Alchermes

ahl-KEHRR-mess

This is a very sweet, red-colored liqueur. The name comes from the Arab "qirmiz", meaning scarlet. It was originally made by the monks of the Florentine church of Santa Maria Novella, who soaked cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla in alcohol together with herbs and sugar. The color came from the addition of cochineal. Many recipes have derived from the original one, varying according to the type and quantity of the herbs used. The final liquor has an alcoholic level that varies from 21% to 32%.