Usually such mixtures as these are clarified or “fined” only with considerable difficulty, as the finally divided particles of oil pass easily through the pores of the filter paper. Purified talcum will be found to be an excellent clarifying medium; it should be agitated with the liquid and the liquid then passed through a thoroughly wetted filter. The filtrate should be returned again and again to the filter until it filters perfectly bright. Purified talcum being chemically inert is superior to magnesium carbonate and other substances which are recommended for this purpose.
When the filtering process is completed the liquids should at once be put into suitable bottles which should be filled and tightly corked and sealed. Wrap the bottles in paper and store away, laying the bottles on their sides in a moderately warm place. A shelf near the ceiling is a good place. Warmth and age improve the beverages, as it appears to more perfectly blend the flavors, so that the older the liquor becomes the better it is. These liquids must never be kept in a cold place, as the cold might cause the volatile oils to separate.
The following formulas are for the production of cordials of the best quality, and therefore only the very best of materials should be used; the essential oils should be of unquestionable quality and strictly fresh, while the alcohol must be free from fusel oil, the water distilled, and the sugar white, free from bluing, and if liquors of any kind should be called for in any formula only the very best should be used. The oils and other flavoring substances should be dissolved in the alcohol and the sugar in the water. Then mix the two solutions and filter clear.
Alkermes Cordial.—
| Mace | 1 1/2 avoirdupois ounces |
| Ceylon cinnamon | 1 1/8 avoirdupois ounces |
| Cloves | 3/4 avoirdupois ounce |
| Rose water (best) | 6 fluidounces |
| Sugar | 28 avoirdupois ounces |
| Deodorized alcohol | 52 fluidounces |
| Distilled water, q. s. | 1 gallon |
Reduce the mace, cinnamon, and cloves to a coarse powder macerate with the alcohol for several days, agitating occasionally, then add the remaining ingredients, and filter clear.
Anise Cordial.—
| Anethol | 7 fluidrachms |
| Oil of fennel seed | 80 minims |
| Oil of bitter almonds | 16 drops |
| Deodorized alcohol | 8 pints |
| Simple syrup | 5 pints |
| Distilled water, q. s. | 16 pints |
Mix the oils and anethol with the alcohol and the syrup with the water; mix the two and filter clear, as directed.