Damiana Chocolate Love Liqueur

When you need that something extra on that special night, this blend, from the love goddess herself, Diana DeLuca, is dangerously, lip-smacking good-and daringly easy to prepare. Prepare it ahead of time and serve it at the beginning of a hot date.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce damiana leaves (dried)
• 2 cups vodka or brandy
• 1 1/2 cups spring water
• 1 cup honey
• Vanilla extract
• Rose water
• Chocolate syrup
• Almond extract

Directions:

1. Soak the damiana leaves in the vodka or brandy for 5 days. Strain; reserve the liquid in a bottle.
2. Soak the alcohol-drenched leaves in the spring water for 3 days. Strain and reserve the liquid.
3. Over low heat, gently warm the water extract and dissolve the honey in it. Remove the pan from the heat, then add the alcohol extract and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle and add a dash of vanilla and a touch of rose water for flavor. Let it mellow for 1 month or longer; it gets smoother with age.
4. To each cup of damiana liqueur, add 1/2 cup chocolate syrup, 2 or 3 drops of almond extract, and a touch more of rose water.
5. Drink at the beginning of your date and watch the sparks fly!