American Southern

Cologne

Name: Cologne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 0.25 oz rosemary; 0.13 oz bergamot (with lavender); 8 drops oil cinnamon; 15 drops oils (clove and rose); 2 quarts alcohol

Historic recipe from Malinda Russell's 1866 cookbook "A Domestic Cook Book". Page 40. One of the earliest known cookbooks by an African American author.

15 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

8Servings

easyDifficulty

I Made It!

UpdatedLast updated5 months ago

Why This Recipe Works

This is a perfume/cologne recipe, not a food recipe. Alcohol acts as a solvent to extract and suspend the aromatic essential oils from herbs and spices through maceration. The repeated shaking creates an emulsion and maximizes surface contact between the botanicals and alcohol, allowing volatile aromatic compounds to dissolve over time. The week-long extraction period ensures full flavor development as the alcohol breaks down plant cell walls to release fragrant oils.

Before You Begin

•This is a fragrance recipe from 1866, NOT intended for consumption - it should be used as cologne or perfume only
•Use high-proof grain alcohol (190 proof/95% ethanol) for proper extraction; lower proof spirits will not effectively dissolve the oils
•Ensure all botanicals are intended for cosmetic use, not culinary grade
•Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames, as high-proof alcohol is extremely flammable
•Measure essential oils carefully with a dropper as they are highly concentrated
•Label the final product clearly as 'NOT FOR CONSUMPTION'

Key Equipment

Glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid (at least 2-quart capacity)Eyedropper or pipette for measuring essential oilsSmall funnel for transferringFine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for final straining (optional)

Instructions

1
Mix and shake well two or three times a day for a week.

Make Ahead

This recipe requires a full week of daily shaking for proper infusion. After the week-long maceration period, strain out solids if desired. The finished cologne improves with age and can be stored indefinitely.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed glass bottle away from heat sources and direct sunlight. The high alcohol content acts as a natural preservative. The cologne will remain potent for years if properly stored. Keep away from children and pets.