This Orgeat Syrup is sweet, creamy, and delicious. Made from almond milk, sugar, cognac, and orange flower water, it has a layered flavor that is a key player in many Tiki cocktails, most notably, the Mai Tai.
If this syrup is unfamiliar to you, that’s because the best Orgeat goes undetected in a beverage. However, it plays an important role in bringing in subtle nutty and flowery notes that are essential to many cocktails, especially Tiki drinks.
Traditional Orgeat syrup recipe made with blanched almonds is quite complicated and takes a long time to cook. I’ll share with you a simple hack that takes 5 minutes to make this syrup. Add it to your tiki drinks and it’ll completely transform your cocktail game!
What is Orgeat Syrup?
Orgeat (pronounced or-zhaat) is an almond syrup that has been likened to liquid marzipan. It is found in many popular Tiki drinks, though it has French origins. The name comes from the Italian “orzata”, which means “barley water” as the drink was originally made in the 1800s with barley and hints of fruit. It was popular for its refreshing taste and as with any delicious drink, people started experimenting with adding alcohol. The recipe adapted over time to become the complex syrup it is today.
Ingredients & Substitutes
- Almond Milk: Make sure to use UNSWEETENED and high-quality almond milk for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well.
- Almond Extract: Adds extra almond flavor to the syrup.
- Cognac: You can also use vodka.
- Orange Flower Water (Optional): You can sub rose water.
How to Make Orgeat Syrup
1. Add the almond milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, and transfer the mixture to a jar.
4. Stir in the almond extract, cognac and optional orange blossom water. Let stand for 15 minutes to cool. Add it to your favorite cocktails and enjoy!
Popular Orgeat Cocktails
Orgeat’s most famous cocktail is the Mai Tai. It can be found in a lot of other Tiki drinks like the Scorpion and Fog Cutter, but it is also used in the French Momisette.
What Is a Good Orgeat Syrup Substitute?
No substitute is going to be as perfectly balanced as Orgeat itself, but there are two options you can try. Amaretto is a good way to go, but will hold a significantly higher alcohol content than Orgeat itself. Try mixing 2 parts Amaretto to 1 part flower water to lessen the alcohol potency and still bring in the floral flavor.
Almond syrup can also be used to bring a nuttiness to your drink. Once again, you can balance it out with a splash of flower water to mimic Orgeat.
How Long Does Homemade Orgeat Syrup Last?
Once your orgeat syrup has cooled down, store it in mason jars with the lid It will last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. As soon as it starts to smell funny or get moldy, throw it out immediately.
Where Can I Buy Orgeat Syrup?
Believe it or not, Orgeat is already on the shelves of many grocery stores without you even knowing it. Popular syrup brands Monin and Torani both have their own versions. While it’s easily available online, you can also check your local liquor store or if you have one near you, a cocktail supply store.
If You Like This Recipe Try These Out
I hope you like this recipe. If you try it, please comment below and let me know how your Orgeat Syrup turns out!
Orgeat Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon orange flower water (optional) (or rose water)
- 3 tablespoons cognac (or brandy, or vodka)
Instructions
- Combine the almond milk and sugar in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the mixture into a jar.
- Stir in the almond extract, cognac/vodka and optional orange/rose flower water. Let stand for 15 minutes to cool.
- Store in a clean glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Recipe Yield is 2 cups or 500 ml of orgeat syrup, or enough for 16-32 cocktails depending on the mixology used.
- To make Orgeat using blanched almonds or slivered almonds, you’ll need:
- 2 cups blanched almonds, or slivered almonds (8 oz)
- ¾ cups cold water, filtered recommended
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cognac, or vodka
- 1 teaspoon rose flower water (optional)
Nutrition
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