The Orgeat Syrup Recipe is a sweetened, almond-flavoured syrup that’s been an essential cocktail and beverage ingredient for ages. Its delicate nutty flavour and slight floral undertones make it an extremely versatile ingredient, great for giving a spiky edge to drinks like the classic Mai Tai or straight up over iced coffee. Unlike its mass-manufactured alternatives, homemade orgeat allows you to manage the sweetness, consistency and flavour depth in a way that is entirely your own, making your signature drink truly yours.
It’s much easier than you think to make your own orgeat, as it’s just a matter of combining and steeping some almonds with sugar, water and, because we’re fancy like that, some orange-blossom (or rose) water for fragrance. The almonds are ground and drained several times to get the natural oil out of them, collecting these infusions with sugar syrup until we create a velvety aromatic liquid. Doing it from scratch guarantees freshness and cuts out the preservatives and artificial flavours that a lot of store-bought varieties have.
But orgeat syrup has uses beyond cocktails, and can help add some glitz to any number of culinary creations. With uses ranging from drizzling over deserts or pancakes to stirring into coffee or tea, milky sweet almond flavour gives a rich and nutty dimension to anything you add it to. Improving on an orgeat syrup recipe isn’t just about improving your ability to pour excellent drinks; it’s an invitation to experiment with flavours, textures, and creative spins on both drinks and desserts.
Orgeat Syrup Recipe From DishBloom!
Homemade Orgeat Syrup
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp orange blossom water or rose water
- ½ tsp almond extract optional for extra flavor
Instructions
- Blanch almonds by boiling them for 1–2 minutes, then remove skins.
- Blend almonds with 1 cup of water until smooth.
- Pour the almond mixture into a saucepan and add remaining 1 cup water. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean saucepan, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add sugar to the almond liquid and stir over low heat until fully dissolved. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water (and almond extract, if using).
- Let cool, then transfer to a sterilized bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 weeks.
Notes
- For a smoother syrup, strain twice.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar.
- Shake well before each use, as natural almond oils may settle.
- Can be used in cocktails, milkshakes, coffee, or drizzled over desserts.
Share Your Twist!
Orgeat syrup is incredibly versatile, and there’s plenty of room to get creative. Try experimenting with:
- Nut variations: Swap almonds for pistachios or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.
- Flavor infusions: Add a few cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick, or a splash of vanilla for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Sweetener swaps: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Citrus twist: Add a strip of lemon or orange zest while simmering for a bright, zesty note.
- Cocktail experimentation: Mix your homemade orgeat into coffee, iced tea, milkshakes, or creative mocktails.
Encourage readers to comment or share their own variations and favorite uses for orgeat syrup—it’s a fun way to make the recipe community-driven!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is orgeat syrup?
Orgeat syrup is a sweet, almond-flavored syrup often used in cocktails, coffee, and desserts. It typically includes almonds, sugar, and a hint of orange blossom or rose water.
Can I make orgeat syrup without almonds?
Yes! You can substitute almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios, but the flavor will be slightly different from traditional orgeat.
How should I store homemade orgeat syrup?
Store orgeat syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 weeks. Shake well before each use, as natural almond oils may settle.
Can I adjust the sweetness or flavor?
Yes! You can reduce or increase the sugar according to taste, and add more orange blossom water or almond extract for extra aroma and depth.