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Tinctures

MJH_227207

I'm making tinctures using vodka as the solvent by placing it with 10% of the source flavour (in this case, rose petals) in a 60° water bath for 4 hours.

Whilst I would love a centrifuge and rotatory evaporator, that’s just not going to happen, so what credible options do I have to filter and concentrate the resulting liquid without some seriously expensive kit?

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Francois_346702

Hi Michael

Instead of using vodka, try to use 95% alcohol. It just extracts much more from any vegetal, because it really breaks the cells of the plant. And then just dope the tincture with more of the plant. That is how I do my bitters as well my verveina alcohol and limoncello. Also, heating will just evaporate the alcohol, hence it does not necessarily help extraction except of cours if you use a closed vessel with only a bit of space not unfilled.

I don't know if you can get that 95% alcohol where you live though. Here we get it from Andorra (I live near the Pyrénées) for 3€/L ;-)

Manfred__101170

I collect the parts of my distill kit for about € 120.- incl. alcohol meter. Very plain set up but useful for any type of distilates.

2 liter bulb, thermometer, Liebig condenser, water pump, hoist, flask and heat source.

MJH_227207

Thanks Francois! I've managed to source what is described as "98% Wheat Alcohol - Pure Ethyl - Not Denatured Ethanol" which the seller assures me is safe for human consumption (in minute measures, obviously). I'm a little scared to even try a taste without knowing more about its source though. Should I be?

MJH_227207

Interesting Manfred. How much room does that setup realistically take up? Do you have a photo?

Francois_346702

Hi Michael,

Yes, that is absolutely fine. It it says "not denaturated", that is the one you can drink (after proper dilution ;-)... The denaturated alcohol is the one used in laboratories where a few ml of methanol or blue dye is added to the mix so that it is improper to consumption.

So yes, you can go for it. Soak your stuffs in. Make tryouts. You'll see how much you extract after just one day... then it is a question of taste when you stop infusing. To decide, just try it out, but not pure, because that is just not pleasant. Dilute with smple syrup or water or sugary water...

I just tested my verveina yesterday and it comes good !

Have fun!