Alchermes is a very famous Italian liqueur known for its brilliant red color. In pastry making, it is used to soak cakes—such as in the famous “Zuppa Inglese”—giving them a unique aroma and hue.
Its name derives from the Arabic word al-qirmiz, which means “cochineal.” Cochineal is a small insect from which the natural red dye used for this liqueur is extracted.
Alchermes has an ancient bond with Florence. Even today, it is produced by the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest institutions in the world.
During the Renaissance, this liqueur was a favorite of the Medici family. When the liqueur reached France, it became so famous that it was known as “the liqueur of the Medici.”
