Orgeat, Tiki's Secret Ingredient

If you're a fan of classic tiki drinks like the Mai Tai or simply enjoy crafting creative cocktails at home, orgeat syrup is a must-have in your bar arsenal. This sweet, nutty syrup with hints of orange blossom and almond adds depth and complexity to drinks—and the best part? You can make it from scratch at home with just a few ingredients.

In this post, we'll walk you through a simple and delicious homemade orgeat recipe, tips for storage, and how to use it in cocktails.

What Is Orgeat Syrup?

Orgeat (pronounced "or-zhat") is a creamy, sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and either orange flower water or rose water. It originated in the Mediterranean and was traditionally made with barley, but modern versions focus on almonds. Orgeat is non-alcoholic and is widely used in tropical and tiki-style cocktails to add a nutty richness and floral sweetness.

Ingredients & Instructions

Here's what you'll need to make about 1.5 cups of orgeat syrup:

• 1 cup raw, unsalted almonds

• 1.5 cups water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp orange flower water (or rose water, optional)

• 1 oz vodka (optional, for longer shelf life)

Blanch and Peel the Almonds (for a smoother texture) if your almonds still have the skins on, you can blanch them by boiling them for 1 minute, then cooling them in ice water. The skins should slip off easily. While this step isn’t strictly necessary, it gives the syrup a cleaner, lighter color and smoother flavor. Grind the Almonds using a food processor or blender, pulse the almonds until they become a coarse meal. Be careful not to over-blend into almond butter. Make the Almond Milk in a saucepan, combine the ground almonds and water. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then remove from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This extracts the almond flavor into the water. Strain the Mixture strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag into a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. You can strain it again for a clearer syrup. Sweeten the Syrup pour the almond milk back into a clean saucepan. Add the sugar and stir over low heat until fully dissolved. Do not boil. Add Flavorings remove from heat and add the orange flower water. If using vodka as a preservative, add it now. Stir well.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, transfer the syrup into a sterilized glass bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or up to 1 month if vodka is added.

How to Use Orgeat in Cocktails

Mai Tai  ½ oz orgeat adds that classic tiki nuttiness Japanese Cocktail cognac, bitters, and orgeat make a surprisingly elegant sipper. Orgeat Lemonade a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Final Thoughts

Making your own orgeat syrup at home not only gives you control over the flavor and sweetness, but it also elevates your cocktail game with a homemade touch. Whether you're crafting tiki classics or inventing your own creations, a good orgeat syrup is a game-changer. Give it a try and taste the difference!