The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3464 — Colouring Vodka in Various Colours
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3464 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
The source lists cornflowers for blue, saffron for yellow and German mint for green.
Bilberries or cochineal were used for red, sunflower seeds for violet and pine-nut shells for brown.
A note says the colours were obtained by infusing the already prepared spirit and that shade intensity depended on the quantity of colouring material.
Historical editorial note: Colourants must be identified and food-grade for modern use; historical colour recipes are not evidence of safety.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3464. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.