Authentic Cologne-Style Potatoes (Kölsche Rievkooche) Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of water
3 tablespoons of pure grain alcohol
10 drops of bergamot essential oil
10 drops of lemon essential oil
5 drops of rosemary essential oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
3 drops of jasmine essential oil
3 drops of musk essential oil
1 small spray bottle

Steps and instructions

Gather all your ingredients and the spray bottle.
Start by pouring the water into the spray bottle.
Then add the pure grain alcohol into the spray bottle. The alcohol will help to dissolve the oils and also help the scent to linger for a longer time.
Next, add all the essential oils one by one. Start with bergamot, then lemon, followed by rosemary, lavender, jasmine, and finally musk.
Once all the ingredients are in the bottle, close the spray bottle tightly and shake it well to combine all the ingredients together.
Let the cologne sit for about a week before use. This allows the scents to mingle and develop, resulting in a more refined fragrance.
Shake the bottle gently before each use.

Tools for making

Spray bottle - A small bottle with a nozzle used for storing and dispensing the cologne.
Measuring cup - A cup used to accurately measure the amount of water needed.
Dropper - A tool used to accurately measure and add the essential oils to the cologne.

Recipe variations

Experiment with different essential oil combinations to create your own unique scent. Some popular variations include adding sandalwood, patchouli, or vanilla.
For a sweeter fragrance, try adding a few drops of ylang-ylang or sweet orange essential oil.
If you prefer a more citrusy scent, increase the amount of lemon essential oil and reduce the amount of other oils accordingly.
For a more masculine cologne, consider adding cedarwood or vetiver essential oil.
If you have sensitive skin, you can reduce the amount of alcohol in the recipe or substitute it with witch hazel for a milder formulation.
Instead of using water, you can use a hydrosol like rose water or orange blossom water for a floral twist to your cologne.
For a longer-lasting scent, you can increase the concentration of essential oils, but keep in mind that this may also make the fragrance stronger.
If you prefer a more natural option, you can use organic or wildcrafted essential oils.

Recipe overview

Experience the joy of creating your own signature fragrance with this easy-to-follow homemade cologne recipe. Made from a blend of essential oils, pure grain alcohol, and water, this cologne offers a refreshing and long-lasting scent. The unique blend of bergamot, lemon, rosemary, lavender, jasmine, and musk essential oils create an intricate fragrance that is both invigorating and soothing. This recipe is straightforward and takes very little time to prepare, but do note that the cologne needs to sit for about a week to allow the scents to develop fully. With just a few ingredients and steps, you'll have a personalized cologne that is perfect for daily wear.

Common questions

Can I substitute the pure grain alcohol with another type of alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute it with vodka or any other high-proof, odorless alcohol.
Can I adjust the amount of essential oils used?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of essential oils based on your personal preference. However, be mindful that altering the ratios may affect the overall scent balance.
How long does the homemade cologne last?
When stored properly in a cool, dark place, the homemade cologne can last for several months to a year.
Can I use different essential oils for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different essential oils to create your desired fragrance. Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Can I use a different type of bottle?
Yes, you can use a different type of bottle as long as it is clean and has a tight-fitting lid or spray mechanism to prevent evaporation.

Serving dishes and utensils

Spray bottle - A small spray bottle is essential for storing and applying the cologne.
Measuring cup - Use a measuring cup to accurately measure the water and pure grain alcohol.
Dropper - A dropper is helpful for adding the essential oils drop by drop.
Funnel - A funnel can make it easier to pour the water, alcohol, and essential oils into the spray bottle without any spills.
Label - Having a label on the spray bottle will help you identify the cologne and its ingredients.

Origin stories

Cologne, the aromatic liquid we use to scent our bodies, didn't originally hail from the kitchens or laboratories, but rather from the city of Cologne in Germany. It was first developed there in the early 18th century by an Italian perfume maker named Johann Maria Farina, who moved to the city and created a fragrance he named after his new home. His creation, Eau de Cologne, was different from the heavy perfumes of the time, offering instead a light, fresh aroma that encapsulated the spirit of the early morning after a spring rain. It quickly caught the public’s fancy and soon, the fragrance that started in a small corner of Germany was the toast of all of Europe. Over the years, the term "cologne" has become a generic term for perfumed formulations in typical concentrations of 2%–5% essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.