Chapter XI: Part II: Chap. iii.) is necessary; for Instance, in making the strong (2)

Take of the best Turpentine a Pound and a Half; Olibanum three Ounces; Aloes-wood powdered one Ounce; Grains of Mastick, Cloves, July-flowers, or Rosemary-flowers, Nutmegs and Cinnamon of each two Ounces and a Half; Saffron one Ounce; powder the whole and digest them six Days in eleven Gallons of Spirit of Wine; adding two Scruples of Musk tied up in a Rag; and draw off in Balneum Mariæ till it begins to run foul.

This Water is a high aromatic Cordial, invigorates the Intestines, and thereby promotes Digestion and dispels Flatulencies. It is also in great Repute as a sovereign Remedy for Catarrhs and Pains arising from Colds; as also in Palsies, Epilepsies, Apoplexies and Lethargies, the Parts affected being well rubbed with it.

CHAP. XXXVI.

_Of Vulnerary Water, or, Eau d’ Arquebusade._

This Vulnerary Water is greatly esteemed abroad; and if properly tried, there is no doubt of its obtaining the same Reputation here.

_Recipe for five Gallons of Vulnerary Water._

Take of the Leaves, Flowers and Roots of Comfrey, Leaves of Mugwort, Sage, and Bugle, of each eight Handfuls; Leaves of Betony, Sanicle, or Ox-eye Daisy, the greater Figwort, Plantain, Agrimony, Vervain, Wormwood, and Fennel, of each four Handfuls; St. John’s-wort, Birth-wort, Orpine, Paul’s-betony, the lessor Centory, Yarrow, Tobacco, Mouse-ear, Mint, and Hyssop, of each two Handfuls: Cut them, bruise them well in a Mortar, and pour on them three Gallons of white Wine and two Gallons and a Half of Proof Spirit; digest the whole six Days with a gentle Heat, in a Vessel close stopped: after which distil off with gentle Fire, about five Gallons, or till it begins to run milky from the Worm.

This Water is of excellent Service in Contusions, Tumors attending Dislocations, Fractures and Mortifications, the Part affected being bathed with it. Some also use it to deterge foul Ulcers, and incarn Wounds; from whence it was called Vulnerary Water.

CHAP. XXXVII.

_Of Cedrat Water._

The Fruit called _Cedrat_ by the _French_ is a Species of the Citron, called by Botanists _Citratum Florentinum_, _fructu Mucronato & recurvo_, _Cortice verrucoso Odoratissimo_, Florentine Citron, with a pointed Fruit, which is recurved, and a warted sweet smelling Rind. This Fruit is in so great Esteem, that they have been sold at _Florence_ for two Shillings each, and are often sent as Presents to the Courts of Princes. It is only found in Perfection, in the Plain between _Pisa_ and _Leghorn_; and tho’ the Trees which produce this Fruit have been transplanted into other Parts of _Italy_, yet they are found to lose much of that excellent Taste with which they abound in those Parts.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Cedrat Water._

Take the yellow Rinds of five Cedrats, a Gallon of fine Proof Spirit, and two Quarts of Water: Digest the whole twenty-four Hours in a Vessel close stoped; after which draw off one Gallon in Balneum Mariæ, and dulcify with fine Loaf Sugar.

This is esteemed the finest Cordial yet known; but as it is very difficult to procure the Fruit here, I shall give the Method of making this celebrated Cordial, with the Essence or essential Oil of the Cedrat, which is often imported from _Italy_.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Cedrat Water with the Essence of the Fruit._

Take of the finest Loaf Sugar reduced to Powder a Quarter of a Pound, put into it a Glass Mortar, with one Hundred and twenty Drops of the Essence of Cedrat, rub them together with a Glass Pestle, put them into a Glass Alembic with a Gallon of fine Proof Spirits and a Quart of Water. Place the Alembic in Balneum Mariæ, and draw off one Gallon, or till the Faints begin to rise; and dulcify with fine Sugar.

You may make this Water without Distillation, by mixing the Essence with the Sugar, as before directed, and dissolving it in the Spirit and Water directed as above. But the Water will be foul and milky, and therefore you must filtrate it thro’ Paper, which will restore its Brightness and Transparency.

But whatever Method is used, you must be very careful that the Spirit been tirely freed from its essential Oil; and therefore if your Spirit be not very cleanly rectified, it will be adviseable to use _French_ Brandy, lest the fine Flavour so highly esteemed in this Cordial be destroyed by the Spirit.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

_Of Bergamot Water._

The Bergamot is a Species of the Citron, produced at first casually by an _Italian_’s Grafting a Citron on the Stock of a Burgamot Pear Tree, whence the Fruit produced by this Union participated both of the Citron Tree and Pear Tree. The Inventor is said to have kept the Discovery a long Time a Secret, and enriched himself by it.

The Bergamot is a very fine Fruit both in Taste and Smell; and its Essence or essential Oil highly esteemed.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Bergamot Water._

Take the outer Rind of three Bergamots, a Gallon of Proof Spirit, and two Quarts of Water. Draw off one Gallon in Balneum Mariæ, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

If you make your Bergamot Water from the Essence or essential Oil, observe the same Directions as given in the preceeding Chapter for making Cedrat Water. One Hundred and sixty Drops of the Essence will be sufficient for a Gallon of Spirit, and so in Proportion for a greater or smaller Quantity.

CHAP. XXXIX.

_Of Orange Cordial Water; or, Eau de Bigarade._

The Orange called by the _French_ Bigarade, is called by Botanists _Aurantium maximum_, _verrucoso Cortice_, the large worted Orange.

It is a large and beautiful Fruit, and greatly esteemed for the Fragrancy of its Essence. It is common in diverse Parts of _Italy_, _Spain_, and _Provence_ in _France_.

_Recipe for making a Gallon of Orange Cordial._

Take of the outer or yellow Part of the Rinds of fourteen Bigarades; Half an Ounce of Nutmegs; a Quarter of an Ounce of Mace, a Gallon of fine Proof Spirit, and two Quarts of Water. Digest all these together two Days in a close Vessel; after which draw off a Gallon with a gentle Fire, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This Cordial is greatly esteemed abroad, and would be the same here if sufficiently known.

If the Orange Peels are not easily procured, one Hundred and forty Drops of the Essence may be used in their stead, and the Water will be nearly equal to that made from the Peels.

CHAP. XL.

_Of Jasmine Water._

There are several Species of Jasmine, but that Sort intended here is what the Gardeners call, _Spanish_ White or _Catalonian_ Jasmine. This is one of the most Beautiful of all the Species of Jasmine; the Flowers much larger than any of the others, of a red Colour on the Outside, and extremely fragrant. But if the Flowers of this Species cannot be procured, those of the common Sort may be used, but the Quantity must be considerably augmented.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Jasmine Water._

Take of _Spanish_ Jasmine-flowers twelve Ounces; Essence of Florentine Citron, or Burgamot, eight Drops; fine Proof Spirit a Gallon, Water two Quarts. Digest two Days in a close Vessel, after which draw off one Gallon, and dulcify with fine Loaf Sugar.

This is a most excellent Cordial, and deserves to be more known here than it is at present.

CHAP. XLI.

_Of the Cordial Water of_ Montpelier.

This Water has its Name from the Place where it was first made, and what is now brought from thence is still in great Reputation.

_Recipe for a Gallon of the Cordial Water of_ Montpelier.

Take of the yellow Rinds of two Bergamots, or fifty Drops of the Essence of that Fruit; Cloves and Mace of each Half an Ounce; Proof Spirit a Gallon; Water one Quart: Digest two Days in a close Vessel, draw off a Gallon, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

CHAP. XLII.

_Of Father_ Andrew’_s Water_.

This Water has its Name from its Inventor; and is greatly esteemed in _France_.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Father_ Andrew’_s Water_.

Take of white Lilly-flowers eight Handfuls; Orange-flowers four Ounces; Rose Water a Quart; Proof Spirit a Gallon; Water a Quart: Draw off a Gallon in Balneum Mariæ, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

CHAP. XLIII.

_Of the Water of Father_ Barnabas.

This Water has also its Name from its Inventor, a Jesuit of _Paris_.

_Recipe for a Gallon of the Water of Father_ Barnabas.

Take of the Roots of Angelica four Ounces; of Cinnamon and Orris-root, of each Half an Ounce; bruise these Ingredients in a Mortar; put them into an Alembic, with a Gallon of Proof Spirit and two Quarts of Water; draw off a Gallon with a pretty brisk Fire.

CHAP. XLIV.

_Of the Water of the four Fruits._

This Water has its Name from the four Fruits in its Composition, namely the Cedrat or Florentine Citron, the Bergamot, the common Citron, and the _Portugal_ Orange.

_Recipe for a Gallon of the Water of the four Fruits._

Take of the Essence of Cedrat, fifty Drops; of the Essence of Bergamot thirty-six Drops; of the Essence of Citron sixty Drops; and of the Essence of _Portugal_ Orange sixty-four Drops; fine Proof Spirit one Gallon; Water two Quarts; draw off with a pretty brisk Fire till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This is a very pleasant and odoriferous Cordial, and in great Esteem in _France_.

CHAP. XLV.

_Of the Water of the four Spices._

This Water also derives its Name from the four Spices from whence it is drawn, _viz._ Cloves, Mace, Nutmegs, and Cinnamon.

_Recipe for a Gallon of the Water of the four Spices._

Take of Cinnamon two Ounces; Nutmegs and Cloves, of each three Drams; Mace six Drams; bruise the Spices in a Mortar, and add Proof Spirit a Gallon, and Water two Quarts. Digest twenty-four Hours in a close Vessel, and distil with a brisk Fire till the Faints begin to rise; and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This is an excellent Stomachic, good in all Depressions of the Spirits and paralytic Disorders.

CHAP. XLVI.

_Of the Water of the four Seeds._

This Water has its Name from the four Seeds from whence is it drawn, _viz._ the Seeds of sweet Fennel, Coriander, Angelica, and Anise.

_Recipe for ten Gallons of the Water of the four Seeds._

Take of sweet Fennel-seed seven Ounces; Coriander-seed nine Ounces; of the Seeds of Angelica and Anise, of each three Ounces; bruise all these in a Mortar, and put them into the Still with ten Gallons and a Half of Proof Spirits, and two Gallons of Water; draw off with a gentle Fire till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This Water is a very good Carminative, good in Cholics, Nauseas of the Stomach, and Gripings of the Bowels.

CHAP. XLVII.

_Of the Divine Water._

This is one of those Waters whose Names have rendered them famous. The Basis of this Water is Orange flowers, the other Ingredients being added to diversify the Flavour, and render it more agreeable.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Divine Water._

Take of Orange-flowers fresh gathered two Pounds; Coriander-seed three Ounces; Nutmegs Half an Ounce; bruise the Nutmegs and Coriander-seeds; and put them, together with the Orange-flowers, into an Alembic with a Gallon of Proof Spirit and two Quarts of Water; draw off the Liquor with a gentle Fire, till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This is a very pleasant Cordial, both with regard to its Smell and Taste; and on that Account in great Esteem abroad.

CHAP. XLVIII.

_Of Roman Water._

This Water has its Name from its being made first at _Rome_; and from whence great Quantities are still exported to different Parts of _Europe_.

_Recipe for a Gallon of Roman Water._

Take the outer or yellow Peels of six Citrons; two Drams of Mace bruised; a Gallon of Proof Spirit, and two Quarts of Water: Draw off with a gentle Fire till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This Water is generally of a red or purple Colour, the former of which may be easily given by infusing in it a few Grains of Cochineal, or the red Parts of Clove Gilly-flowers; and the latter by adding to the above a few Violets. When the Colour is extracted, run the Liquor through the filtrating Bag, and it will be very bright and clear.

CHAP. XLIX.

_Of_ Barbadoes _Water_.

There is a great Variety of Waters called by this Name, made by foreign Distillers; but the following Recipes will be sufficient to shew the Distiller the Method of making them, and how to vary the Flavour of his Waters, so as to adapt them to the Taste of his Customers.

_Recipe for a Gallon of rectified_ Barbadoes _Water_.

Take the outer Rind of eight large Florentine Citrons; Half an Ounce of Cinnamon bruised, and a Gallon of rectified Spirit. Distil to a Dryness in Balneum Mariæ. Then dissolve two Pounds of Sugar in a Quart of Water, and mix it with the distilled Liquor, and run it thro’ the filtrating Bag, which will render it bright and fine.

_Recipe for making a Gallon of amber-coloured_ Barbadoes _Water_.

Take of the yellow Rinds of six Bergamots, Half an Ounce of Cinnamon, and two Drams of Cloves. Bruise the Spices and digest the whole six Days in a Gallon of rectified Spirit; and then add a Dram of Saffron, and let the whole stand six Days longer in Digestion; dissolve two Pounds of fine Sugar in a Quart of Water, add it to the Tincture, and run it thro’ the filtrating Bag.

After the same manner may be made _Barbadoes_ Waters of different Kinds, by adding Lemon, or Orange peels instead of those of Citron or Bergamot; or, by varying the Spices.

CHAP. L.

_Of Ros Solis._

The Ros Solis or Sun-dew, from whence this Cordial Water has its Name, is a small low Plant, with a fibrous Root, from whence spring small round hollowish Leaves, on Foot stalks about an Inch long, covered and fringed with short red Hairs, which give a red Cast to the whole Leaf. It grows in champaign and mossy Grounds, in a pale red Moss, and flowers in _May_.

_Recipe for ten Gallons of Ros Solis._

Take of Ros Solis picked clean, four Pounds; Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmegs, of each three Ounces and a Half; Marigold-flowers one Pound; Caraway-seeds ten Ounces; Proof Spirit ten Gallons, and of Water three Gallons. Distil with a pretty brisk Fire, till the Faints begin to rise. Then take of Liquorice Root sliced Half a Pound; Raisins stoned two Pounds; red Saunders Half a Pound; digest these three Days in two Quarts of Water, and strain out the clear Liquor, in which dissolve three Pounds of fine Sugar, and mix it with the Spirit drawn by Distillation.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Ros Solis by Digestion._

Take Ros Solis clean picked three Pounds; Nutmegs, Mace, Cloves, and Cinnamon, the Seeds of Caraway and Coriander of each three Ounces; Ginger, the lesser Cardamom, Zedoary, and Calamus Aromaticus, of each one Ounce; Cubebs and yellow Saunders of each Half and Ounce; red Saunders three Ounces; red Rose Leaves dried three Handfuls. Proof Spirit ten Gallons; digest the whole six Days in a Vessel close stoped, and then strain off the clear Liquor, and dulcify it with fine Sugar.

Or,

Take Ros Solis picked three Pounds; Cinnamon and Nutmegs, Caraway and Coriander-seeds, of each three Ounces; Cloves, Mace, and Ginger, of each one Ounce and a Quarter; Cubebs, Cardamoms, Zedoary, and Calamus Aromaticus, of each Half an Ounce; red Roses dried three Ounces; Liquorice Root sliced, six Ounces; Raisins stoned one Pound and a Half; Cochineal and Saffron, of each three Drams; digest the whole eight Days in ten Gallons of Proof Spirits; strain off, and dulcify as before.

_Recipe for ten Gallons of_ Turin _Ros Solis_.

Take of damask Roses, Orange-flowers, Lilies of the Valley, and Jasmine-flowers, of each two Pounds and a Half; Cinnamon five Ounces; Cloves three Drams: Put these Ingredients into an Alembic, with four Gallons and a Half of Water, and draw off three Gallons, with a moderate Fire; to this Water add seven Gallons of Proof Spirit, in which a Dram of Cochineal and two Drams of Saffron has been infused; dulcify with fine Sugar, and run the whole through the filtrating Bag.

All these different Kinds of Ros Solis are excellent Cordials, good in all Depressions of the Spirits, Nauseas, and paralytic Disorders.

CHAP. LI.

_Of Usquebaugh._

Usquebaugh is a very celebrated Cordial, the Basis of which is Saffron. There are different Ways of making this famous Compound; but the following are equal to any I have seen.

_Recipe for ten Gallons of common Usquebaugh._

Take of Nutmegs, Cloves, and Cinnamon, of each two Ounces; of the Seeds of Anise, Caraway and Coriander, of each four Ounces; Liquorice Root sliced Half a Pound; bruise the Seeds and Spices, and put them together with the Liquorice into the Still with eleven Gallons of Proof Spirits, and two Gallons of Water; distil with a pretty brisk Fire till the Faints begin to rise. But as soon as your Still begins to work, fasten to the Nose of the Worm two Ounces of _English_ Saffron tied up in a Cloth, that the Liquor may run thro’ it, and extract all its Tincture, and in order to this you should often press the Saffron with your Fingers. When the Operation is finished, dulcify your Goods with fine Sugar.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Royal Usquebaugh._

Take of Cinnamon, Ginger, and Coriander-seed, of each three Ounces; Nutmegs four Ounces and a Half; Mace, Cloves and Cubebs, of each one Ounce and a Half. Bruise these ingredients, and put them into an Alembic with eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit, and two Gallons of Water; and distil till the Faints begin to rise; fastening four Ounces and a Half of _English_ Saffron tied in a Cloth to the End of the Worm, as directed in the preceding Recipe. Take Raisins stoned four Pounds and a Half; Dates three Pounds, Liquorice Root sliced two Pounds; digest these twelve Hours in two Gallons of Water; strain out the clear Liquor, add it to that obtained by Distillation, and dulcify the whole with fine Sugar.

_Recipe for ten Gallons of Usquebaugh by Digestion._

Take of Raisins stoned five Pounds; Figs sliced one Pound and a Half; Cinnamon Half a Pound; Nutmegs three Ounces; Cloves and Mace, of each one Ounce and a Half; Liquorice two Pounds; Saffron four Ounces; bruise the Spices, slice the Liquorice, and pull the Saffron in pieces; digest these Ingredients eight Days in ten Gallons of Proof Spirit, in a Vessel close stoped; then filter the Liquor, and add to it two Gallons of _Canary_ Wine, and Half an Ounce of the Tincture of Ambergrease.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of_ French _Usquebaugh_.

Take of Saffron three Ounces, of the essential Oil or Essence of Florentine Citron, Bergamot, _Portugal_ Orange, and Lemon, of each a Hundred Drops; Angelica-seed, Vanellos and Mace, of each one Ounce and a Half; Cloves and Coriander-seed of each three Quarters of an Ounce; bruise the Seeds and Spices, and put all into an Alembic with eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit, and two Gallons of Water; and draw off with a gentle Fire till the Faints begin to rise, fastening to the Nose of the Worm four Ounces of Saffron in a Cloth. When the Operation is finished dulcify the Goods with fine Sugar.

These Waters are excellent Cephalic Cordials, and Alexipharmics; and are excelled by nothing in suddenly reviving the Spirits when depressed by Sickness, _&c._

CHAP. LII.

_Of Ratafia._

Ratafia is a Liquor in great Esteem, and most Persons are acquainted with it; tho’ the true Method of making it is known only to a few. There are various Kinds of Ratafia made from different Fruits. I shall give Recipes for making those which are at present in most Esteem; which may serve as Instances for making these Goods from any other Kinds of Fruit.

1. _Of red Ratafia_.

There are three Sorts of Ratafia drawn from red Fruits, distinguished by the Epithets _fine_, _dry_, and _common_.

The Fruits most proper to make the red Ratafia are the black Heart Cherry, the common red Cherry, the black Cherry, the Merry or Honey Cherry, the Strawberry, the Rasberry, the red Gooseberry, and the Mulberry.

These Fruits should be gathered in the Height of their respective Seasons and the largest and most beautiful of them chosen for the purpose.

Thus with regard to the Heart Cherry, it should be large, fleshy, and thorough but not over ripe; for then a Part of its Juice will be evaporated on the Tree: Care must be also taken, that its Colour be not decayed; but clear and almost transparent, and well tasted.

The black Cherry, or as it is often called, the black Arvon, must be extremely ripe, because it is used to colour the Ratafia when that of the other fails. The Criterion of judging when it is thoroughly ripe is its Blackness; for, when in Perfection, it is perfectly black. It should also be remembered that this Fruit is better and more profitable in Proportion to its Sweetness; as the Flavour of the Ratafia will be rendered more agreeable, and a less Quantity of Sugar necessary.

As the Gooseberry is an acid Fruit, it must be chosen as ripe as possible. The Fruit large, and the Skin and Husk so transparent as to see the Seeds through it. The Gooseberry should be used immediately after its being gathered; for it is very liable to ferment, which will inevitably spoil the Ratafia. Gooseberries are chiefly used to render the Ratafia dry or sharp, and consequently less soft; and therefore their Quantity should always be proportioned to that Intention.

The Merry to be good should be small, black, the Skin transparent, full of Liquor of deep black Purple Colour. The greatest Care should be taken, that it be fresh gathered, and not rotten. It corrects the acid Juices of the other Fruits by its Sweetness, softens the Composition; and is of great Service in colouring the Ratafia.

The Mulberry is of the greatest Service in colouring the Ratafia. It should be chosen large, and fully ripe, at which time it is of a black Purple Colour. Its Taste also greatly contributes to render the Ratafia of a pleasant and agreeable Flavour.

The Strawberry greatly contributes to increase the rich Flavour of the Ratafia; but it must be chosen ripe, and large; fresh gathered and not bruised. Another Caution necessary to this Fruit is, that they are gathered in dry warm Weather; for if gathered in rainy Weather they will want that fine Taste, for which they are so greatly valued.

The Rasberry is also added to augment the Richness of the Liquor, to which its elegant perfumy Taste greatly contributes; by its agreeable Acidity it renders the Flavour more brisk and agreeable. It must be fresh gathered, full ripe, and free from Spots and Mouldness, which this Fruit is particularly subject to.

Having thus concisely enumerated the Qualities requisite in the several Fruits, to render the Ratafia of a rich and elegant Flavour, we shall proceed to give the best Methods for making Ratafia from them.

_Recipe for making red Ratafia, fine and soft._

Take of the black Heart Cherries twenty-four Pounds; black Cherries four Pounds; Rasberries and Strawberries, of each three Pounds: Pick these Fruits from their Stalks, and bruise them, in which Condition let them continue twelve Hours; press out the Juice, and, to every Pint of it add a Quarter of a Pound of Sugar. When the Sugar is dissolved run the whole through the filtrating Bag, and add to it three Quarts of clean Proof Spirits. Then take of Cinnamon four Ounces; of Mace an Ounce; and of Cloves two Drams. Bruise these Spices, put them into an Alembic with a Gallon of clean Proof Spirits and two Quarts of Water, and draw off a Gallon with a brisk Fire. Add as much of this spicy Spirit to your Ratafia as will render it agreeable to your Palate; about one fourth is the usual Proportion.

Ratafia made according to the above Recipe will be of a very rich Flavour, and elegant Colour. It may be rendered more or less of a spicy Flavour, by adding or diminishing the Quantity of Spirit distilled from the Spices.

Some in making Ratafia suffer the expressed Juices of their Fruits to ferment several Days; by this means the Vinosity of the Ratafia is increased; but, at the same time, the elegant Flavour of the Fruits greatly diminished. Wherefore if the Ratafia be desired stronger or more vinous, it may be done by adding more Spirits to the expressed Juice; by which means the Flavour of the Fruits may be preserved, as well as the Ratafia rendered stronger.

It is also a Method with some to tie the Spices in a Linen Rag, and suspend them in the Ratafia. But if this Method be taken it will be necessary to augment the Quantity of Spirit first added to the expressed Juice. There is no great Difference in the two Methods of adding the Spices, except that by suspending them in the Ratafia, the Liquor is generally rendered less bright and transparent.

There is also another Method practised in making Ratafia, which is this: Take the Quantity of Fruit proposed, bruise it, and immediately pour the Spirit on the Pulp. After standing a Day or two express the Juice and Spirit, filtrate it, and add the Sugar and Spices as before. But this Method requires more Spirit than the former, as it will be impossible to press it all out of the Skins and other Parts of the Fruit remaining after the Juice is extracted.

2. _Of making fine and dry Ratafia from red Fruit._

Tho’ the Ratafia we have just mentioned will doubtless please the Palates of many People; yet there are others who would prefer a different Sort; it is therefore necessary to know how to make dry as well as sweet Ratafia, if we are desirous of pleasing all Sorts of Palates.

Dry Ratafia is prepared in the same manner as the preceding, but the Ingredients are different.

An equal Quantity of Cherries and Gooseberries are necessary in making dry or sharp Ratafia; because the Acidity of the Gooseberries gives the requisite Flavour to this Sort of Liquor. But, at the same time, care must be taken that the Gooseberries be fully ripe; for otherwise, tho’ Gooseberries are more acid before they are ripe than afterwards; yet that Acidity is not the Flavour desired; it is acerb and rough, and will render the Flavour of the Ratafia disagreeable. The same Observation holds good also with regard to the Cherries; they must be fully ripe as in making the soft Ratafia.

Instead of black Cherries used in the Composition of the preceding Ratafia, Mulberries should be used in this: The reason for this Change is, that the Juice of the black Cherry is more sweet and glutinous than that of the Mulberry, and therefore less fit for making dry Ratafia. But the Mulberries must be the ripest and blackest possible, in order to give the better Colour to the Liquor.

More Spirit and less Sugar in proportion to the Juice of the Fruit, is also required in this Composition than in the foregoing; but with regard to the Spices, the same Quantity is generally added to both.

_Recipe for making red Ratafia, fine and dry._

Take of Cherries and Gooseberries, of each thirty Pounds; Mulberries seven Pounds; Rasberries ten Pounds. Pick all these Fruits clean from their Stalks, _&c._ bruise them, and let them stand twelve Hours; but do not suffer them to ferment. Press out the Juice, and to every Pint add three Ounces of Sugar; when the Sugar is dissolved run it thro’ the filtrating Bag, and to every five Pints of Liquor add four Pints of clean Proof Spirit; together with the same Proportion of Spirit drawn from the Spices in the foregoing Composition.

But it may not be amiss to observe here, that different Distillers use different Quantities of the Spirit drawn from the Spices. The best Method therefore is to imitate the Flavour most universally approved of, which may be easily done by adding a greater or less Proportion of the spiced Spirit.

3. _Of mixed Ratafia._

By mixed Ratafia is meant the Juices of Fruits prepared, and ready to be mixed with the Spirit when called for.

_Recipe for making mixed Ratafia._

Ratafia is composed of Cherries and Gooseberries; of these the best are to be chosen, bruised, and in that Condition suffered to remain some Days to ferment. The Juice is then to be strained off, the Quantity of Sugar and Brandy added, and the whole put into a Cask and close stopped. A Lee or Sediment will fall to the Bottom of the Cask, which Sediment will be of great Use in preserving the Ratafia.

The Proportion of black Cherries must be large in this Ratafia, because the Colour, which this is greatly valued for, chiefly comes from the Juice of that Fruit.

The Sugar must not be put in at once, because the Acidness of the Liquor would cause a considerable Effervescence, but by a little at a time.

These Instructions being observed, a Ratafia of this Kind may be easily made: And as the Spirit is not to be mixed with it, till the Ratafia is called for, a large Quantity of it may be made at a small Expence, when the Fruits are in Perfection, which cannot be done by the common Methods.

_Recipe for making mixed Ratafia._

Take of common Cherries, thoroughly ripe, four Hundred and fifty Pounds; Gooseberries, large and ripe, two Hundred and twenty-five Pounds; black Cherries ripe and large, fifty Pounds. Bruise these Fruits, and in that Condition let them continue three or four Days to ferment. Then press out the Juice, and add one fifth Part of Spirit; that is, if you have two Hundred and fifty Pints of Juice you must add to it fifty Pints of Spirit. When your Spirit and Juice are mixed put them into a Cask, and for every Pint add three Ounces of Sugar. By this means your Ratafia will be always ready to mix with Spirit.

But as the Proportion of Spirit is but small, it will be necessary to taste your Ratafia at least every Month, lest it should ferment, and by that means lose both its Flavour and Colour. As soon therefore as you perceive the least Alteration in your Ratafia, more Spirit must be added to stop the Fermentation; and by this Method it may be kept the whole Year.

If you have any Ratafia remaining at the End of the Year, you must mix it with that just made, adding a large Proportion of black Cherries; because the Colour in the old Ratafia will not be equal to that of the new. Or you may add to your old Ratafia a proper Quantity of the fresh Juice of black Cherries, which will restore its Colour, and, in a great Measure its Flavour too: So that if your Ratafia has been well preserved, it will, when mixed with fresh Juice of black Cherries, be but little inferior to the new.

4. _Of white Ratafia._

As red Fruits are the Basis of that called red Ratafia, so, on the contrary, that made from the Juices of white Fruits is denominated white Ratafia.

There are various Kinds of Ratafia made from various Fruits; but I shall only give Recipes for making three or four Sorts, which will be sufficient for all the rest, as the Method is nearly the same in all.

_Recipe for making Ratafia from the Muscat, or white Frontiniac Grape._

The Berries of this Kind of Grape are large, and grow extremely close upon the Bunches, which are very long, and have commonly two Shoulders: The Fruit, when ripe, has a rich musky Flavour; but it is commonly very late in Autumn, before these Grapes are in Perfection; and the Berries being so very close upon the Bunches, detain the Moisture in the Centre; so that they often perish: To prevent which some curious Persons look over their Vines, soon after the Grapes are formed, and, with a Pair of Scissars, cut out all small ones, so as to leave the others at a moderate Distance, whereby the Sun and Air are easily admitted, which dissipates the Moisture, and prevents their perishing. There is another Kind of this Grape, called by some the white Frontiniac of _Alexandria_, and by others the _Jerusalem_ Muscat, which is a very large Grape, and, when ripe, an excellent Fruit; but is rarely brought to Perfection in _England_. The Berries of the _Jerusalem_ Muscat, are of an oval Shape, and very large. They grow very loose on the Bunches, are very fleshy and firm, and, when ripe, are of greenish white, and a delicate Flavour.

Either of these Kinds of Grapes will make very fine Ratafia; but which ever of them are chosen, they must be picked from the Stalks, and only the finest Berries made use of. The Stones must also be picked out; for if they are bruised with the Berries, the fine Flavour of the Juice will be greatly diminished.

When you have picked the Grapes from the Stalks, and taken out the Stones, press out the Juice, and filtrate it through a Flannel Bag. Then add the Quantity of Sugar and Spirit, and flavour it to your mind with a Spirit distilled from Spices, in the manner explained below.

The general Proportion of Sugar and Spirit, is, to twenty Pints of the Juice, five Pounds and a Half of Sugar, ten Pints of Spirit, and what Quantity you please of the spicy Spirit.

To make the spicy Spirit, take of Mace one Pound, Nutmegs four Ounces, Spirit three Gallons, and draw off the whole in Balneum Mariæ.

By the same Method you may make red Ratafia from the red Frontiniac; except that the Grapes, when bruised, must be suffered to ferment three or four Days, before the Juice is pressed out; because the Colour, which resides principally in the Skins of the Grapes, will, by that means, be extracted.

The Berries of the red Muscat, or red Frontiniac, are about the Size of those of the white; but grow much thinner on the Bunches. This Grape, when thoroughly ripe, has the richest and highest Flavour of any yet known; but it must have a dry Soil and a South Aspect, otherwise it seldom ripens well in _England_. Besides the above Grape, there is another called by some red Muscat of _Alexandria_, and by others red _Jerusalem_ Muscat. This is not quite so late in ripening as the white Muscat of _Alexandria_ above described; and for that reason more esteemed. The Berries of this Kind are not quite so large as those of the white, but of the same Form, and equal in Goodness.

5. _Of Ratafia from Peaches._

The Ratafia made from the Peach is the finest and richest Flavour of any made from stoned Fruits. It is however necessary to gather the Peach when thoroughly ripe, but, at the same time not to suffer it to hang too long on the Tree: For as, on the one hand, it will not acquire its delicious Flavour and Smell till thoroughly ripe, so, on the other, it will lose both if suffered to hang on the Tree, after it has attained to a full Maturity. Another necessary Caution is, to gather it in fine warm Weather, and near the Middle of the Day; because then both the Flavour and Smell are in the greatest Perfection.

It is also requisite to make Choice of the proper Sorts of Peaches; for there is a remarkable Difference in the Flavour of these Fruits. Gardeners reckon above thirty Sorts of Peaches, but not more than half that number are proper for making Ratafia. I shall therefore give a short Description of those that are most proper, that the young Distiller may not be disappointed in making Ratafia from Peaches.

1. The early Purple (called by the _French_ _La Pourprée hâtive_.) This Tree hath smooth Leaves: The Flowers large, and open: The Fruit is large, round, and of a fine red Colour: The Flesh is white, but very red at the Stone; very full of Juice, which has a rich vinous Flavour. This Peach is ripe about the Middle of _August_.

2. The large, or _French_ Mignon. The Leaves of this Tree are smooth, and the Flowers large and open. The Fruit is a little oblong, generally swelling out on one Side, and of a fine Colour. The Juice is very sweet, and of a high Flavour; the Flesh white, but very red at the Stone, which is small, and easily separates from the Flesh. This Peach is ripe in the middle of _August_.

3. The Chevreuse; or, belle Chevreuse. This Tree hath smooth Leaves, and its Flowers are small and contracted. The Fruit is of a middling Size, a little oblong, and of an elegant Colour. The Flesh is white, but very red at the Stone, from which it separates; full of a rich sugary Juice, and ripens towards the latter End of _August_.

4. The red Magdalen, called by the _French_ about _Paris_, _Magdeleine de Courson_. The Leaves of this Tree are deeply sawed, and the Flowers large and open. The Fruit is large, round, and of a fine red Colour. The Flesh is white, but very red at the Stone, from which it separates. The Juice is very sugary, and of a rich Flavour. It is ripe the latter End of _August_.

5. _Smith_’s _Newington_. This Tree hath sawed Leaves, and large open Flowers. The Fruit is of a middling Size, and of a fine red, next the Sun. The Flesh is very firm and white, but very red at the Stone, to which it closely adheres. It has a rich sugary Juice, and is ripe the latter End of _August_.

6. The Chancellor. The Leaves of this Tree are smooth, and the Flowers small and contracted. The Fruit is shaped somewhat like the Belle Chevreuse, but rounder. The Flesh is white and melting, and separates from the Stone, where it is of a fine red Colour. The Skin is very thin, and the Juice remarkably rich. It ripens about the End of _August_.

7. The Bellegarde; or, as the _French_ call it, the _Gallande_. This Tree hath narrow Leaves, and small contracted Flowers. The Fruit is very large and round, and of a deep purple Colour, on the Side exposed to the Sun. The Flesh is white, melting, and separates from the Stone, where it is of a deep red Colour. The Juice is very rich. This Peach is ripe about the beginning of _September_.

8. The Bourdine. The Leaves of this Tree are smooth, and the Flowers small and contracted. The Fruit is large, round, and of a fine red Colour next the Sun. The Flesh is white, melting, and separates from the Stone, where it is of a fine red Colour. The Juice is vinous and rich. It is ripe the beginning of _September_, and greatly esteemed by the curious.

9. The Lisle; or, as the _French_ call it, _la petite Violette Hâtive_. This Tree hath smooth Leaves, and small contracted Flowers. The Fruit is of a middle Size, and next the Sun of a fine violet Colour. The Flesh is of a pale yellow, melting, full of a rich vinous Juice; but adheres to the Stone, where it is very red. This Fruit is ripe the Beginning of _September_.

10. The old _Newington_. The Leaves of this Tree are sawed, and the Flowers large and open. The Fruit is fair, large, and of a beautiful red Colour next the Sun. The Flesh is white, melting, and closely adheres to the Stone, where it is of a deep red Colour. The Juice is very rich and vinous. It is ripe about the Middle of _September_.

11. The Rambouillet, commonly called the Rambullion. This Tree has smooth Leaves, and large open Flowers. The Fruit is of a middling Size, rather round than long, deeply divided by a Furrow in the Middle; of a fine red Colour next the Sun, but of a light Yellow next the Wall. The Flesh is melting, of a bright yellow Colour, except near the Stone, from which it separates, where it is of a deep red. The Juice is rich and of a vinous Flavour. This Fruit ripens about the Middle of _September_.

12. The Pourprée; or, as the _French_ generally call it _Pourprée tardive_, the late Purple. The Leaves of this Tree are very large, and sawed, the Shoots strong, and the Flowers small and contracted. The Flesh, except near the Stone, from which it separates, and where it is red, is white, melting, and of a rich sugary Juice. It is not ripe till near the End of _September_.

13. The Nevette. The Leaves of this Tree are sawed, and the Flowers small and contracted. The Fruit is large, somewhat longer than round, of a bright red Colour next the Sun, and of a pale yellow on the other. The Flesh is melting, full of a rich Juice, and very red at the Stone, from which it separates. It ripens about the Middle of _September_, and is esteemed one of the best Peaches.

14. The Royal. This Tree hath smooth Leaves, and small contracted Flowers. The Fruit is large, round, and of a deep red on the Side exposed to the Sun, but of a pale yellow on the other. The Flesh is white, melting, and full of a rich Juice, of a white Colour, except near the Stone from which it separates, where it is of a deep red. This Fruit is ripe about the Middle of _September_.

15. The monstrous Pavy of Pomponne. The Leaves of this Tree are smooth; the Flowers large and open. The Fruit is very large and round, many times fourteen Inches in Circumference. The Flesh is white, melting, and closely adheres to the Stone, where it is of a deep red Colour. The Side next the Sun is a beautiful red, and the other of a pale flesh Colour. It ripens about the End of _October_, and when the Autumn is warm, is an excellent Peach.

The above Description of the different Kinds of Peaches proper for making Ratafia, will be of use to the young Artist, as the fine Flavour of this Liquor in a great Measure depends on a proper Choice of the Fruits used in the Composition; and if the Instructions relating to the Perfections and Ripeness of these Fruits are observed, an excellent Cordial may be easily made in the following manner.

Take your Peaches, bruise them, and instantly strain out their Juice thro’ a Piece of strong Linen. In this Juice, without any Mixture of Water, dissolve your Sugar. And when the Sugar is melted, add the Quantity of Spirit. No Spices must be used in this Ratafia, the fine Flavour of the Peach being far preferable to all Spices in the World. The Quantity of either the Sugar or Spirit may be augmented or lessened according to your own Judgment, or in Proportion to the Price of your Ratafia.

As soon as the Spirit is added to the dulcified Juice of the Peaches, the whole must be filtrated thro’ a Flannel Bag, put into Bottles close stopped; for the fine Flavour of the Peach will soon be lost unless the Bottles are very well corked. Some also cover the Cork with Sealing-wax, which is not a bad Caution.

If you would have your Ratafia of a bright red Colour, your must let your bruised Peaches ferment a Day or two; by which means the Colour of the Skin, and that of the Flesh near the Stone, will be extracted, and give your Ratafia the Colour desired.

4. _Of Orange-flower Ratafia._

The Orange-flower has been already described, Page 127. I shall therefore only add, that the Orange-flowers used in making Ratafia should be large, in their full Perfection, gathered before the Rising of the Sun, and carefully picked from their Stalks, _&c._ Some blanch the Orange-flowers, by putting them into a small Quantity of Water, and boiling them a few Minutes over the Fire. But by this Method the most volatile Parts of the Flower are evaporated, by which the Ratafia will lose much of its delicate Flavour.

The best way therefore is to use the Orange-flowers without any previous Boiling.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Orange-flower Ratafia._

Take of Orange-flowers fresh gathered, and clean picked from their Stalks, _&c._ five Pounds, and infuse them six Days in five Gallons of clean Proof Spirit. Dissolve fourteen Pounds of Sugar in five Gallons of Water; and after straining the Spirit from the Flowers, mix it with the Syrup, and filtrate the whole thro’ a Flannel Bag.

Some instead of common Water use the Orange-flower Water; but it will be necessary in pursuing that Method to take care that the Water be fresh made, and very fragrant; for otherwise instead of improving, you will greatly injure the fine Flavour of your Ratafia.

The foreign Distillers keep two Sorts of Orange-flower Ratafia, one they call _single_ and the other _double_. The former is made according to the above Recipe; but in making the latter they use double the Quantity of Orange-flowers, and considerably augment the Proportion of Sugar. It will be needless to give a Recipe for making that Sort of Ratafia, which they call _double_, as the Process is exactly the same.

5. _Ratafia of_ Portugal _Orange_.

Ratafia may be made from any Sort of Orange; but that of the _Portugal_ Orange is reckoned the best.

The Oranges must be chosen fair, large, and ripe; and the outer or yellow Peel be carefully taken off. The Juice of the Oranges must be then pressed out, dulcified with Sugar, and mixed with the Spirit: after which the outer Rinds are to be added, and after a proper Infusion, the whole filtrated through a Flannel Bag.

_Recipe for making three Gallons of_ Portugal _Orange Ratafia_.

Take of the Juice of _Portugal_ Oranges two Gallons; clean rectified Spirit one Gallon; four Pounds of Sugar; and the outer Peel of ten Oranges. Let the whole infuse a Fortnight, and then filter the Liquor through a Flannel Bag.

Some instead of infusing the Peel as directed in the above Recipe, put the Peel into the Spirit, and distil it in Balneum Mariæ; after which they add the Spirit to the dulcified Orange-juice, and filtrate as before.

The foregoing Recipes for making Ratafia from different Fruits, _&c._ will be sufficient to instruct the young Distiller in the Method necessary to be pursued for making Cordials of this Kind; for it would be tedious to give Formula’s for making all the Kinds of Ratafia kept by different Distillers. The Method in all is nearly the same; and the Proportion of Sugar and Spirit may be easily discovered by a few Experiments. I shall therefore conclude this Chapter with giving a Recipe for making what is called by our _English_ Distillers Ratafia, tho’ a very bad Composition.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of common Ratafia._

Take of Nutmegs eight Ounces; bitter Almonds ten Pounds; _Lisbon_ Sugar eight Pounds; Ambergrise ten Grains: Infuse these Ingredients three Days in ten Gallons of clean Proof Spirit, and filter thro’ a Flannel Bag for use.

The Nutmegs and bitter Almonds must be bruised; and the Ambergrise rubbed with the _Lisbon_ Sugar in a Marble Mortar, before they are infused in the Spirit.

CHAP. LIII.

_Of Gold Cordial._

This Cordial has its Name from Leaf Gold being formerly used in its Composition; but as later Experiments have abundantly demonstrated that Gold can add nothing to its Virtues, it is now generally omitted.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Gold Cordial._

Take of the Roots of Angelica, four Pounds; Raisins stoned, two Pounds; Coriander-seeds, Half a Pound; Caraway-seeds and Cinnamon, of each Half a Pound; Cloves two Ounces; Figs and Liquorice-root, of each one Pound; Proof Spirit eleven Gallons; Water two Gallons: The Angelica, Liquorice, and Figs must be sliced, before they are added. Digest two Days, and draw off by gentle Heat, till the Faints begin to rise, hanging in a Piece of Linen fastened to the Mouth of the Worm an Ounce of _English_ Saffron. Then dissolve eight Pounds of Sugar in three Quarts of Rose Water, and add it to the distilled Liquor. Some Distillers instead of Saffron colour their Goods with burnt Sugar, but by this means the Cordial is greatly impaired in its Virtues.

Or,

Take of the Juice of Alchermes five Ounces; Cloves two Ounces and a Half; Musk and Ambergrise, of each Half a Dram; Loaf Sugar ten Pounds; Proof Spirit eleven Gallons; digest the whole a Fortnight in a close Vessel, and filter thro’ a Flannel Bag for use. Some add thirty Leaves of Gold; but the Medicine is not at all the better for it.

Either of the above Recipes will produce an excellent Cordial; good in Tremblings, Faintings, and Lowness of Spirits, _&c_. Also in Nauseas and Griping Pains of the Stomach and Bowels.

CHAP. LIV.

_Of Cardamum, or All-fours._

This Water has its Name from the four Ingredients in its Composition; and in some Countries is greatly used by the poorer Sort of People.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Cardamum._

Take of Pimento, Caraway and Coriander-seeds, and Lemon-peel, of each three Pounds; of Malt Spirits eleven Gallons; Water three Gallons. Draw off with a gentle Fire, dulcify with ordinary Sugar, and make up the Goods, to the Strength you desire with clean Water.

This is rarely called for unless by the poor Sort of People, who are induced to use it from its Cheapness; tho’ it is a better Cordial than many drawn from dearer Ingredients. It is an excellent Carminative, and is often sold for Aqua Mirabilis.

CHAP. LV.

_Of Geneva._

There was formerly kept in the Apothecaries Shops a distilled spirituous Water of Juniper; but the Vulgar being fond of it as a Dram, the Distillers supplanted the Apothecaries, and sold it under the Name of Geneva. The common Sort however is not made from Juniper-berries as it ought to be, but from Oil of Turpentine; the Method of which we shall give in the Sequel of this Chapter.

Juniper-berries are a roundish Fruit, of the Size of a Pea. They wither and wrinkle in the drying, and we meet with them variously corrugated, and usually covered with a bluish resinous Dust when fresh. They should be chosen fresh, plump, full of Pulp, and of a strong Taste and Smell. They are usually imported from _Germany_, tho’ we have plenty of the Trees in _England_. It is but small with us, rarely rising to more than three or four Feet in Height, and scarce ever exceeding five or six. Some of the Juniper Shrubs are Males, some Females of the same Species; the Male Shrubs produce in _April_ or _May_ a small Kind of Juli with Apices on them very large, and full of Farina; the Females produce none of these Juli but only the Berries, which do not ripen till the second Year, and then do not immediately fall off, so that it is no uncommon thing to see three Sets of Berries, or the Berries of three different Years at once on the same Tree.

If you make use of _English_ Berries, let them be fully ripe before they are gathered; and in order to preserve them, spread them very thin on a boarded Floor, leaving the Windows and Doors open, and turn them once a Day till they are dry; after which pack them up in Barrels, so that no Air may come to them, and they will keep good all the Year. Some, when they are dry, throw them altogether in a Heap in a Corner of the Room, where they continue till wanted for use; but the Berries will not keep so well by this Method as by being packed in Casks; they are subject to contract a Mouldiness, which will give a Taste to the Goods, greatly to their Disadvantage.

Some Distillers as soon as their Berries are gathered, put them into Casks, and cover them with Spirits of Wine; by this Method the Berries are indeed well preserved, without any Danger of contracting an ill Smell, which they are very apt to do by the other Methods unless the greatest Care be taken; but then it must be remembered, that the Spirit will extract great Part of their essential Oil, in which their Virtues consist, and consequently the Berries themselves will be rendered of little Value. If, therefore, you preserve your Berries in this manner, you should put into each Cask or Jarr, only the Quantity you use for one Charge of your Still; and when you have occasion to use them, put both the Spirits and Berries into your Alembic.

Thus your Berries will be finely preserved, without any Loss either of their essential Oil, or the Spirits made use of to preserve.

_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Geneva._