A medieval cordial or medicinal drink, often made with kermes insects (a source of red dye), spices, and other ingredients; a type of herbal liqueur.
From Arabic al-qirmiz (kermes, the insect that produces carmine dye) via Italian. Medieval apothecaries prepared this luxurious drink as both medicine and precious gift.
Alkermes was the luxury health drink of Renaissance Italy—made with crushed insects that produce brilliant red dye plus amber and musk, costing more than wine and prescribed by physicians as a cure-all.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.