Preparation

This cocktail is as much about presentation as flavor. Follow these detailed steps to create a masterpiece:

Step 1: Chill the Glass
Begin by chilling a martini glass. Place it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. A frosted glass enhances the drinking experience, keeping your cocktail cool and refreshing.

Step 2: Add Chocolate Swirls
Once the glass is chilled, drizzle chocolate syrup inside. Hold the glass at an angle and slowly rotate it while pouring the syrup. This creates an elegant swirl pattern that adds visual appeal. Place the glass in the refrigerator to set the syrup while you prepare the cocktail.

Step 3: Prepare the Rim (Optional)
For an extra touch, dip the rim of the glass in chocolate syrup. Then, press it gently into cocoa powder or finely grated chocolate. This creates a textured, flavorful edge that complements the drink’s richness.

Step 4: Assemble the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of crème de cacao, 1 ounce of cherry liqueur, and 1 ounce of heavy cream. Adjust the proportions slightly if you prefer more chocolate or cherry flavor.

Step 5: Add Ice
Fill the shaker halfway with ice. The ice is essential for chilling the cocktail and creating the smooth, velvety texture.

Step 6: Shake Vigorously
Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to thoroughly mix the ingredients while cooling them to perfection. You should feel the shaker becoming cold to the touch.

Step 7: Strain the Mixture
Retrieve the prepared glass and strain the cocktail into it. Use a fine-mesh strainer for a silky-smooth result, free of ice shards. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the chocolate syrup design.

Step 8: Garnish
Top the martini with one or two maraschino cherries. For a final flourish, sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings over the surface of the drink. You can also skewer the cherries on a decorative cocktail pick for added elegance.