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...

There are two Kinds of Surfeit-water, one made by Distillation, and the other by Infusion, the former is generally called white Surfeit Water, and latter red Surfeit Water.

Recipe for ten Gallons of white Surfeit Water.

Take Marigold-flowers, Mint, Centory, Rosemary, Scordium, Mugwort, Carduus, Rue, St. John’s-wort, Baum, and Dragons, of each seven Handfuls; of the Roots of Peony, Viper-grass, Butter-burr, and Angelica, of each one Pound and a Half; of Galangal, Calamus Aromaticus, and of the Seeds of Angelica and Caraway, of each four Ounces; of the Flowers of red Poppies ten Handfuls; Proof Spirit twelve Gallons, Water two Gallons; digest for twenty-four Hours, and then draw off ten Gallons, or till the Faints begin to rise; and dulcify with fine Sugar.

This is a good Cordial, but would not be the worse, if the Carduus, Mugwort, Rue and St. John’s-wort, were omitted, as little of their Virtues can be obtained by Distillation. It is, however, a good Alexipharmic, Carminative, and Stomachic; and therefore good in all flatulent Pains in the Stomach and Bowels, in Nauseas and Surfeits, from whence it had its Name.

Recipe for making ten Gallons of red Surfeit Water.

Take of the Flowers of red Poppies, two Bushels, eleven Gallons of clean Proof Spirit, and digest them with a gentle Heat for three Days, or till the Spirit has extracted all the Colour of the Flowers: Then press out the Liquor from the Flowers, and add to the Tincture of the Seeds of Caraway and Coriander, and Liquorice-root sliced, of each ten Ounces; of Cardamoms and Cubebs of each four Ounces; of Raisins stoned five Pounds; of Cinnamon five Ounces; of Nutmegs, Mace, and Ginger, of each three Ounces; of Cloves two Drams; of Juniper-berries three Ounces; let the whole be digested three Days, then press out the Liquor adding to it a Gallon of Rose-water; and then strain or filter the whole through a Flannel Bag.

This Water is much Superior to the preceding, as all the Ingredients will give their Virtues to the Tincture, tho’ they will not rise in Distillation. It is a noble Alexipharmic, it strengthens the Stomach, and greatly assists Digestion; it is also an excellent Carminative and good against the Cholic and Gripes: Its Cordial Virtues renders it serviceable in all Tremblings of the Nerves, and Depressions of the Spirits.