Alchermes (from the Arab القرمز, al-qirmiz, meaning cochineal and Persian قرمز qermez : bloody, red, cochineal, carmine) is a type of Italian liqueur prepared by infusing neutral spirits with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla, and other herbs and flavoring agents. Its most striking characteristic is its scarlet color, obtained by the addition of Kermes, a small parasitic insect from which the drink derives its name.