Alchermes is an Italian liqueur made from alcohol, sugar, water, and various spices including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and vanilla, with raspberry and coloring agents. It originates from Italy and has an average alcohol strength of 35%.
How it is made
Alchermes is made with ethyl alcohol, sugar, water, and a blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and vanilla. Raspberry and coloring agents, originally cochineal but now sometimes synthetic, are also added to give it its distinctive red color.
History
Produced in Florence by Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella according to a recipe from 1743 by Fra Cosimo Buccelli, Alchermes dates back to the 15th century. It was a favorite liqueur of the Medici family and was known in France as 'Medici liqueur.' Different varieties with lower alcohol content and sweeter taste have been developed across Italy.
How it is served
In Italy, Alchermes is used in desserts such as sweet peaches in Alchermes, rocciate, Zuppa Inglese cake, and Regina cream ice cream. It is also used in baking creams and various dishes.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Алькермес, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.