1027. To Make Imitation Bay; Bum

1027.    To Make Imitation Bay; Bum. The genuine bay rum is made by digesting the leaves of the. Bay plant (an aromatic plant which grows in the West Indies), in rum, and subsequent distillation. The imitation is prepared from the essential oil obtained from the Bay plant. Mix 1 ounce of oil of Bay (or 3/4 ounce oil of Bay, and 1/4 ounce of either oil of pimento, allspice, or cloves), with 4 gallons 95 per cent, alcohol; then add gradually 4 gallons of water, shaking the mixture constantly. If the mixture should become milky, the* addition of a little alcohol will make it clear. Probably the best imitation is as follows: 10 fluid drachms oil of Bay, 1 fluid drachm oil of pimento, 2 fluid ounces acetic ether, 3 gallons alcohol, and 2i gallons water. Mix, and after 2 weeks' repose, filter.

1028. West India Bay Rum

1028.    West India Bay Rum. Take 2  pounds of leaves of the myrtus acris, 1/2 pound cardamoms, 2 ounces cassia, 11/2 ounces cloves, and 9 quarts rum. Distill 11/2 gallons. Bay rum may be colored with tincture of saffron, or with a mixture of equal parts caramel (see No. 694 (To Make Caramel)) and tincture of turmeric.

1030. Cheap Bay Rum

1030. Cheap Bay Rum. Saturate a 1/4 pound block of carbonate of magnesia with oil of Bay; pulverize the magnesia, place it in a filter, and pour water through it until the desired quantity is obtained, then add alcohol. The quantity of water and of alcohol employed depends on the desired strength and quality of the Bay rum.