Alchermes di Firenze
Alchermes di Firenze or Elisir di Lunga Vita (Elixir of Long Life) is an Italian liqueur which has its origins in Florence. It is an ancient recipe of the House of Medici. The recipe was a closely guarded secret for decades. It was the favourite drink of many famous members of the House of Medici including Pope Leon X and Pope Clement VII. It is said that Catherine di Medici introduced Alchermes to French Court. Thus it is sometimes referred to in France as the “Liqueur of the Medici’s.”
Alchermes di Firenze has a lovely intense scarlet colour from which it derives its name. The main ingredients used to make Alchermes di Firenze include neutral hydrated alcohol, cinnamon, coriander, Alquermes (cochineal insect), mace, cloves, cardamom, orange peel, anise, vanilla, sugar and rose water.
Alchermes di Firenze is a refreshing drink which also helps in digestion. It has a sweet yet spicy flavour. It can be consumed at any time of the day preferably chilled. It can be used a sweet and cooling drink. It can be also be used as a filling or to add colour to meringues, cakes and other desserts. It is sometimes added to mascarpone (soft Italian cream cheese) and sugar to make a simple and very tasty dessert in a jiffy. Alchermes can also be used to make Zuppa Inglese (translated to mean English Soup) which is not a soup but actually is an Italian dessert.
Although you may think Alchermes is an obscure liqueur you never know, you may be in for a pleasant surprise after you try it as a refreshing drink or as part of an Italian dessert.