This section is from the book "Apicius Redivivus; Or, The Cook's Oracle", by William Kitchiner. Also available from Amazon: The Cooks Oracle.
Four ounces of powdered ginger in a quart of rectified spirit, apothecaries' measure: let it stand for ten days, shaking it up each day.
This would be more properly called "tincture of ginger:"' however, as it has obtained the name of " essence," so let it be called.
Oil of pimento, half a drachm, apothecaries' measure.
Strong spirit of wine, two ounces, mixed by degrees: a few drops will give the flavour of allspice to a pint of gravy.
Of allspice bruised, three ounces. Brandy, a quart, apothecaries' measure. Let it steep a fortnight, occasionally shaking it up; then pour off the clear liquor: it is a most grateful addition in all cases where allspice is used, for making mulled wine extempore, or in gravies, etc.
Rectified spirit of wine, two ounces, apothecaries' measure. Oil of nutmeg, or clove, or mace, half a drachm, apothecaries' measure.
Cloves bruised, three ounces.
Rectified spirit of wine, two pints, apothecaries' measure. Let it steep ten days: strain it through a flannel sleeve.
Strongest rectified spirit of wine, two ounces. Oil of cinnamon, one drachm, apothecaries' measure.
Strong rectified spirit, two ounces. Oil of origanum, one drachm, apothecaries' measure.
Alum Finings, for clarifying Spirituous and Oleose Cordials, Compounds, etc.
Boil a drachm of alum in a pint of water till it is reduced to half a pint: ten drops, made as warm as new milk, are sufficient for a quart of liquor: shake the bottle well two or three times a day, for three or four days, carefully giving it vent each time.
 
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