato with Other Foods and Drinks: A Delicious Guide

The US industry-leading gelato manufacturer's blog

When it comes to the world of desserts, gelato is a superstar. This Italian delicacy has won hearts worldwide, and Denver is no exception. At I Scream Gelato, we’re passionate about creating the perfect gelato experience for our customers. But did you know that you can elevate your gelato experience by pairing it with other foods and drinks? Let’s dive into the delicious world of gelato pairings.

gelato pancakes
The thickness of gelato combines with the fluffiness of our pancakes is a delicious, winning combination

Gelato and Desserts at Our Denver Gelato Shop

Gelato is a dessert in its own right, but when paired with the right companion, it can create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Pancakes and Gelato: A stack of fluffy pancakes topped with a scoop of your favorite gelato can be a game-changer. Try pairing our rich chocolate gelato with classic buttermilk pancakes for a decadent treat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, our tangy lemon gelato can add a refreshing twist to your pancake stack.

Belgium Waffles and Gelato: Waffles and gelato are a match made in heaven. The crispy, warm waffles contrast beautifully with the cool, creamy gelato. Pair our vanilla bean gelato with a golden Belgium waffle, and drizzle some maple syrup on top. Trust us, it’s a combination that’s hard to resist.

Espresso and Gelato: In Italy, there’s a popular dessert called “affogato,” which means “drowned” in Italian. It’s a scoop of vanilla gelato “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. The result is a delightful mix of hot and cold, sweet and bitter. At I Scream Gelato, we’ve embraced this Italian tradition and given it a Denver twist. Come try it out!

wine and gelato
A good wine can stir your taste palate as easily as gelato. Combine the pair and you’re in for a culinary treat.

Gelato and Drinks You Can Make at Home

Pairing gelato with drinks can be a fun way to experiment with flavors. Here are some of our favorite combinations:

Gelato and Wine: Wine and gelato might seem like an unusual pairing, but they can complement each other beautifully. A scoop of strawberry gelato can bring out the fruity notes in a glass of rosé, while a dark chocolate gelato can be a great match for a full-bodied red wine.

Gelato and Craft Beers: Denver’s craft beer scene is thriving, and we’ve found that certain beers pair wonderfully with gelato. A rich, creamy stout can be a perfect match for our vanilla gelato, while a fruity IPA can bring out the best in our mango gelato.

Gelato and Cocktails: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a scoop of gelato to your favorite cocktail? A scoop of lemon gelato can add a refreshing twist to a gin and tonic, while a raspberry gelato can make a mojito even more delicious.

At I Scream Gelato, we’re all about exploring new flavors and combinations. We believe that gelato is more than just ice cream; it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in so many ways. So next time you’re ordering your favorite gelato, why not try one of these pairings? Or better yet, order some of our delicious gelato to go or for delivery and experiment with pairings at home.

cheese and gelato
Don’t believe anyone who tells you that sweet and savory cannot match, Such a bold contrast of taste sensations will rouse even the dullest taste buds!

Gelato and Cheese

Yes, you read that right. Gelato and cheese can be a surprisingly delightful pairing. A scoop of pear gelato with a slice of gorgonzola, or a tangy raspberry gelato with creamy brie, can create a unique dessert experience that’s both savory and sweet.

gelato and fruit
Ever enjoy a banana with your salted caramel gelato? Instant banana bread experience!

Gelato and Fruit

Fresh fruit and gelato is a classic combination. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit can enhance the flavor of the gelato. Try pairing our peach gelato with fresh blueberries, or our coconut gelato with slices of fresh pineapple.

Pie à la Mode
“Pie à la Mode” is when pie meets ice cream…but have you ever tried it with gelato?

Gelato and Pastries

Pastries and gelato are a match made in dessert heaven. A warm apple tart with a scoop of vanilla gelato, or a slice of chocolate cake with Ferrero Rocher gelato, can take your dessert game to the next level.

chocolate ice cream
Mix and match your favorite chocolate with your best flavored gelato

Gelato and Chocolate

Chocolate and gelato is a no-brainer. The richness of the chocolate and the creaminess of the gelato complement each other perfectly. Try our hazelnut gelato with a piece of dark chocolate for a truly indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

biscottoWhat do Italians eat gelato with?

In Italy, gelato is often enjoyed on its own as a delightful treat, especially during the hot summer months. However, it’s not uncommon to see gelato served with a biscotto (a type of Italian biscuit), or in a brioche (a sweet bread roll). Gelato is also a key ingredient in some traditional Italian desserts, such as affogato (gelato “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso) and semifreddo (a semi-frozen dessert made with gelato).

partyHow do you serve gelato at a party?

Serving gelato at a party can be a lot of fun! You can set up a gelato bar with a variety of flavors and toppings, and let your guests create their own gelato sundaes. Or, you can serve individual gelato cups for a more elegant presentation. If you’re serving gelato with cake or other desserts, a small scoop of gelato on the side can add a refreshing touch. Remember to keep the gelato in the freezer until you’re ready to serve, as gelato can melt faster than regular ice cream.

gelato served

How is gelato traditionally served?

In Italy, gelato is traditionally served in a coppa (a small glass cup) with a tiny spoon. The small spoon helps you savor the gelato and enjoy it slowly. Gelato is also often served in a cone, especially for takeaway. In some regions of Italy, it’s common to see gelato served in a brioche, which is a sweet bread roll.

gelato spadeWhat do you scoop gelato with?

Gelato is typically scooped with a spade, which is a flat, paddle-like tool. The spade allows the server to work the gelato, softening it and bringing out its creaminess. However, at home, you can use a regular ice cream scoop or even a sturdy spoon. Just remember to dip your scoop in warm water between servings to make scooping easier.

gelato in coneCan gelato be served in a cone?

Absolutely! Gelato can be served in a cone, just like ice cream. In fact, enjoying a gelato in a crispy cone while strolling through the streets is a quintessential Italian experience. At I Scream Gelato, we offer a variety of cones for you to choose from, so you can enjoy your gelato just the way you like it.

i scream gelato denver
Come visit us on N Quebec St here in Denver!

Conclusion: Elevate Your Gelato Experience

At I Scream Gelato, we believe that gelato is more than just a dessert. It’s an experience that can be shared with friends and family, and it’s a way to explore new flavors and combinations. So why not try some of these pairings at your next dinner party or family gathering? Or better yet, why not have a gelato pairing party? We offer catering services that can help you create the perfect gelato experience for your guests.

Remember, the best pairings are the ones that you enjoy the most. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite gelato pairings. And as always, we’d love to hear about your gelato adventures. Leave a comment below and share your favorite gelato pairings with us. Happy tasting!

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