How to Make Orgeat Syrup and What to Do With It?

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Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Leah Hall

This homemade orgeat syrup recipe is easy to make, and perfect for some fun cocktails, drinks and even coffee!

 

Orgeat (It’s pronounced “or-zsa” kinda like Zsa Zsa Gabor, so it’s or-zsa-zsa, LOL!) and is kind of like liquid marzipan. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get on with this recipe and info about orgeat! Try our pistachio orgeat, hazelnut orgeat and homemade chestnut orgeat, too!

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What is Orgeat Syrup?

Orgeat syrup is almond syrup with a decent amount of sugar and a touch of orange flower water.

Many classic cocktails, tiki drinks and coffee use orgeat syrup as an important flavor ingredient. It is most famous for contributing to the original Mai Tai, but it can be found in many other classics including the Scorpion, and the Japanese cocktail. Orgeat, is simply a sweetened almond syrup with a little orange flower water.

 

The origins of this syrup are interesting, and the taste and versatility in drinks are impressive. Orgeat is the French form of the word from the Italian word orzata which means barley water.

What Ingredients are Needed for the Homemade Orgeat?

• Almonds
• Water
• Sugar
• Orange Flower Water
• Brandy

The Spanish word Horchata has a similar origin. This syrup is an oil and water emulsion of the oils in almonds. This makes orgeat similar to milk. Before using almonds, these were made with barley.

What we are talking about is an emulsion, so they form a cloudy liquid. Milk, butter, Hollandaise and mayonnaise are all emulsions, as well.

 

History of Orgeat

Before refrigeration, people could not store milk because it would spoil quickly. For the most part, milk was turned into cheese, because it could be stored for a long time. A lot of cooking wasn’t done with fresh milk. The solution was to use a oil and water emulsion made from barley and eventually almonds, in cooking.

Because the oils in barley and almond are relatively stable at room temperature, and higher temps, they don’t spoil quickly. This makes them perfect for a milk substitute. In the past, a person’s kitchen would have barley or almonds, depending where they lived, and if a source of fat was needed, you would use these. Food production changed over the years and these water and oil emulsions were used more.

The process uses almonds crushed up in a mortar while adding water. This would extract the oils in the almonds and emulsify it in water. After, the mush sat for a while, and was filtered through cloth and the liquid was used in place of milk. Plus, it doesn’t go rancid, so there was no need for refrigeration.

Orgeat in Cocktails

Orgeat Syrup is an extremely strong ingredient so make sure to use it sparingly. The intense flavor of orgeat is mellowed by putting it in a citrus based cocktail like the Mai Tai. The flavors combine perfectly, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on making your own cocktails.

 

This is also why orgeat is relatively common in Tiki drinks and less frequently in other styles of cocktails.

What can I use in place of orgeat syrup?

 

In the past, orgeat was almost always on the list of ingredients that a lot of bars didn’t bother to have on hand. But, as more people are searching to find craft cocktails, more establishments are honing their skills with more unique ingredients, like this. This does mean it’s easier to come by from your local bar.

Also, if you’d rather make it yourself, this orgeat syrup recipe is fairly easy to make from scratch, and we do think homemade is the best orgeat syrup. Homemade orgeat will only last about a month or so. This orgeat syrup recipe has some brandy in it to help extend its shelf life.

 

You can also find syrups from companies like Torani, which have a much longer shelf life, and are easily accessible from your local store or on Amazon.

How to Store Orgeat

Our orgeat syrup recipe can be stored sealed in the refrigerator for up to a month. It does have brandy in it to keep it longer. This syrup does seem to separate while it sits. Just shake the container before using to add into a cocktail.

We used blanched almonds for a sweeter, milky white orgeat. Since the almond skins are absent in this recipe, the bitterness is gone as well. Orange flower water can be found at some grocery stores, as well as online. We got ours on Amazon!

 

Cocktails with Orgeat

Mai Tai – Cookie and Kate

Fog Cutter – The Liquor Cabinet

Japanese Cocktail – Grey is the New Black

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Cheers!

 

Like this recipe? Try these below, too!

The Seer Cocktail

 

Rambler’s Ruby

 

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