The Complete Distiller / Containing, I. The method of performing the various processes of distillation, with descriptions of the several instruments: the whole doctrine of fermentation: the manner of drawing spirits from malt, raisins, molasses, sugar, &c. and of rectifying them: with instructions for imitating, to the greatest perfection, both the colour and flavour of French brandies. II. The manner of distilling all kinds of simple waters from plants, flowers, &c. III. The method of making all the compound waters and rich cordials so largely imported from France and Italy; as likewise all those now made in Great Britain. To which are added, accurate descriptions of the several drugs, plants, flowers, fruits, &c. used by distillers, and instructions for chusing the best of each kind...

by A. Cooper

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.