This one started as a cocktail experiment and somehow wandered into dessert territory.

Sarah built it like a cold coffee Manhattan, gave the glass a chocolate-and-espresso-salt rim, and then pushed it over the edge with vanilla ice cream. The result is what we’re calling the Midnight Manhattan Float.

It’s creamy, a little bitter, a little sweet, and surprisingly balanced. If you like espresso martinis, Manhattans, or anything that lands in the “after dinner but make it fun” category, this drink is worth a try.

Watch How to Make It

Ingredients

• 8 oz whiskey or bourbon
• 1½ oz cold brew coffee or espresso
• ½ oz creamer
• A few dashes of bitters
• Chocolate syrup, for the rim
• Summa Salts Espresso Salt, for the rim
• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Rim your glass with chocolate syrup.
2. Dip the rim into Espresso Salt.
3. Add whiskey, cold brew, creamer, and bitters to a shaker with ice.
4. Shake well until cold and combined.
5. Pour into the prepared glass.
6. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.

Why Espresso Salt Works Here

Coffee, chocolate, whiskey, and vanilla already play well together. The salt is what pulls the whole thing into focus.

A small amount of Espresso Salt helps balance the bitterness of the coffee, sharpens the chocolate, and makes the creamy sweetness of the ice cream pop more. It’s the same reason a little salt makes chocolate desserts taste deeper and more complete.

Here, it turns the rim from decoration into part of the drink.

A Few Tips Before You Make It

• Use a cold glass if you want the float to hold longer.
• Go light on the chocolate rim. You want it noticeable, not overwhelming.
• Cold brew keeps it smooth, while espresso gives it a stronger coffee punch.
• Vanilla ice cream is classic, but coffee ice cream would be wild here too.
• This is best served right away before the ice cream fully melts into the drink.

Make It With Espresso Salt

The chocolate-and-coffee rim is what makes this drink feel finished. If you want the full effect, use our Espresso Salt.

What Is a Manhattan Float?

A Manhattan Float is a dessert-style cocktail inspired by the flavors of a classic Manhattan but blended with coffee, cream, and ice cream for a richer, sweeter finish.

Is This Like an Espresso Martini?

Sort of. It has coffee and a creamy texture, but the whiskey and bitters push it into a deeper, warmer direction than a traditional espresso martini.

When Should You Serve It?

This is a great after-dinner cocktail, a fun holiday drink, or the kind of thing you make when you want to hand someone a glass and watch them pause mid-sip.