Making a cocktail that calls for orgeat? After ordering a fancy cocktail with it several years ago, we had to Google it. Turns out, orgeat is an almond cocktail syrup with hundreds of years of history. The nutty, citrus vanilla flavor can’t fully be replicated by anything else. Here at A Couple Cooks, we’re cocktail experts with over 300 cocktail recipes under our belt. After buying a bottle and working with it in our home bar, we found it’s truly something special. Here’s all about orgeat syrup, where to buy it and how to use it in orgeat cocktails!
What is orgeat?
Orgeat syrup is a non-alcoholic almond syrup used for sweetening cocktails and mocktails. It’s made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water, and has a long history of use in cocktails and bartending. The first printed recipe for orgeat was in a cookbook from 1864, called the The English and Australian Cookery Book. It’s been used in cocktails throughout history, and is most famous for its use in the Mai Tai. How do you pronounce orgeat? Say Or-ZHAAT, where the “ZH” sounds like the J in the name Jacque.
What does orgeat taste like?
Orgeat has a distinctive nutty flavor with a hint of citrus. Some people liken it to liquid marzipan. It adds a distinct complexity to drinks, and it’s so unique that there’s not a great substitute. Look for it at your local liquor store or online: it’s absolutely worth purchasing.
Should I make homemade orgeat?
No. At least, that’s our opinion! You can make homemade orgeat, but it takes several hours and several steps. You also need lots of almonds and a bottle of orange flower water, which ends up being more expensive than just buying a bottle. Orgeat is a common cocktail ingredient and available at most liquor stores, so why not buy it? It’s only about $10, and there are lots of great brands out there. It’s also more shelf stable to buy storebought. So skip the homemade recipe and grab a bottle!
How much does it cost?
Orgeat is fairly inexpensive: a bottle usually costs about $10. We used a 8 ounce bottle made by Small Hand Foods and it has great flavor. Here’s a link to buy orgeat syrup online. Some reputable brands are Torani, Monin, Luxardo, and Small Hand Foods.
Most popular orgeat cocktails
Orgeat is used in both cocktails and mocktails. You can use it in one of the drinks below, or you can simply use it in place of simple syrup in any recipe for a nutty spin! Keep in mind you may have to add a little more orgeat than simple syrup, since it’s not quite as sweet.
More cocktail recipes
There are so many drinks to try outside of these orgeat cocktails! Here are 300+ cocktail recipes for every occasion: Ingredients: Aged rum, dark rum, Cointreau (or Grand Marnier), lime, orgeat syrup Ingredients: Angostura bitters, orgeat syrup, lemon juice, rye whiskey Ingredients: Brandy or Cognac, orgeat syrup, lemon juice (optional), bitters Ingredients: Fresh mint, lime, orgeat syrup, soda water or tonic water
Classics: Try Classic Cocktails or Great Cocktail Recipes. The Big 5: Try all our cocktails with Gin, Vodka, Whiskey or Bourbon, Tequila or Rum. Fruity Drinks: Grab drinks with Cranberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, or Peach. Seasonal: Try Fall, Winter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Summer cocktails. Specialty: Make drinks with Mezcal, Fernet Branca, Aperol, Hennessy, Maraschino, Midori, or Licor 43.
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