Bay rum, one of the most popular aftershaves of the last century, has a manly scent and refreshing astringent properties that cool and invigorate the skin. The name bay rum comes from the primary ingredients of the lotion. The leaves of the West Indian Bay tree, scientific name pimenta racemosa, are added to dark rum, which provides the alcohol to extract the essential scents from the leaves. Cinnamon, clove, citrus oils, allspice and other fragrances have also been used as additional ingredients. With these simple items you can make a good bay rum after shave lotion at home.
Step 1
Place the bay leaves, allspice, cinnamon stick and lemon zest in the mason jar. Add the vodka and dark Jamaican rum. Place the lid tightly on the jar. Shake the contents thoroughly for 30 seconds to mix the ingredients.
Step 2
Place the jar in a cool, dark place for around two weeks. During this time the essential oils that carry the scent of the ingredients will form a tincture in the alcohol within the liquid.
Step 3
Remove the lid from the jar and test the fragrance. If the scent is not strong enough for your liking, reseal the jar and wait one more week.
Step 4
Place several coffee filters in the top of a funnel and insert the tip of the funnel into the decorative bottle. Strain the liquid through the filters and seal the bottle. Your bay rum aftershave lotion is ready to use.
Things You'll Need
- 1-quart Mason jar with lid
- Decorative 12-ounce glass bottle with a stopper
- 4 bay leaves (Pimenta racemosa)
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup dark Jamaican rum
- 1/2 tsp. whole allspice
- Cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp. lemon zest
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