Step 1: Prepare Your Glasses
Begin by preparing your shot glasses. For a professional touch, take your melted chocolate and use a pastry brush or the glass’s rim to coat it. You can then dip the rim into chocolate sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or cocoa powder to create a beautiful and tasty rim. Place the glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. This also chills the glasses, which is essential for serving this drink ice-cold.

Step 2: The Chilled Combine
Take a cocktail shaker and fill it two-thirds full with fresh, solid ice cubes. The goal is to chill the mixture rapidly without over-diluting it. To the shaker, carefully add the Baileys Irish Cream, the vodka, the chocolate liqueur, the heavy cream, the chocolate syrup, and the vanilla extract.

Step 3: The Vigorous Shake
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker tightly. Shake with vigor and enthusiasm for a full 15-20 seconds. You are not just mixing the ingredients; you are emulsifying them, incorporating air, and creating a wonderfully frothy, chilled consistency. You should see the shaker become frosty on the outside—this is a sign you are doing it correctly.

Step 4: The Strain and Pour
Remove the prepared shot glasses from the freezer. Using your Hawthorne strainer (or the built-in strainer of your shaker), strain the mixture into the chilled glasses. Straining is crucial as it catches any small ice chips that may have formed during shaking, ensuring a perfectly smooth, velvety texture in your final shot. Leave a small amount of space at the top of each glass for the garnish.

Step 5: The Art of Garnish
This is where you make your shots visually stunning. Gently add a small dollop of whipped cream to the top of each shot. Alternatively, for a more refined look, you can use a piping bag to create a neat swirl.

Step 6: The Final Flourish
Over the whipped cream, generously sprinkle chocolate shavings and/or a few mini chocolate chips. For a final touch of elegance, use a fine-mesh sieve to lightly dust the top with cocoa powder or drizzle a tiny spiral of chocolate syrup.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
These shots are at their absolute best when served immediately, while they are ice-cold and the texture is at its peak creaminess. Present them on a small tray and watch them disappear in an instant.