hydrosol is the water-based byproduct of distillation for essential oil. In early history, distilled plant waters were in widespread use for their medicinal value long before essential oils as we know them today. Hydrosols were primarily used for health benefits, as they retain the nutrients of the plants that they were extracted from. Distilled plant waters contain volatile hydrophilic compounds from a plant, yet not the tannic acid and bitter substances. Their fragrance is reminiscent of their partner essential oils, although not as strong. Sometimes the aroma is different and not as pleasant as the essential oil from the same plant. The most commonly utilized hydrosols in mixed drinks are orange blossom water and rose water. See orange flower water and Ramos Gin Fizz. Today, however, these are often not true hydrosols, but rather water to which oils and/or artificial flavorings have been added. They are heavily concentrated and should be using sparingly.
See also essential oils.
Price, Len, and Shirley Price. Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy. Edinburgh, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.
By: Audrey Saunders