Homemade Rosemary Tincture
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 1 batch
Description
A “tincture” is an herbal infusion made by combining fresh herbs or flowers with alcohol, allowing the essence of the plant to be extracted and suspended in the liquid. This homemade rosemary tincture is an excellent way to capture the fragrant and beneficial properties of rosemary for later use in culinary creations or natural remedies. Though tinctures are readily available at health food stores, crafting your own at home ensures freshness and customization. Enjoy the process of making this aromatic tincture, which has an approximate shelf life of one year. This recipe is adapted from The Good Earth Bath, Beauty & Health Book by Casey Kellar.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh rosemary | 4 – 5 sprigs |
| Vodka | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385.3 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Instructions
-
Bruising the Rosemary:
Begin by preparing the fresh rosemary sprigs. Place them on a clean wooden cutting board and gently bruise the rosemary by lightly hammering it with your fist. This step helps to release the aromatic oils from the leaves, enhancing the tincture’s flavor and effectiveness. -
Combining with Alcohol:
Once the rosemary is bruised, take an amber or dark glass bottle to protect the contents from light exposure. Carefully pour the vodka into the bottle. The alcohol serves as the solvent that extracts the beneficial properties of the rosemary. -
Adding Rosemary to Vodka:
After adding the vodka, introduce the bruised rosemary sprigs into the bottle. Ensure that the rosemary is fully submerged in the alcohol, allowing it to infuse its essence effectively. -
Sealing the Mixture:
Securely cap the bottle to prevent any evaporation of alcohol and contamination. Shaking the mixture will aid in mixing the ingredients thoroughly. -
Infusing the Tincture:
Shake the bottle vigorously for about a minute to combine the ingredients. Then, place the bottle in a cool, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks. Each week, remember to shake the bottle for a minute to ensure that the rosemary continues to release its flavors into the vodka. -
Straining the Tincture:
After the infusion period is complete, strain the tincture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the rosemary pieces. This process will leave you with a beautifully infused liquid. -
Storing the Tincture:
Transfer the strained tincture into a clean, dark glass bottle for storage. Store it in a cool and dark place to maintain its potency.
Enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavor of your homemade rosemary tincture in various applications, whether it’s in culinary dishes, herbal remedies, or even bath products! This tincture not only enhances your cooking but also serves as a delightful addition to your natural wellness practices.
