Blanch and break up a pound of shelled bitter almonds or peach
kernels. Mix with them the grated rinds of three large lemons,
half a pint of clarified honey that has been boiled and skimmed,
and three pounds of the best double-refined loaf-sugar. Put these
ingredients into a jar or demijohn; pour in four quarts of the
best white brandy or proof spirit; stop the vessel, and let it
stand three months, shaking it every day for the first month. Then
filter it, dilute it with rose water to your taste, (you may allow
a quart of rose water to each quart of the liquor,) and bottle it
for use.
This and any other cordial may be coloured red by mixing with it
(after it is filtered) cochineal, powdered, dissolved in a little
white brandy, and strained through fine muslin.