Florida Water is an alcohol-based cologne that was first used in the early 1800s as a perfume. It is primarily made by the company Murray & Lanman and carries a very citrusy, floral scent. Florida Water is traditionally made with a large number of flowers and herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, allspice berries, rose petals, jasmine, lavender, bergamot, neroli, lemon, cloves, cinnamon, and orange flower. The base ingredient is alcohol with the addition of dissolved essential oils.
Florida Water is used for spiritual cleansing and when invoking ancestors and spirits. It is believed to have spiritual uses such as removing negative energy, cleansing the home or business, and invoking ancestors and spirits. It is also used in mystical practices and rituals.
If you want to make Florida Water yourself, you will need the following materials:
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 orange peel (or lemon peel)
- 1 lemon peel
- 8 to 10 drops of your essential oil of choice (traditional oils for Florida Water include lavender, lemon, bergamot, and ylang-ylang)
- A handful or two of fresh herbs of your choosing (i.e., mint or basil)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Combine all your ingredients into a glass container and seal it. Let the mixture sit for a full lunar cycle (29 days) .
Overall, Florida Water is a versatile cologne with a long history of use in spiritual practices and rituals. It is made with a variety of natural ingredients and can be customized based on your intention.
