Orgeat Syrup Recipe: Orgeat syrup is one of those magical ingredients that can turn a simple cocktail into a tropical escape. Sweet, nutty, and infused with floral notes, this syrup is a staple in tiki drinks like the classic Mai Tai.
But don’t stop there—it can also upgrade your morning coffee or sweeten a delicate dessert. If you’ve ever wondered how to make this at home, you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through every detail so you can create your own batch of rich, homemade orgeat syrup.
What Is Orgeat Syrup?
Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made primarily from almonds, sugar, and orange blossom water. It’s creamy, nutty, and carries a subtle floral flavor that balances beautifully in drinks and desserts. The name “orgeat” comes from the French word “orge” (meaning barley), as it originally contained barley water, though modern versions skip the grain entirely.
It’s most famous for its role in tiki-style cocktails, especially the Mai Tai. But once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to experiment with it in other drinks, coffee, and even pastries. Think of it as almond syrup—but dressed up for a fancy night out.
The History Behind Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat has Mediterranean roots, tracing back to the Middle Ages. It was initially a barley-based drink before almonds became the star ingredient. Over time, orgeat gained popularity in French and Arabic cultures, where floral waters like rose and orange blossom were incorporated.
By the mid-20th century, orgeat found its way into tiki bars in America and the Caribbean. With the rise of exotic cocktails, bartenders fell in love with its ability to add depth and elegance to tropical drinks. Today, orgeat is not just a bartender’s secret weapon—it’s a versatile homemade ingredient for any kitchen.
Why Make Orgeat Syrup at Home?
Store-bought orgeat can be convenient, but let’s be real—it rarely compares to the homemade version. Most commercial brands use artificial flavors, preservatives, and corn syrup. When you make it yourself, you control every ingredient. No chemicals. No fillers. Just rich, nutty goodness.
Plus, the aroma of warm almonds and orange blossom filling your kitchen is a treat on its own. You’ll also be able to customize the sweetness, thickness, and flavor intensity. Whether you want it super nutty or subtly floral, homemade is the way to go.
Common Uses for Orgeat Syrup
Cocktails
This is where orgeat shines. It adds a creamy mouthfeel and subtle almond sweetness to drinks like:
- Mai Tai
- Japanese Cocktail
- Momisette
- Scorpion
- Army & Navy
Coffee and Tea
Tired of the same old sweeteners? Try a dash of orgeat in your morning latte or iced tea. It’s like a nutty-floral upgrade that’ll make your cup feel café-worthy.
Desserts
Drizzle it over cakes, mix it into whipped cream, or add it to frosting. You can even use it in rice puddings or almond-flavored custards. Think of it as a more elegant version of vanilla syrup.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating orgeat syrup is simple, but you do need quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup raw almonds (preferably organic)
- 1½ cups sugar (white granulated or cane sugar)
- 1½ cups filtered water
- ½ to 1 tsp orange blossom water (or more, to taste)
- ½ tsp rose water (optional)
- 1 tbsp vodka or brandy (optional, for preservation)
Every ingredient plays a role. The almonds give that rich nutty base. Sugar creates the syrupy texture. The floral waters add complexity. And the alcohol? It helps extend the shelf life—especially if you’re not using it up in one week (though you probably will).
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just basic kitchen tools:
- Blender or food processor
- Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orgeat Syrup
Step 1: Blanch the Almonds
Start by blanching whole raw almonds to remove their skins. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the almonds, and boil for about 1 minute. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water. The skins will loosen, allowing you to slip them off easily. Blanching ensures a smoother, cleaner-tasting syrup.
Step 2: Toast (Optional) and Grind
For deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the blanched almonds in a dry skillet until fragrant—this step is optional but highly recommended. Allow them to cool completely. Transfer the almonds to a food processor and pulse until finely ground, but not so much that they turn into almond paste.
Step 3: Soak the Ground Almonds
Place the ground almonds in a heat-safe bowl and pour warm water over them. Let the mixture soak for 30–45 minutes. This releases the essential oils and flavors from the almonds, creating a rich almond-milk base for the syrup.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
Using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag, strain the almond mixture into a saucepan. Squeeze or press firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. The resulting almond milk will be the foundation of your orgeat syrup.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Heat
Add granulated sugar to the almond milk in a 1:1 ratio by volume. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the flavor and clarity.
Step 6: Add Flavorings
Once the syrup is warm and smooth, remove it from heat. Stir in orange blossom water for floral notes and a few drops of almond extract to intensify the aroma. Adjust to taste—these flavorings define classic orgeat.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Let the syrup cool completely, then pour it into a sterilized bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks. Shake before each use. Enjoy in cocktails like the Mai Tai or mocktails for a sweet, nutty touch.
Tips for Perfect Orgeat Syrup Every Time
- Use fresh, high-quality almonds. Old or stale nuts can give your syrup a bitter taste.
- Don’t skip blanching. Removing the skins improves the flavor and appearance.
- Filter thoroughly. Use cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to get a clear, clean syrup.
- Taste and adjust. Add orange blossom and rose water in small amounts and test the flavor as you go.
- Keep it cold. Always refrigerate your orgeat, and don’t forget to add alcohol if you want a longer shelf life.
Making it a second or third time? Try experimenting with toasted almonds, raw honey instead of sugar, or even adding a drop of almond extract for a more pronounced flavor.
Substitutes for Orgeat Syrup
Can’t make orgeat from scratch or don’t have all the ingredients? Here are a few quick alternatives:
- Almond syrup – The closest option, often found in coffee shops.
- Amaretto liqueur – Adds almond flavor with an alcoholic kick.
- Homemade almond milk + simple syrup – A quick mix in a pinch.
- Hazelnut syrup – A flavor twist if you don’t mind straying from tradition.
While none of these perfectly replicate the nutty-floral balance of orgeat, they can work in cocktail emergencies or last-minute dessert toppings.
How to Store Orgeat Syrup
Once your syrup is made and cooled, transfer it to a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Keep it refrigerated at all times. Shake well before each use, especially if you see separation.
If you’ve added alcohol (vodka or brandy), your syrup will last up to 1 month in the fridge. Without alcohol, it’s best used within 7 to 10 days.
Tip: Label your container with the date you made it. It’s easy to lose track, and no one likes a mystery bottle in the fridge.
How Long Does Homemade Orgeat Last?
The shelf life depends largely on whether you include a preservative like vodka:
- With alcohol: Up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
- Without alcohol: 7–10 days, max.
Always look for signs of spoilage—cloudiness, fermentation smell, or mold—and discard it if anything looks off. You made it once, you can make it again!
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Problem 1: Syrup is too thick.
Try using less sugar or adding a bit more water next time. You want a pourable consistency, not maple syrup thickness.
Problem 2: It tastes too floral.
Ease up on the orange blossom and rose water. A little is plenty—start small and build flavor gradually.
Problem 3: It turned cloudy.
This can happen from improper straining or spoilage. Always use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer and refrigerate immediately.
Problem 4: It separates.
Totally normal. Just shake before using. Natural oils from the almonds will float, especially without stabilizers.
Orgeat Syrup vs Almond Syrup – What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse the two, but orgeat syrup is so much more than your average almond syrup.
| Feature | Orgeat Syrup | Almond Syrup |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Almonds (homemade from scratch) | Often almond extract + sugar |
| Flavor Profile | Nutty, creamy, floral | Pure almond, sweeter |
| Texture | Slightly creamy and rich | Clear and thinner |
| Uses | Cocktails, desserts, specialty drinks | Mostly used in coffee and tea |
| Shelf Life | Shorter, unless preserved | Longer (commercially stabilized) |
Bottom line: almond syrup is more like a one-note sweetener. Orgeat syrup brings complexity, richness, and elegance.
Delicious Cocktail Recipes Using Orgeat Syrup
Mai Tai
The OG of orgeat cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz aged rum
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz orange curaçao
- ¼ oz orgeat syrup
- ¼ oz simple syrup
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with mint and a lime wedge.
Japanese Cocktail
Elegant and understated.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cognac
- ½ oz orgeat syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Momisette
Refreshing and a bit different.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz orgeat syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water
Instructions:
Add syrup and lemon juice to a tall glass with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
FAQs about Orgeat Syrup Recipe
1. Can I use almond milk instead of whole almonds?
You can, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. The richness comes from grinding and soaking fresh almonds.
2. Is orange blossom water necessary?
It’s a key ingredient for that floral note, but if you can’t find it, you can skip or replace it with rose water for a different twist.
3. Can I freeze orgeat syrup?
Technically yes, but it may affect the texture and flavor. Best to make smaller batches and refrigerate.
4. What kind of alcohol is best for preserving orgeat?
Vodka is neutral and won’t affect the flavor. Brandy adds a subtle warmth that complements the almond.
5. Is orgeat syrup vegan?
Yes! As long as you use plant-based sugar, it’s completely vegan.
Conclusion
Homemade orgeat syrup isn’t just a DIY flex—it’s a flavor game-changer. Whether you’re mixing cocktails, sweetening coffee, or adding a delicate touch to desserts, orgeat brings a rich, aromatic character that’s hard to beat. Once you try the homemade version, the store-bought stuff just won’t cut it anymore.
So grab those almonds, stir in a little floral magic, and make your own orgeat syrup from scratch. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.
