
A historical beverage from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). The brandy will be ready for use in three or four weeks and may be frequently replenished. Sometimes considered preferable to wine as a flavoring for pastries and pudding sauces.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Gather the leaves of roses while the dew is on them
As soon as they open put them into a wide-mouthed bottle
When the bottle is full pour in the best of fourth proof French brandy
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Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Alcohol acts as a solvent, extracting essential oils, aromatic compounds, and flavor molecules from rose petals through a process called maceration. Harvesting petals with morning dew ensures maximum volatile oil content, as these compounds haven't yet evaporated in daytime heat. The high proof brandy (around 100 proof or 50% ABV) provides optimal extraction strength—enough alcohol to dissolve oils but sufficient water content to extract water-soluble flavor compounds, creating a balanced infusion.
This is essentially a preservation technique. The rose brandy improves with age and can be made months in advance. As petals are used and liquid level drops, you can replenish with fresh petals and additional brandy throughout the rose season, creating a perpetual infusion.
Store the sealed bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks, shaking gently every few days. Once infused, strain out the spent petals if desired, or leave them in and remove as needed. The high alcohol content preserves the brandy indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark location. Use within 1-2 years for best flavor and aroma.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
This is essentially a preservation technique. The rose brandy improves with age and can be made months in advance. As petals are used and liquid level drops, you can replenish with fresh petals and additional brandy throughout the rose season, creating a perpetual infusion.
Store the sealed bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 3-4 weeks, shaking gently every few days. Once infused, strain out the spent petals if desired, or leave them in and remove as needed. The high alcohol content preserves the brandy indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark location. Use within 1-2 years for best flavor and aroma.