First formulated for the Queen of Hungary in the 14th century, this concoction is believed to be the first alcohol-based perfume. Create your own version of traditional Hungary water with this simple recipe using rosemary along with other herbs and essential oils.
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What is Hungary Water?
Hungary water, often regarded as one of the first alcohol-based perfumes in Europe, traditionally features a blend of distilled water and essential oils, most notably rosemary. And, much like homemade Florida water, you can use this rosemary infusion as a refreshing fragrance or add it to your beauty routine in several different ways.
Here’s how to make your own version at home:
Ingredients
- 1 part fresh rosemary leaves (preferably organic, to ensure there are no pesticides)
- 1 part vodka or ethyl alcohol (as the solvent and preservative)
- Distilled water (to dilute)
- Optional: other herbs such as lavender, mint, marjoram, or citrus peel for additional fragrance
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Herbs
Gently wash the rosemary leaves (and any other herbs you’re using) to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Additional Infusion Ingredients
1. Citrus Twist: Add the peel of one lemon or orange for a refreshing and uplifting scent.
2. Floral Notes: Include a handful of lavender flowers, rose petals, or jasmine flowers along with the rosemary to add a soft, floral undertone to your Hungary water.
3. Herb Garden: Incorporate other aromatic herbs like mint, thyme, or basil.
4. Spice Accents: For a warmer, more invigorating scent, add a few cloves, a cinnamon stick, or a piece of fresh ginger to the mixture.
5. Cool Twist: Eucalyptus leaves or peppermint can be added for a cooling scent that can help ease breathing.
Step 2: Infuse the Alcohol
Place the rosemary leaves in a glass jar and cover them with vodka or ethyl alcohol. If you’re using additional herbs, add them in this step. The alcohol should completely cover the herbs. Seal the jar tightly.
Step 3: Let It Sit
Allow the mixture to sit in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. This is the infusion process, where the alcohol will extract the essential oils and aroma from the herbs. Shake the jar gently every couple of days to mix the contents.
Step 4: Strain
After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all solid particles. You can strain it multiple times to ensure clarity.
Step 5: Add Essential Oils
Here are some essential oil combinations that complement the traditional rosemary base of Hungary water:
Essential Oil Blends
1. Refreshing and Uplifting
- Rosemary + Lemon + Peppermint: This combination is invigorating and can help boost mental clarity and energy.
- Instructions: For every 100ml of your alcohol base, use 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, 5 drops of lemon essential oil, and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.
2. Relaxing and Calming
- Rosemary + Lavender + Bergamot: A blend that’s perfect for easing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Instructions: Mix 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and 5 drops of bergamot essential oil per 100ml of alcohol base.
3. Warm and Comforting
- Rosemary + Cedarwood + Sweet Orange: Ideal for creating a sense of warmth and comfort, especially during cooler months.
- Instructions: Use 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil, and 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil for every 100ml of alcohol base.
4. Floral and Feminine
- Rosemary + Geranium + Ylang Ylang: A floral, slightly sweet scent that’s feminine and uplifting.
- Instructions: Blend 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, 5 drops of geranium essential oil, and 5 drops of ylang ylang essential oil per 100ml of alcohol base.
5. Herbal and Earthy
- Rosemary + Clary Sage + Frankincense: This combination has an earthy, herbal scent with a hint of woodiness, great for grounding and balance.
- Instructions: Combine 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, 5 drops of clary sage essential oil, and 5 drops of frankincense essential oil per 100ml of alcohol base.
Step 6: Dilute With Water
If you find the scent too strong or the alcohol too harsh, you can dilute the mixture with distilled water. Start with a small amount of water and adjust according to your preference.
Step 7: Bottle
Transfer the final Hungary water into a clean, sterilized glass bottle. Dark glass bottles are preferred as they help preserve the fragrance by protecting it from light.
Remember to label your creations, especially if you make several batches, so you can replicate or adjust the recipes in the future.
Store your Hungary water in a cool, dark place. It should last for several months due to the preserving properties of alcohol.
5 Hungary Water Recipe Variations
Combining variations from the traditional Hungary water recipe with specific essential oils can create unique and personalized scents.
1. Energizing Morning Mist
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary leaves, peppermint leaves
- Essential Oils: 10 drops of lemon essential oil, 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- Instructions: Infuse the rosemary and peppermint in the alcohol for 2-4 weeks. Strain, then add the essential oils. This mist is perfect for morning use, offering an energizing and refreshing start to the day.
2. Relaxing Evening Spray
- Herbs: Lavender flowers, chamomile flowers
- Essential Oils: 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of bergamot essential oil, 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
- Instructions: Infuse the lavender and chamomile in alcohol. After straining, add the essential oils. Use in the evenings to promote relaxation and prepare for a restful sleep.
3. Warm and Comforting Aroma Blend
- Herbs: Rosemary leaves, a cinnamon stick, a few cloves
- Essential Oils: 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil, 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- Instructions: Infuse the herbs and spices in the alcohol. Once strained, blend in the essential oils. Ideal for colder months, providing a sense of warmth and comfort.
4. Floral and Uplifting Perfume
- Herbs: Rosemary leaves, rose petals, jasmine flowers
- Essential Oils: 5 drops of geranium essential oil, 5 drops of ylang ylang essential oil, 5 drops of rose essential oil
- Instructions: Infuse the rosemary, rose petals, and jasmine in alcohol. After straining, incorporate the essential oils. This perfume offers a complex, uplifting floral scent.
5. Herbal and Earthy Cologne
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary leaves, a handful of basil leaves
- Essential Oils: 10 drops of clary sage essential oil, 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
- Instructions: Infuse the rosemary and basil in the alcohol. Strain, then add the essential oils. This cologne has an herbal, earthy fragrance suitable for daily wear.
10 Ways to Use Hungary Water
Hungary water is more than just a fragrance. Here are 10 ways to incorporate Hungary water into your daily routine:
1. Facial Toner
Hungary water can be used as a facial toner because of its astringent properties. Rosemary, the primary ingredient, is excellent for stimulating blood circulation and toning the skin. Use it after cleansing to refresh and revitalize your skin. Make sure it’s diluted appropriately if you have sensitive skin.
2. Aromatherapy Spray
The aromatic properties of Hungary water make it suitable for use as an aromatherapy spray. It can help to elevate mood, relieve stress, and even aid in concentration and memory. Spray it around your home or workspace to create a pleasant, uplifting environment.
3. Hair Rinse
Rosemary is known for promoting hair health and growth. After shampooing, a rinse with Hungary water can add shine, stimulate the scalp, and enhance hair color, especially for brunettes. Ensure it’s adequately diluted to avoid any scalp irritation.
4. Perfume
Historically, Hungary water was used as a perfume. It can be used in the same way today, providing a refreshing and herbal scent that is both grounding and invigorating. Apply it to pulse points like the wrists and neck.
5. Sleep Aid
With the addition of calming herbs like lavender or chamomile, Hungary water can be used as a sleep aid. Spritz it on your pillows and bed linens before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
6. Refreshing Bath Additive
Add Hungary water to your bath to create a rejuvenating and aromatic bath experience. It’s particularly soothing for muscles after a workout and can help with overall relaxation.
7. Cooling Compress
Soak a cloth in chilled Hungary water and use it as a cooling compress on your forehead or the back of your neck during hot days or when experiencing headaches. The rosemary in the water can help alleviate headache symptoms.
8. Room Freshener
Use Hungary water as a room freshener to eliminate odors and refresh your living space. This is a natural alternative to commercial air fresheners and can be used in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever you need a freshness boost.
9. Linen Spray
Spray Hungary water lightly on towels, sheets, and other linens to impart a fresh, clean scent. This is particularly nice for guest rooms or when preparing linens for storage.
10. Meditative Aid
Spray or apply a little Hungary water during meditation or yoga practices to enhance focus and create a calming atmosphere conducive to mindfulness and relaxation.
FAQ
You can use either vodka or ethyl alcohol. Vodka is often preferred because it’s neutral in scent and readily available. Ethyl alcohol (95% ethanol) is another option, particularly if you’re looking for a stronger solvent, but it may need to be diluted with distilled water to lower the alcohol concentration to around 70-80% for skin safety.
Yes, dried herbs can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Dried herbs are often more potent than fresh, so you might need to adjust the quantity. Generally, use about one-third to one-half less dried herb compared to fresh.
It is not necessary to refrigerate Hungary water as the alcohol acts as a preservative. However, storing it in a cool, dark place will help preserve the fragrance.
Yes, it can be used as a hair rinse or a light hair perfume. Ensure it is well-diluted to avoid any potential irritation to the scalp.
