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Ratafias
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These are pleasant Beverages much affected by the Creoles, and are very easily prepared by the infusion of the juices of fruits or of the fruits themselves, nuts and odorous flowers, in good French Brandy. To these are often added various aromatic substances capable of imparting a delightful flavor to the Liqueur.
A Ratafia Liqueur is much more easily prepared than a Cordial; the preparation requires far less time, and there is no necessity of a distilling apparatus. Our Louisiana fruits are very juicy, and therefore no other Liquor than good French Brandy is or should ever be used in preparing a Fruit Ratafia. The berries should always be well bruised, to render the Ratafia aromatic and the seeds should be well pounded. If flowers are used, they should be just withered and steeped. Water should be used very sparingly and only in sufficient quantity to aid in the diffusion and dissolving of the sugar.