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...

Chapter 111: CHAP. XXII. Compound Camomile-flower Water.

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About This Book

The treatise delivers a practical, step‑by‑step manual for producing spirits, simple floral waters, and compound cordials, combining methods of fermentation, brewing, distillation apparatus, and rectification. It describes how to draw alcohol from malt, fruits, molasses, and sugars, offers techniques for imitating continental brandy colours and flavours, and gives recipes adapted to both commercial distillers and domestic practitioners. Supplementary sections explain selection and preparation of botanical ingredients, the virtues and uses of preparations, and principles behind processes so readers can refine technique and scale recipes for small batches.

CHAP. XXII.
Compound Camomile-flower Water.

The Camomile-flowers generally used are the double Sort, consisting wholly of Petals or Flower Leaves, without any Appearance of Stamina or Pistil, or the other Parts of Fructification, which in the single Flowers shew themselves in the Middle in Form of yellow Threads. But tho’ the double Flowers are the Sort commonly used, they are not the best, or those which ought to be chosen. The single Flowers, or those which consist of only a single Series of Leaves, or Petals, in Form of Rays, surrounding a Cluster of yellow Threads or Stamina, have much more Virtue. It is indeed in these Stamina and their Apices, that great Part of the Virtue of the Flower resides, and these are wanting in the double Flowers.

Recipe for making ten Gallons of compound Camomile-flower Water.

Take of dried Camomile-flowers, five Pounds; of the outer Peel of Oranges, ten Ounces; of the Leaves of common Wormwood, and Penny-royal, of each twenty Handfuls; of the Seeds of Anise, Cummin, and sweet Fennel, the Berries of Bay and Juniper, of each five Ounces. Digest these Ingredients two Days in ten Gallons of Proof Spirit, and three Gallons of Water, and draw off ten Gallons with a gentle Fire.

This is a very good Carminative and Stomachic; good in all Cholics and other Disorders of the Bowels from Wind. It also provokes the Appetite and promotes a good Digestion. Its Virtues as a Stomachic will not be less when made from the double Flowers; but if intended as a Carminative it should be made with the single Flowers.