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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails » How to Make Orgeat Syrup + How to Use It

    PUBLISHED: August 5, 2021 • By Toni Dash 57 Comments

    How to Make Orgeat Syrup + How to Use It

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Orgeat Syrup title

    Orgeat Syrup is a key ingredient in some of the most classic cocktails (tiki drinks especially). It’s easy to make at home and keep in the refrigerator ready for summer drink making!

    Orgeat Syrup title

    The quality of ingredients can make the difference between a so-so cocktail and a GREAT cocktail.

    Almond orgeat syrup is an essential ingredient in many specialty cocktails like the classic Mai Tai or Planter’s Punch.

    This homemade orgeat syrup recipe is a sweetened almond syrup that’s easy to make in small batches at home.

    Have your own orgeat on the ready for tropical cocktails at home. It’s much more tasty than the shelf-stable substitute from liquor stores.

    After reading this you’ll see how easy it is to make and have a list of great ways to use it too.

    Jump to:
    • What is Orgeat Syrup?
    • How to Pronounce ‘Orgeat’
    • Recipe Ingredients + Notes
    • What does Orgeat Taste Like?
    • How to Make Orgeat Syrup – Step by Step
    • How to Store Orgeat
    • Cocktails with Orgeat
    • More recipes to try!
    • Recipe

    What is Orgeat Syrup?

    It’s a delicious French almond syrup made with almonds, sugar and orange blossom water.

    The light mix of almond and orange blossom make a wonderful versatile syrup that are popular in many cocktails.

    The most well-known of which is the tropical Mai Tai. But that’s just a start!

    The origins of this syrup was derived from Latin to French and the french form of the word translates to ‘ barley water ‘.

    Another derivation resulted in the Spanish word horchata but there is nothing similar about the two.

    Refreshing Cape Cod Cooler cocktail with lime slice and metal straw with copper cocktail shaker and homemade orgeat syrup

    How to Pronounce ‘Orgeat’

    Have you ever use Orgeat (pronounced or-zha for the French pronunciation or or-zhat) in your home cocktails?

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    The ingredients in orgeat are simple and easy to find in grocery stores.

    This recipe uses blanched slivered almonds which are already prepared. They create a milky cloudy liquid and subtle flavor.

    Slivered Almonds. Blanched almonds have the skins removed which gives nutty flavor without bitter almonds.

    Granulated Sugar. Pure cane sugar gives a light sweetness.

    Water

    Orange Flower Water (also known as Orange Blossom Water). A little orange flower water gives homemade orgeat syrup recipes the perfect flavor.

    Vodka. Use unflavored vodka.

    If you are in a DIY mood, you can even make your own orange flower water too!

    Homemade orgeat syrup in vintage bottles with almonds and orange blossom water

    What does Orgeat Taste Like?

    It has almond flavor with a bit of a floral flavor from either orange blossom or rose water (one of the two are used).

    Since this recipe uses blanched almonds the bitterness found in almond skins is absent.

    The specialty syrup combines natural flavors for a light almond touch.

    How to Make Orgeat Syrup – Step by Step

    STEP 1. Roast the almonds

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

    Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, dull side facing up.

    Place the almonds in a single layer on the prepared pan.

    Roast the almonds for 3 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through cooking.

    Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully.

    Process through a food processor or blender into small pieces.

    STEP 2. Make the syrup

    In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat to dissolve the sugar.

    Add the almonds; remove from the heat. Cover and allow to infuse for 3 hours.

    Drain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or large liquid measuring cup.

    Stir in the orange blossom water and vodka.

    Pour into jars or bottles, seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Cape Cod Cooler cocktails in Collins glasses with crushed ice, limes, silver metal straws, homemade orgeat syrup

    How to Store Orgeat

    Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    NOTE: the syrup will separate while it sits. Just shake the container gently before using to mix together.

    Cocktails with Orgeat

    The fun begins when fresh Orgeat is in the fridge waiting to be mixed into delicious cocktails!

    Here are some to try (click cocktail title for the recipe):

    Mai Tai. This classic tropical cocktail is most commonly associated with traveling to Hawaii. No need to board a plane. Whip this up at home for a mini vacation vibe.

    Cape Cod Cooler (recipe below). This refreshing sipper combines cranberry, 2 types of gin, lime and orgeat for a perfect summer cocktail.

    Scorpion. Another Tiki drink with rum, brandy, citrus juices and orgeat. Blended with crushed ice and it tastes like a tropical vacation.

    Japanese Cocktail. A classic cocktail to use orgeat that is simple to make. Cognac, orgeat and bitters.

    Fog Cutter. A famous Tiki drink with multiple types of liquor, orgeat, lime and more. This recipe uses simple syrup which is also very easy to make at home.

    Bermuda Hundred. If a Mai Tai and a Negroni had a baby…

    Planter’s Punch. Rum, orange juice, apple juice and orgeat. Yum.

    1001 Cocktails has a collection of cocktails using Orgeat Syrup. It’s a great resource when searching for drinks using a specific ingredient or a specific cocktail too!

    Cape Cod Cooler cocktails with lime garnish, silver metal straws, and bronze metal cocktail shaker

    More recipes to try!

    • How to Make Simple Syrup: 8 Recipes and Suggested Uses
    • How to make Strawberry Simple Syrup
    • Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (Starbuck’s Copycat)
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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    Recipe

    Refreshing Cape Cod Cooler cocktail with lime slice and metal straw with copper cocktail shaker and homemade orgeat syrup

    Orgeat Syrup + Cape Cod Cooler cocktail

    Orgeat Syrup is a simple syrup using almonds and orange blossom water that is very easy to make at home. Orgeat is used in many cocktails including the Cape Cod Cooler perfect for summer sipping!
    5 from 31 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktails, Cocktail Syrup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 3 hours 8 minutes
    Servings: 2 cocktails and 1 1/2 cups orgeat syrup
    Calories: 328kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Homemade Orgeat Syrup:

    • 2 cups Slivered Almonds
    • 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
    • 1 1/4 cups Water
    • 1 teaspoon Orange Flower Water*
    • 1 ounce Vodka unflavored

    Ingredients for Cape Cod Cooler cocktails:

    • 4 ounces Sloe Gin (may substitute plum brandy if needed)
    • 2 ounces Gin
    • 1 ounce Lime Juice
    • 1 ounce Homemade Orgeat Syrup
    • 10 ounces Cranberry Cocktail
    • 2 slices fresh Lime (garnish)

    Instructions

    Instructions for Homemade Orgeat Syrup:

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, dull side facing up. Place the almonds in one layer on the prepared pan.
    • Roast the almonds for 3 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through cooking. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully. Once cooled process through a food processor or blender into small pieces.
    • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat to dissolve the sugar. Add the nuts and remove from the heat. Cover and allow to infuse for 3 hours (note: can be infused longer for a deeper flavor but no longer than 12 hours).
    • Drain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or large liquid measuring cup. Stir in the orange blossom water and vodka. Pour into jars or bottles, seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Instructions for Cape Cod Cooler cocktails:

    • Fill two 14 ounce Collins glasses half to ¾ full of crushed ice. Add 2 ounces slow gin, 1 ounce gin, ½ ounce lime juice, ½ ounce orgeat and 5 ounces of cranberry cocktail to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into one of the prepared glasses. Repeat for the second cocktail. Garnish with a lime slice.

    Notes

    *I used Nielsen-Massey Orange Blossom Water. 
    Orgeat is used in many cocktails including the Cape Cod Cooler perfect for summer sipping!
    Note: Orgeat will separate as it sits.  Just shake before using.
    How to Store
    Store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin C: 64.2mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: April 18, 2017. This post was originally sponsored by Nielsen-Massey.

    « Frozen Key Lime Pie recipe
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. wilhelmina says

      August 09, 2021 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      This syrup is amazing! I am really enjoying adding it to lots of drinks!!

      Reply
    2. Krystle says

      August 05, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love Mai Tais. This takes them over the top, so good!

      Reply
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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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