making your own
Coriander and Cardamom
Rum Liqueur
Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Coriander (Coriandrum sativum or Cilantro) was used as the primary ingredient in love potions.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. Coriander Seeds
1 tsp. Cardamom Seeds
1 Star Anise Flower
6 Whole Cloves
6 Rose Hips
2 C. Water
1 C. Honey
2 Tbsp. Dried Hibiscus Flowers
3 tsp. Orange Zest
2 Tbsp. Fresh-squeezed Lime Juice
1 C. Light (Puerto Rican or Cuban) White Rum
1/2 C. Spanish-style Rum
Procedure
Combine and grind (you can use an old coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle) the coriander, cardamom, star anise, cloves and rose hips.
Combine 1 cup of water and honey and bring it to a boil, removing any foam that forms on the surface. Keep boiling for 5 minutes. Add the ground spices and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat let stand for 5 more minutes and then add the hibiscus flowers and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
Strain the liqueur through a fine mesh and place it into a 1-liter jar. Add the orange zest, lime juice and rums and top off with the remaining cup of water. Allow it to cool down.
Store the container in a cool, dark place and let it sit there for at least 4 weeks. Rack or filter if you want to remove sediments.