1 (16 ounce) package finely chopped chocolate almonds
1 cup water
1 (6 ounce) can cherry-flavored carbonated beverage (such as Coca Cola, Russian River, or Tropic Water)
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups full-fat milk chocolate syrup
In a small saucepan, combine chocolate almonds, water, cherry soda, and half recipe pudding mix. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil on low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a candy thermometer, record candy thermometer reading just before stirring in pudding mixture.
Stir in chocolate syrup. Pour mixture back into heat and stir in chocolate syrup. Serve warm or cold.