Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 liter of neutral spirits (such as vodka)
- 10 grams of dried cochineal insects
- 10 grams of cinnamon sticks
- 10 grams of whole cloves
- 10 grams of cardamom pods
- 10 grams of nutmeg, grated
- 10 grams of vanilla beans, split
- 3 grams of angelica root
- 500 grams of sugar
- 1 liter of water
- Orange blossom water (optional, for added flavor)
Step 1: Preparing the spices and herbs
Begin by gathering all the spices and herbs listed in the ingredients. Grind the cochineal insects, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and angelica root using a mortar and pestle until they form a coarse powder. Be sure to wear gloves while handling the cochineal insects to avoid staining your hands.
Step 2: Infusing the spirits
Pour the neutral spirits into a large glass jar or bottle. Add the ground spices and herbs, along with the grated nutmeg and split vanilla beans. Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Allowing the mixture to steep
Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it steep for at least 40 days. Shake the jar gently every few days to further infuse the flavors. The longer you let it steep, the more intense the flavors will be.
Step 4: Creating the syrup
While the mixture is steeping, it’s time to prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool.
Step 5: Combining the infused spirits and syrup
Once the syrup has cooled, strain the infused spirits through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Slowly pour the syrup into the strained spirits, stirring gently to combine. Add a few drops of orange blossom water if desired to enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Bottling and storing
Using a funnel, pour the liqueur into clean glass bottles or jars with airtight lids. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for a minimum of 10 days before enjoying. This will allow the flavors to meld and mature.
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own Alchermes, a traditional Italian liqueur. Savor it straight, use it as a cocktail ingredient, or gift it to loved ones. The possibilities are endless!
Remember, always drink responsibly and in moderation. Cheers!