Re: What kind of alcohol should I use to make chaparral extract?

 I'm going to order chaparral leaves and make extract (I cannot find chaparral powder). I am clueless as to make any tincture or extract. I don't know much about liquor, either.

Could you please recommend to me where and what kind of alcohol to buy to make chaparral extraction - hopefully, something I can buy from a local Trader Joe?

Any advice and tip will be greatly appreciated.

Most herbs can be tinctured with standard 80 proof vodka or similar alcohol.  With resinous herbs though such as chaparral a higher concentration of alcohol is required.  For chaparral I recommend at least a 90 proof alcohol, which vodka can also be found in 90 proof.  To make a tincture put some of the herb in to a glass jar and cover with the alcohol by about an inch.  Put some thin plastic or wax paper over the mouth of the jar and put the lid on.  The plastic or wax paper will prevent the tincture from contacting any metal that may be in the lid.  Keep in a cool dark place and shake the mixture several times daily for at least 2 weeks.  Then strain the liquid from the herb and store in dark, airtight glass bottles.

Trader Joe's should have 90 proof alcohols.  You do not need a particular brand or type, just at least 90 proof.