What is Orgeat Syrup?

 

Orgeat syrup is a sweet, creamy almond syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water (or rose water). It has a milky appearance, a rich nutty flavor, and a subtle floral aroma. If you've ever had a properly made Mai Tai, you've tasted orgeat. It's the ingredient that gives tiki drinks their signature silky texture and complex sweetness.

But here's what most people get wrong: orgeat isn't just "almond syrup." The orange blossom water and the emulsification process create something entirely different from the flavored syrups you'd put in coffee. Real orgeat has depth. It balances sweet, nutty, and floral notes in a way that transforms cocktails.

How to Pronounce Orgeat

Orgeat is pronounced "or-ZHAH" or "or-ZHAT."

It's a French word, so the "g" is soft (like the "g" in "massage") and the "ea" sounds like "ah." The final "t" is technically silent in French, but many English speakers include a soft "t" sound. Either pronunciation is acceptable.

The word comes from the French "orge," meaning barley. That's because the original version of this syrup was actually made with barley, not almonds. Over time, almonds became the primary ingredient, but the name stuck.

Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, considered the godfather of the modern tiki cocktail movement, pronounces it "or-ZHAH." If it's good enough for Beachbum, it's good enough for us.

What Does Orgeat Taste Like?

Orgeat has a distinctive flavor that sits somewhere between almond milk and marzipan.

The primary taste is sweet, roasted almond with a creamy, almost oily richness. But unlike plain almond syrup, quality orgeat has floral undertones from the orange blossom water or rose water. Some people detect notes of vanilla or even a slight bitterness from the almond skins.

The texture matters too. Orgeat is an emulsion, meaning it combines oil and water-based ingredients into a stable mixture. This gives it a silky mouthfeel that coats your palate and adds body to cocktails. That's why a Mai Tai made with real orgeat feels different from one made with simple syrup and almond extract.

If you've ever had Italian amaretti cookies or German marzipan, you're in the right neighborhood. But orgeat is lighter, less intensely sweet, and more nuanced.

The History of Orgeat

Understanding where orgeat came from helps explain why it works the way it does.

The name derives from the Latin "hordeum" (barley) through the French "orge." In medieval Europe, orgeat started as a barley-based drink, essentially a sweetened barley water flavored with almonds. It was considered a nutritious, cooling beverage and even prescribed as a remedy for fevers.

Over time, the barley was dropped entirely and almonds became the star. By the 18th and 19th centuries, orgeat had evolved into the almond syrup we know today: almonds, sugar, and floral water.

The cocktail connection came later. The first recorded use of orgeat in a mixed drink was Jerry Thomas's Japanese Cocktail in 1862. But orgeat really found its calling in the 1940s when Trader Vic used it in his original Mai Tai recipe. That drink launched orgeat into tiki culture, where it's been a staple ever since.

Today, orgeat is experiencing a revival. As craft cocktail culture grows and home bartenders seek authentic ingredients, demand for quality orgeat has never been higher.

Orgeat Ingredients

Traditional orgeat contains just a few ingredients:

Almonds form the base. Most modern recipes use sweet almonds (blanched to remove the skins), though historically bitter almonds were included for their more intense flavor. Bitter almonds contain trace amounts of cyanide, so they're rarely used today. Some producers add a touch of bitter almond oil or almond extract to approximate that complexity.

Sugar provides the sweetness. White granulated sugar is standard, though some recipes use raw sugar or a combination.

Water is needed to dissolve the sugar and extract flavor from the almonds.

Orange flower water (also called orange blossom water) adds the signature floral aroma. Some recipes use rose water instead, and some use both. The floral element is subtle but essential. Without it, you just have almond syrup.

That's it. Quality orgeat doesn't need artificial flavors, preservatives, or thickeners. The emulsification of the almond oils with the sugar syrup creates the natural body and mouthfeel.

Does Orgeat Contain Nuts?

Yes. Orgeat syrup is made from almonds and is not safe for people with tree nut allergies.

This is important to mention upfront because almonds are the defining ingredient. There's no way to make traditional orgeat without them.

How to Make Homemade Orgeat

Making homemade orgeat is straightforward, though it takes some time. The results are worth it. Fresh orgeat has a brighter almond flavor and creamier texture than most commercial versions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw almonds (blanched or unblanched)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon orange flower water
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for extra depth
• Optional: 1 oz vodka or brandy (preservative)

Instructions:

1. Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Don't let them brown.
2. Pulse almonds in a food processor until finely ground (not paste).
3. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves.
4. Add ground almonds to the sugar syrup. Stir and let steep for 3-6 hours (or overnight in the fridge).
5. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, squeezing to extract all liquid.
6. Add orange flower water and optional almond extract.
7. Add vodka or brandy if you want longer shelf life.
8. Bottle and refrigerate.

Quick version:

If you need orgeat faster, this shortcut works surprisingly well:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange flower water

Heat almond milk and sugar until dissolved. Add extracts. Strain and bottle.

This version lacks the richness of traditional orgeat but works in a pinch. Use a high-quality almond milk with strong almond flavor (Califia Farms is a good choice).

Best Commercial Orgeat Brands

Not everyone has time to make orgeat from scratch. The good news: several excellent commercial options exist.

Latitude 29 Formula Orgeat (from Orgeat Works) is our top recommendation for most people. It's clear, balanced, and consistently delivers the almond flavor cocktails need without overpowering other ingredients.

Liber & Co. Almond Orgeat is another excellent choice. Made with California almonds, orange blossom water, and a touch of bitter almond oil, it has a pronounced toasted nut character with subtle marzipan notes.

BG Reynolds Orgeat comes from Blair Reynolds, founder of Portland's Hale Pele tiki bar. It's darker than most orgeats (they keep the almond skins on and use brown sugar), which adds a slight molasses backbone.

Small Hand Foods Orgeat is a craft option that's more floral and less nutty than others.

Giffard Orgeat is a French import that's milky white with strong marzipan aromas. It's sweeter and more concentrated than American brands.

Monin Orgeat is widely available and works fine for casual use. It's not as complex as the craft options, but it's consistent and affordable.

What to avoid: Torani and similar coffee syrups labeled "orgeat" often contain artificial flavors and corn syrup. They'll work in an emergency, but the flavor difference is noticeable.

Where to Buy Orgeat

Liquor stores with good cocktail sections often stock Liber & Co. or Small Hand Foods.

Amazon has the widest selection, including Latitude 29, Liber & Co., BG Reynolds, and others.

Specialty food stores like Whole Foods occasionally stock orgeat.

Online retailers like Cocktail Kingdom and Bitters & Bottles are reliable sources.

Orgeat Substitutes

Sometimes you need a Mai Tai and there's no orgeat in sight. Here are your options, ranked from best to "it'll do."

Almond syrup (like Torani or Monin almond) provides the nutty sweetness but lacks the floral complexity. Add a drop of orange flower water if you have it.

Amaretto is an Italian almond liqueur that works in a pinch. It's sweeter and more alcoholic than orgeat, so use less (about half the amount).

Almond extract + simple syrup can approximate orgeat. Mix 1/4 teaspoon almond extract into 2 tablespoons simple syrup.

Falernum is a Caribbean syrup with almond, lime, ginger, and cloves. It won't taste like orgeat, but it adds similar complexity to tiki drinks.

Amaretto is not a direct substitute. Yes, it's almond-flavored, but the alcohol content (15-28% ABV) and intense sweetness change your cocktail significantly.

Cocktail Recipes with Orgeat

The Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is where orgeat became famous. Trader Vic's 1944 original recipe remains the gold standard:

• 2 oz aged rum (preferably Jamaican)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz orange curaçao
• 1/2 oz orgeat
• 1/4 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice and strain over crushed ice. Garnish with a spent lime shell and a sprig of mint.

The orgeat's job here is crucial. It adds body and nuttiness that balances the citrus and binds everything together. Without it, the drink tastes thin and one-dimensional.

The Japanese Cocktail

This 1862 Jerry Thomas classic is one of the first recorded cocktails using orgeat:

• 2 oz cognac
• 1/2 oz orgeat
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Express a lemon peel over the top.

Other Orgeat Cocktails

The Scorpion combines rum, brandy, gin, orange juice, lemon juice, and orgeat for a potent tiki punch.

The Fog Cutter is similar, adding sherry for an extra layer of complexity.

The Trinidad Sour uses a shocking amount of Angostura bitters balanced by orgeat.

The Cameron's Kick pairs Irish and Scotch whiskies with orgeat and lemon.

How Long Does Orgeat Last?

Yes, orgeat has a limited shelf life.

Commercial orgeat (unopened) lasts 12-24 months depending on the brand.

Commercial orgeat (opened) should be refrigerated and used within 6-12 months.

Homemade orgeat lasts 2-4 weeks refrigerated without alcohol, 4-6 weeks with added spirits.

Signs your orgeat has gone bad: off smells (sour or rancid), mold, or significant color change.

Because orgeat is an emulsion, some separation is normal. Shake it well before each use. But if it won't come back together or smells off, discard it.

FAQ

What is orgeat syrup made of?

Orgeat syrup is made from almonds, sugar, water, and orange flower water (or rose water). The almonds are ground and steeped in sugar syrup, then strained. The floral water adds the signature subtle aroma that distinguishes orgeat from plain almond syrup.

What can I use as a substitute for orgeat?

The best substitutes are crème de noyaux (an almond-flavored liqueur), almond syrup with a drop of orange flower water, or amaretto (use less, as it's sweeter and alcoholic). In emergencies, mix almond extract with simple syrup.

Where can I buy orgeat syrup?

Orgeat is available at well-stocked liquor stores, specialty food stores like Whole Foods, and online retailers including Amazon and Cocktail Kingdom. Brands to look for include Liber & Co., Latitude 29, and BG Reynolds.

How long does orgeat last after opening?

Opened commercial orgeat lasts 6-12 months refrigerated. Homemade orgeat lasts 2-4 weeks refrigerated (4-6 weeks if you add spirits). Always refrigerate after opening and check for off smells or mold before using.

Why is it called orgeat?

The name comes from the French word "orge," meaning barley. The original version of this syrup was made with barley and almonds in medieval Europe. Over time, the barley was dropped and almonds became the sole nut, but the name remained.

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