Alchermes
Alchermes is an ancient Italian liqueur based on a combination of rosewater and orange blossom water, sugar, herbs, and spices, while the typical red hue was traditionally imparted with the addition of crushed cochineal insects. It is believed that the liqueur was invented by the Sisters of the Order of Santa Maria dei Servi in Florence. Nowadays, several brands are available on the market, and most of them list artificially derived dye that gives the drink its distinctive red color.
The subtly spicy Alchermes can be enjoyed as a digestif, but it is also commonly used in the preparation of sweets, out of which the most popular are pesche di Prato and zuppa Inglese—a trifle-like Italian dessert, as well as its corresponding zuppa Inglese gelato flavor.
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