Ask me what my favorite caffeinated drink is, and I’ll simply answer, “Affogato.” Why? It has the perfect mix of bitterness and sweetness with two of my favorite things: coffee (espresso) and ice cream (usually vanilla). For me, it’s meant to be sipped slowly as the ice cream melts with the hot espresso.
I’m always on the lookout for the best-tasting affogato, but the one I always go back to is from Satchmi, my favorite cafe. Their version has flavorful scoops of salted caramel ice cream (instead of the usual vanilla), paired with a shot of their signature strong espresso. After all these years of being a regular customer, I still can’t get enough of it, and when I feel really depressed, it’s my go-to comfort drink. If you like bittersweet drinks like I do, I highly recommend you try Satchmi’s affogato.
Anyway, here are three songs that are perfect to listen to while having affogato, in my opinion. If you want comfort through music, I hope this short list helps, too.
Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” (Acoustic)
Of course, I had to mention my favorite band on this list, and my favorite mellow song, too. But whether I’m a huge fan of the Foos or not, I think this lovely acoustic version of their signature song is perfect to listen to with affogato.
If everything could ever be this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again
The soft, intimate guitar highlights the most mindful, romantic lyrics ever written (in my opinion, anyway), and just like affogato, that makes me feel loved and keeps me grounded, too. I’m really glad the Foo Fighters recorded an acoustic version of “Everlong”, their biggest hit.
Eraserheads’ “With a Smile”
If I were to recommend just one soothing song from this short list, it would be “With a Smile”, a gentle 1990s acoustic hit from Eraserheads (one of the most iconic OPM bands). It simply brings hope and comfort to anyone who listens.
You’ll get by with a smile
Now it’s time to kiss away those tears goodbye
I have to admit that I haven’t listened to it in a long time, but when I did while I was feeling a bit off recently, it was just as uplifting as my favorite affogato, so I added it to this list. I hope that “With a Smile” makes you smile when you are feeling down.
Matchbox Twenty’s “Unwell”
“Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty is one of my favorite songs from 2003, the start of my high school era. During that time, I felt a lot of angst and sadness, and “Unwell” fits the soundtrack. (Speaking of, I should make a playlist of that.)
I’m not crazy
I’m just a little unwell
I always find “Unwell’s” melody warm and soothing, while I can relate to the lyrics too well because it’s about feeling alone and mental health in general. Whenever I feel sad, I always go back to this song just like how I always go back to affogato.
Let me try to end this post on a lighter note… with a joke. (I heard this from The Morning Rush several years ago.)
What’s the perfect song for Manuel Jr.? “Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty.
I’m not crazy
I’m just a little Manuel
Had to share that one. 😂
Ian Pasicolan 