Heirloom American Alchermes Liqueur
Heirloom American Alchermes Liqueur is America's answer to a centuries-old Italian tradition — 750mL at 40% ABV (80 proof), an aromatic spice liqueur from Heirloom Liqueurs in Minneapolis, Minnesota, built on whole botanicals — and you can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Producer: Heirloom Liqueurs — the craft liqueur arm of Bittercube (est. 2016), made to Bittercube's specs at Lawless Distilling, Minneapolis
- Production: American interpretation of the Italian alchermes tradition; whole botanicals — cinnamon, clove, rose water, vanilla bean — no extracts or artificial flavorings
Alchermes, the Scarlet Spice Liqueur, Reborn in Minnesota
Alchermes is one of Italy's oldest liqueur styles — the scarlet, spice-laden potion behind Zuppa Inglese, flavored for centuries with cinnamon, clove and rose. Heirloom, the craft liqueur arm of Minneapolis bitters maker Bittercube, makes what the brand calls the only alchermes produced in America: whole cinnamon and clove softened with rose water and vanilla bean, no extracts, no artificial anything. The nose is warm, earthy and gently floral; the palate brings cinnamon, cardamom, coriander and vanilla with a rose thread running throughout — a smooth, lingering, warmly spiced finish in a scarlet-ruby pour. Reach for it in a Negroni, an Alchermes Spritz, or Manhattan and Boulevardier riffs. Browse the American craft-liqueur shelf in the liqueur collection and more from Heirloom.
Tasting Notes
Warm, earthy, gently floral nose. Cinnamon, cardamom, coriander and vanilla on the palate with rose throughout; scarlet-ruby color, smooth lingering warmly spiced finish.
How to Enjoy
In a Negroni or Alchermes Spritz, as a sour or fizz modifier, or in Manhattan/Boulevardier riffs. Also a baker's secret weapon in Zuppa Inglese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alchermes?
A centuries-old Italian liqueur style — aromatic, scarlet-hued, built on warm spices like cinnamon and clove with floral notes. Historic versions got their red color from cochineal insects; Heirloom's is a modern whole-botanical build.
What is the ABV?
40% ABV (80 proof), consistent across all retailers.
Who makes Heirloom liqueurs?
Heirloom Liqueurs, the craft liqueur arm of Minneapolis-based Bittercube, made at Lawless Distilling in Minneapolis.
Is it really the only alchermes made in America?
That's the brand's own claim — no other American-made alchermes has been identified, but treat it as the producer's positioning.
A piece of Italian history, made in Minnesota — order Heirloom American Alchermes Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.