35 / 160
GIGGLE WATER
35
to heat tends to lessen their aromatic properties, which
are very volatile. The length of time the ingredients
should be digested, in the spirit should never be less than
3 or 4 days, but a longer period is preferable when dis
tillation is not employed. In either case the time allowed
for digestion may be advantageously extended to lo or
15 days, and frequent agitation should be had recourse to.
65.. TO MAKE ABSINTHE
Put the following ingredients into a cask:—pounds
large absinthe, 2 potmds small absinthe, zyi pounds long
fennel, 2^/2 pounds star anise (breaking the star only),
2)4 pounds green anise seed, 6 oimces coriander seed, and
I pound hyssop; moisten the whole with a little water,
allowing it time to soften and swell; then add 12 gallons
95 per cent alcohol, and steep for 2 or 3 days. Color the
product, by steeping in it for 10 or 15 days )4 pound
mint leaves, )4 pound melissa leaves, )4 pound small
absinthe, 2 ounces citron peel, and J4 pound bruised
liquorice root. Strain and filter.
66. FINING WITH ISINGLASS FOR CORDIALS
Take half an ounce of the best isinglass, and dissolve
it over a gentle fire, in a pint of water slightly seasoned