Cherry Joe

Adapted from Alton Brown's cookbook, "Feasting on Asphalt", recipe courtesy of Wiles-Smith Drug store in Memphis, TN. Don't be afraid of the vodka. You use a very, very small amount for each shake and it really does help to bring out those alcohol-soluble flavors. Besides, the kids'll sleep better, so might you. Prep time does not include cooling time.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• For the syrup

• 2  cups water
• 10  ounces sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  cherry extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  red food coloring
• 2  teaspoons vodka

• For the shake

• 1  quart  old-fashioned-style vanilla ice cream
• 1⁄4 cup  cherry syrup
• 1⁄4 cup  whole milk

Directions

1. Make the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water.
2. and sugar and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and
3. stir in the cherry flavoring, food coloring, and vodka. Let the cherry syrup.
4. mixture cool completely before using.
5. (This makes about 2 1/2 cups syrup.
6. Store leftover syrup, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 6 months).
7. Make the shake: In a blender: Combine the ice cream, cherry syrup, and milk. Blend until well combined. Do not over blend or the shake will be too thin. It will be very thick. Divide between 2 glasses and serve immediately with straws.