Florida Water Uses, Recipes & History | Magical Water Series

Homemade Florida Water is a natural, traditional spiritual cologne used for cleansing, protection, energy clearing, and ritual work. Learning how to make your own Florida Water at home is easier than many people realize. In this post, I share the history of Florida Water, why I stopped using commercial versions, and two detailed Florida Water recipes using essential oils or fresh herbs and citrus peels. Whether you're looking for a DIY Florida Water for spiritual cleansing, a skin-safe natural alternative, or a customizable recipe for home and ritual use, this guide walks you through everything from ingredients to dilution and everyday applications.

Making My Own Florida Water Again

This few weeks ago, while cleaning and cleansing my house, I used up the rest of my commercial Florida Water. I live pretty far out of the way, and it got me thinking about making my own again. I say "again" because I haven't made Florida Water in about 10 years; it's just been cheaper and easier to buy. Things have changed, and spending $10 on a bottle isn't exactly a top priority for me anymore. I looked back at the old recipe I used and realized I had just about everything on hand except citrus peels; which for me, are easy to get since I eat a lot of citrus fruits.

As I revisited that original recipe, I remembered it being a bit bland, it lacked the depth and brightness I was used to in store-bought versions. During my research, I discovered that most commercial Florida Water contains synthetic fragrances. That explained why I often reacted to it when I wore it; my skin is sensitive. It also turns out it's not recommended for use on surfaces, which definitely caught my attention. That sealed the deal for me. I decided to give homemade Florida Water another go. I came up with two recipes and have made both. Each one works beautifully and is much safer for me to use, both on my skin and around my home.

A Little Bit of History

Florida water was first introduced in 1808 as a cologne by perfumer Robert I. Murray and later manufactured and sold by Lanman & Kemp. It was inspired by European style colognes and blended citrus oils, like orange and lemon, with floral and spice notes, including lavender, clove and sometimes rose and cinnamon. It was marketed as the “Fountain of Youth,” refreshing, restorative, and spiritually cleansing. While it began as a fragrance, it was quickly adopted as a American staple for everything from headaches, fever relief, to laundry and warding off bad energy.

Florida water rapidly became a part of spiritual and folk traditions across the Americas. It became foundational to practices like Hoodoo, Santeria, Espiritismo, and Amazonian shamanism, where it is used to cleanse spaces, bless altars, repel negativity, and for spiritual protection. It is used in many Latin American countries similarly to holy water in both Catholic and indigenous rituals.

Note: Lanman & Kemp still produce Florida Water today, but their now contains synthetic fragrances. It is labeled: For External Use Only. Because of skin sensitivities and the growing awareness of what’s in our products, many practitioners choose to make their own using fresh or organic ingredients; especially when it's being applied to the skin or used in spiritual work.

Florida Water Recipes with Instructions

The following two recipes are based on my own research and preferences. Both recipes create a concentrated solution that can then be diluted for further use. The recipes are designed to be adapted based on preference. Keeping good detailed notes from each batch and recording it in your Book of Shadows is a great way to know if you need to make changes to future batches. 

Original Florida Water – Reconstruction of the Original Scent Using Essential Oils

Note: This recipe is intended for external use only.

Please be aware that not all essential oils are created equal. Many commercially available oils, especially those labeled “therapeutic grade” and sold at lower prices ($5–$15), are often diluted with carrier oils or contain synthetic additives. These are generally intended for aromatherapy use and may not be safe for skin application or ingestion.

True, high-quality essential oils, those that are pure and unadulterated, can be quite expensive, ranging from $50 to $300+ per bottle depending on the plant source and extraction process. When making Florida Water for topical or spiritual use, it’s important to research your sources and choose oils that are safe and appropriate for your intended purpose.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz high-proof vodka, grain alcohol or perfumer's alcohol
• 10 drops sweet orange essential oil (uplifting energy, happiness, attraction)
• 5 drops lemon essential oil (cleansing, clarity, purification, breaking hexes)
• 5 drops bergamot essential oil (joy, confidence, money, success)
• 4 drops lavender essential oil (peace, protection, restful sleep)
• 3 drops clove essential oil or 3-5 whole cloves (protection, banishing, money, strength)
• 2 drops cinnamon bark oil or a small stick of cinnamon (speed, love, success, prosperity, protection)
• 3 drops rose absolute or rose water (love, healing, compassion)
• 3 drops of neroli or ylang-ylang
• Neroli: spiritual insight, peaceful energy, renewal
• Ylang-ylang: inner harmony, sensuality, emotional healing

Instructions:

1. Combine all essential oils in a clean, dark glass bottle.
2. Add alcohol and shake well to mix.
3. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week to allow scent to develop.
4. If using whole spices, strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh.
5. Dilute as needed before use (see "Florida Water Use" below).

Fresh or Dried Ingredient Recipe

This version takes more time but is completely natural and can be customized based on what you have. Dried ingredients are easiest to store and measure, but fresh works beautifully too. Color may vary depending on ingredients, a green or brownish tint is normal.

Base Ingredients:

• Peel of 1 orange (joy, luck, abundance)
• Peel of 1 lemon (cleansing, clarity, purification)
• Peel of 1 lime (protection, love, healing)
• 1 tbsp rose petals or rose hips (love, beauty, psychic development)
• 1 tbsp lavender (peace, protection, sleep)
• 1 tbsp sweetgrass (attracting good spirits, blessings, harmony)
• 1 tsp whole cloves (protection, banishing, strength)
• 1 -3 whole star anise (psychic awareness, divination, insight)
• 1 small cinnamon stick (2-3 inches) (love, prosperity, protection)
• 2-3 drops of Neroli or Ylang-ylang essential oils (optional)

Optional Magical Herbs (chose 1-3):

• 1 tbsp rosemary (mental clarity, protection, purification)
• 1 tbsp basil (wealth, protection, banishing negativity)
• 1 tbsp thyme (courage, healing, spirit communication)
• 1 tbsp mugwort (dreamwork, intuition, divination)
• 1 tbsp cedar wood (grounding, ancestral connection)
• 1 tbsp garden sage (wisdom, wish fulfillment, cleansing)
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract or 1 split vanilla bean (love, attraction, comfort)
• 1 whole allspice, cracked (luck, money, determination)

Instructions:

1. In a clean 1-quart glass jar, add all dried herbs, citrus peels and spices.
2. Pour in 16oz (500ml) of high-proof vodka or grain alcohol, making sure everything is submerged. Add more if needed.
3. Seal the jar and shake gently.
4. Let infuse for 2-4 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily.
5. Strain using a cheesecloth or fine mesh. An organza bag can make this easier by containing the herbs while they steep.
6. Dilute as needed before use (see "Florida Water Use" below).

Notes: 

• Do not use powdered herbs or spices. They are difficult to strain and may leave residue.
• Crack whole spices lightly to release aroma and magical potency. Use a meat mallet to crack the herbs.

Florida Water Use

The above recipes produce a concentrated base. This concentrate can be used as-is or diluted depending on your intended purpose. Whether you're cleansing a space, using it in ritual, or applying it to your skin, adjusting the strength allows for greater versatility.

Full Strength (Undiluted)

Use directly from the bottle for rituals, spiritual offerings, cleansing altars, or adding to bathwater. This is the most potent form and carries the strongest scent and energy. Technically, this is a tincture because it contains no water.

Light Dilution (1:1)

Mix 1 part concentrate with 1 part distilled or spring water. This version is ideal for room sprays, surface cleaning*, skin-safe spiritual use, or light ritual work. 

Mild Dilution (1:2 or 1:3)

Combine 1 part concentrate to 2 to 3 parts distilled or spring water. This gentle dilution works well for daily aura sprays, misting laundry, wiping down floors, or using on sensitive skin.

Notes on Use

• Avoid using tap water, which can introduce bacteria or minerals that affect shelf life and energy.
• For added spiritual intention, consider using moon water, spring water, or other magically charged waters when diluting your Florida Water. This can enhance the energetic properties of your blend and align it with specific ritual goals or lunar phases.
• Store the concentrate in glass bottles only. Plastic will absorb the essential oils and scent over time.
• When making room sprays, it's fine to use plastic spray bottles, since most glass ones still have plastic tubes and mechanisms. However, because oils can eventual absorb into the plastic, it's best to make small batches and prepare a fresh bottle when needed.
• Never reuse a spray bottle that previously contained cleaners, perfumes, or other products. Residue can contaminate your Florida Water or create unsafe reactions. Small 3 oz bottles are widely available in the travel or cosmetics section of most stores. I usually get mine from Dollar Tree, where you can get two for $1.25. You can safely reuse the same bottle for future batches, as long as it's used for the same type of water.

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoyed the process of making my own Florida Water. While it took a little time and intention, the end result is something I feel good using on my skin, in my home, and in my spiritual practice. It’s a small but empowering thing to know exactly what went into the bottle.

Of course, not everyone needs or wants to make their own, but learning how to create something like this opens the door to so many other possibilities, tinctures, sprays, cleaners, and more. With my herb garden in full bloom, I’m already thinking about making a natural disinfectant cleaner using the abundance of thyme I’ve just harvested. It’s harvest time, after all, and the perfect moment to grow my skills as an herbalist.

Disclaimer: 

The Florida Water recipes and information provided on this page are for educational and spiritual purposes only. Athena's Attic LLC makes no guarantees regarding safety, efficacy, or outcomes. Some essential oils, herbs, spices, and citrus ingredients may cause staining, discoloration, or damage to certain surfaces. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area before using as a cleaner. Avoid applying to surfaces finished with natural resins, shellac, or other sensitive coatings. When using on the body, test on a small patch of skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivity. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. This product is not intended for ingestion unless explicitly prepared with food-grade ingredients and under the guidance of a qualified herbalist. Use is at the sole discretion and risk of the user. Athena’s Attic LLC, its owners, and staff are not responsible for any reactions, misuse, or outcomes resulting from the use of these recipes.

Trademark Disclaimer:
"Florida Water" is a registered trademark of Lanman & Kemp–Barclay & Co., Inc. The term is used here solely in a historical and descriptive context to refer to a type of cologne or spiritual water, and not to the trademarked product. This recipe is a personal, homemade interpretation and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by Lanman & Kemp–Barclay & Co., Inc.