In Renaissance’s cradle even ice cream can take on a historical perspective. Florentine ice-cream makers honored the 500 years old bestseller “the Prince” by Machiavelli, Florentine diplomat and political theorist. 

Their delicious creation was elaborated using ingredients typical of the XV century: a milk cream base flavored with sage, cardamon and the aromatic liquor Alkermes. 

The term "alkermes" derives from the abab word "quirmiz", meaning the color scarlett. The liquor in fact has a bright ruby red color and a warm and spicy flavor. The origin of the liquor Alkermes is from the XV century, whereas today’s recipe was formulated in 1743 by Fra' Cosimo Bucelli, who was the director of the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. When in Florence a visit to this unique 400 year old sanctuary is a must. www.smnovella.it

You can taste the Prince’s flavor at the gelateria Perchè no!, in via dei Tavolini, Firenze.

Where there is great will there cannot be great difficulties. 

-Niccolò Macchiavelli