Tuscany Alchermes Liqueur: Traditional Tuscan Liqueur Delight

Tuscany Alchermes liqueur, now available on dolceterra Store!

Its bright, ruby red color, which gave it its name, and the warm, spicy taste make Alkermes a unique liqueur!

Alchermes is a classic Italian liqueur, full-bodied, rich in spicy aromas and with hints of citrus. It has been used for centuries for the preparation of homemade desserts. During the Renaissance, it was the favorite liqueur at the Medici’s house in Florence.

The production of alchermes liqueur in Italy can easily be traced to Florence. It is credited to the Frati di Santa Maria Novella in the 1400s, although note the spelling on the label of the bottle in our image above.

The liqueur was very popular during the rule of the Medici who enjoyed its flavour in many sweet dishes of the period. It was known as the ‘elisir di lunga vita’ and was also introduced in France by Caterina de’ Medici. So, alchermes became known as the ‘liquore de’ Medici’ or liqueur of the Medici.

It is time to rediscover this sweet liqueur with a long, colorful history, literally! Above all, it is a sweet, higly alcoholic drink made from the infusion of diverse herbs and spices such as garfano, orange, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and coriander.

The Red color also gives alchermes its name; ‘alquermes’ in Spanish from the Arabic ‘quirmiz’ or scarlet.

Alchermes liqueur is used to prepare cakes such as the classic Zuppa Inglese and, obviously, is a delight in ice cream.

 

The Tuscan Region has officially recognized Alkermes as a “traditional product” and it has been included in the national registry of these products.