Almonds possess a unique quality that adds flavor and excitement to various foods and beverages.
In baking, a few drops of almond extract transform my simple sugar cookies from average to flavorful. For cocktails, I use orgeat, a sweet almond syrup, to bring a sweet nuttiness with floral tones. This creates layers of flavor that leave guests wondering, “what’s in this amazing drink?!”
If you’re unfamiliar with tiki, tropical drinks, or classic pre-prohibition cocktails, orgeat might be a new ingredient to you, yet it’s crucial in many classic cocktails.
You can easily make it at home and enjoy it without needing to prepare a Mai Tai or Fog Cutter.
What is Orgeat?
Orgeat (pronounced ohr-zsa or ohr-zhaat) is a nonalcoholic almond syrup used primarily in cocktails.
This orgeat version can optionally include an ounce of vodka to extend its shelf life, as the vodka acts as a preservative. While almonds are the traditional nut used, orgeat can also be made with other nuts like pistachios or macadamia nuts.
It’s important to note that orgeat is not almond milk. Almond milk involves steeping almonds in a liquid, while orgeat involves almonds steeped in water along with a simple syrup and orange flower water.
How to Use Orgeat
Orgeat is a key ingredient in many tiki, tropical, and classic cocktails but can also enhance nonalcoholic beverages where an almond flavor would be complementary, like in a sour cherry puree and soda water (you can skip the vodka for an alcohol-free version).
It’s also delightful in hot or iced coffee as a sugar substitute. Orgeat can enhance baked goods or desserts with an almond flavor boost. Personally, I enjoy adding it to butter cookies for a hint of almond flavor!
History of Orgeat
Orgeat made its debut as a cocktail ingredient in the Japanese Cocktail, as featured in Jerry Thomas’ Bar-tenders Guide, first published in 1862.
It gained popularity in tiki drinks through Trader Vic and his line of restaurants and bars in the early 20th century, becoming a key ingredient in drinks like the Mai Tai and the Scorpion.
These fresh-juice-based cocktails often included secret blends known only to the bartenders.
Variations, Swaps, or Substitutions
While almond is the traditional flavor, other nuts can be used for different variations. Pistachio and macadamia orgeat have worked well for me.
You can replace almonds with other nuts in the same quantities in these recipes. I’ve even heard avocado pits can be used, although I haven’t tried it yet!
Things to Note and How to Store
When straining nuts, I recommend using a nut milk bag. Although a cheesecloth works, a nut milk bag captures more almond bits and may eliminate the need for a second strain.
Store the orgeat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Without vodka, it lasts about a month. Adding an ounce of vodka extends its shelf life to three months. Discard it if cloudiness or mold appears.
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2 cups (10 ounces) raw almonds
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2 cups filtered water
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2 cups sugar
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1/4 teaspoon orange flower water
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1 ounce vodka, optional
- Nut milk bag or a fine weave cheesecloth
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Break up almonds:
Use a food processor to pulse the almonds or wrap them in a towel and crush using a rolling pin. They need to be broken apart, not pulverized.
Elana Lepkowski
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Steep almonds in water:
Add almonds to a medium bowl and pour in the water. Cover loosely with a clean towel and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
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Strain and discard almonds:
Strain the almond liquid into a saucepan using a nut milk bag or fine cheesecloth through a fine mesh strainer. If almond bits appear, re-strain the liquid.
Elana Lepkowski
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Boil almond liquid:
Turn on the stove to medium-high heat and whisk in the sugar until dissolved. Bring the mixture to just below boiling, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
Elana Lepkowski
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Cool liquid and add orange flower water and vodka:
Remove from heat, let the liquid cool to room temperature, then add orange flower water and vodka if using.
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Store orgeat:
Store orgeat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It lasts up to one month without vodka or up to three months with vodka.
Elana Lepkowski
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 199 | Calories |
| 9g | Fat |
| 29g | Carbs |
| 4g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 16 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 199 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 9g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 3% |
| 0mg | 0% |
| 2mg | 0% |
| 29g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
| Total Sugars 26g | |
| 4g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 49mg | 4% |
| Iron 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium 130mg | 3% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
