Shake, Snicker, and Doodle

I thought that I’d explored all of the wonders of ice cream-homemade on the back porch in Indiana, mint chocolate chip at Baskin-Robbins, personalized mix-ins from Cold Stone-until I discovered the glory of spiked milkshakes at Quantum Kitchen & Cocktails (201 W. Carrillo St., 962-5999, quantumrestaurant.com). For the kids (or designated drivers), there are five flavors made solely with McConnell’s ice cream (vanilla, Dutch chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and strawberry). For the rest of us, a treasure trove of tastes are available, including White Chocolate Covered Strawberry and Chocolate Biscotti. My personal favorite, Doug’s Snickerdoodle, intertwines the smells and flavors of my favorite childhood cookie with my most loved frozen treat, all while incorporating Van Gogh Chocolate Vodka. This concoction is especially interesting because, while the cinnamon ice cream seemed necessary to evoke the true taste of the cookie, the chocolate vodka is counterintuitive: There’s no chocolate in a snickerdoodle. But don’t snicker, it’s worth the indulgence!