Sixteen gallons of fountain syrup, coloured with a coal-tar dye or, failing that, cherry juice.
This is a very valuable recipe, for by following the above directions, the manufacturer will get sixteen gallons of good raspberry syrup, at a very trifling cost per gallon. If it is desirable to produce a richer syrup, add more sugar.
A good color may also be given to the syrup by the addition of a sufficient quantity of either aniline-red, or cherry juice.
The French Wine and Liquor Manufacturer, 1863. Public domain; transcription unaltered.
Aniline red belongs to the first generation of coal-tar dyes, sold in the 1860s and 70s with no purity standard at all. Arsenic contamination was routine, because arsenic was used in the manufacture.
“A sufficient quantity” is the only measure given, for a batch of sixteen gallons destined for a soda fountain.
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