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!
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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!
More recipes to try!
Recipe
Orgeat Syrup + Cape Cod Cooler cocktail
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
Nutrition
Originally published: April 18, 2017. This post was originally sponsored by Nielsen-Massey.
Beeb Ashcroft says
I LOVE a good cocktail, especially one I can do on my own. This looks delish!
Michelle Waller says
This looks very delicious and refreshing. I bet it is good after a warm summer day of being outside.
Tara says
This cocktail looks absolutely refreshing. I’ll be giving it a try that’s for sure.
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Perfect cocktail to start the summer. We happen to have orgeat syrup in the fridge, but I’m so happy to now have a recipe for it. Love the stuff and now I don’t have to dread when we run out of it!
Toni Dash says
Sounds like this was meant to be for you!
Our Family World says
This cocktail screams summer! I was reading through the ingredients and I can only imagine how refreshing this would taste! I’m saving your recipe and mix this up when we get to host a BBQ party!
Toni Dash says
I think you’ll love it! It definitely screams summer to me too.
Claudia Krusch says
I am always looking for new cocktail recipes to try. I wil have to get the ingredients I need to make the Cape Code Cooler.
gingermommyrants says
The Cape Code Cooler is going to be great for BBQ season. I have never tried to make my own Orgeat syrup before.
jen T says
I have no idea how I have never heard of Orgeat!! It sounds incredible and I am going to have it this weekend. (I’m so excited!!)
Jody Arsenault says
Oh my goodness, I need to share this recipe with my friend. She will absolutely love it!
Kristi says
I can just picture a nice relaxing afternoon on the deck with this drink in hand. The sun shinning down and the green grass in view…. is summer here yet??
Amy says
I am so intrigued by the inclusion of almonds in this drink’s syrup. I need to try this for the summer.
Kristin says
YUM! How delicious! This sounds amazing and refreshing.
Jeni Hawkins says
This sounds like an amazing cooler! I need to give this one a shot.
Jeanine says
Oh how i love those metal straws. SUPER awesome. This looks really tasty and refreshing. I’m not a big cocktail drinker, but that needs to change!
Toni Dash says
You wouldn’t think they make a big difference but I LOVE drinking from them. Everything tastes so much better and cooler (refreshing).
Nancy says
I am all about making new syrups because I think they make great additions to any cocktail. Can’t wait to try your take on Orgeat Syrup!
Jenna Wood says
I don’t really drink- but I do like to serve a cocktail when i entertain. This seems like a great warm weather refresher.
Liz Mays says
This is such a good choice for the warm weather! It would be very fun to make orgeat syrup to use in drink mixes like this!
Reesa Lewandowski says
I Have never hard of this syrup before!!! My goodness it sounds amazing and so delicious with this cooler!! I need to make these!
Pam Wattenbarger says
I had never heard of Orgeat syrup before this! I need to make it and try it out for myself.
Jeanette says
I have never heard of the Cape Cod cooler myself but the way that looks and what you put into it I know I would love it. I think I’ll be making this on my next girls weekend.
Lisa Favre says
That cooler is exactly what I need right now! I’ve been getting so (irritably) hot lately, and this drink would surely cool me down.
Jen Rattie says
I have never had a Cape Cod Cooler, but I’m always up for a new cocktail. ALWAYS. I will absolutely be making this bad boy this weekend.
Colleen Lanin says
That sounds like a wonderful syrup. I can see using it in all kinds of things. Thanks so much!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That sounds wonderful! I’ve made my own syrups before, and I think this is goign to be a great addition to my lineup.
robin rue says
Well considering I live JUST off of cape cod, or as we call it up here – the cape – I think I NEED to try this.