While any 100 proof alcohol will effectively absorb the scent of plants and flowers infused in it, many people who make homemade essential oils find that Everclear works best. Less watery than alternatives like vodka, Everclear quickly produces aromatic oils that are clear to the eye. Assuming you're using ingredients from your garden, have an empty jar and a coffee filter, you can create your own homemade fragrance at home for the low cost of a bottle of Everclear. Of course, you first have to make sure that you live in a part of the United States where this super high-proof alcohol can be legally purchased.
Using scissors, cut the stems from your choice of herbs, flowers or blend and chop them into more smaller, more manageable pieces. Loosely stuff the jar with them.
Fill the jar with Everclear until your natural ingredients are completely immersed. Replace the lid tightly. Set the jar in a warm place. The next day, using your coffee filter, separate the leaves and petals in the jar from the fragrance infused Everclear.
Test your oil by dabbing some on your wrist. Add another batch of natural ingredients to it and repeat the process as many times as it takes to produce the intensity of scent you want. When you're satisfied, refrigerate the finished product.
Tips
Using dried as opposed to fresh ingredients yields a stronger smelling essential oil. Your oil will be fresh for only about a couple of weeks, so just make as much as you think you'll use. There's no need to add olive, jojoba or any kind of oil to your infusion for it to be an essential oil. The natural ingredients distilled in Everclear are enough.
Warning
Essential oils can stain clothing and furniture so be careful when handling them! Everclear can not be used in oils that you intend to sell without a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency.
