AlkeRmes (AlcheRmes) Rosolio
( Rosolio all' Alkermes o Alchermes )
The Rosolio Alkermes, originally from Tuscany, is mostly used in bakeries to flavor cakes and pastries; however, it can be served in a stemmed cordial glass or on top of ice cream. The color red was given by a dark-red dye called cochineal, prepared from an insect parasite of the oak tree, also used to color fabrics.
In our version there are little differences from the very traditional recipe, food coloring is used, some ingredients substituted for easy to find products, achieving similar results.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar (1 lb.)
- 2 cups of water
- 3 cups 80 proof vodka
- 1 teaspoon of anise seeds
- 3 cloves
- 3 coriander seeds
- 3 caraway seeds
- 5 inch piece of cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pinch of mace
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom
- ½ vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon of red food color
Instructions
To prepare the infusion, use a mortar or blender and ground the anise seeds, cloves, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, mace and the ground cardamom. Mix the ground combination with alcohol (80 proof vodka) and ½ inch piece of vanilla bean stick cut in small pieces and the zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange. Save in a large and airtight jar, place it in a cool place and shake it every day. Steep for at least 7 days to macerate and extract the flavors.
When the infusion is ready, use a 2 quart saucepan to combine the sugar and the water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Set aside to cool. Combine the syrup with the infusion and seal the jar and let it sit overnight.
Add to the liquor 1 teaspoon of red food coloring to obtain a bright red rosolio (the food coloring substitutes the color of the cochineal). Filter the rosolio using a paper filter or a piece of cotton cloth or a few layers of cheesecloth. Bottle and seal the Alchermes Rosolio that will be ready to use in 5 to 10 days.