What is Orgeat?
Orgeat syrup is a sweet almond-flavored syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water. It has a thick, creamy consistency and a subtle almond taste. Orgeat is commonly used to flavor coffee and cocktails, particularly the Mai Tai and other tropical drinks.
The name “orgeat” comes from the French “orgeat” which means “barley water.” However, modern orgeat syrup does not actually contain barley. The confusion stems from the medieval version of the syrup which was made by soaking barley in water to extract flavor.
Orgeat contains a powerful punch of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from the almonds. It is lower in sugar than many other syrups and makes a tasty, nutritious additive to drinks and desserts.
Where to Buy Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat syrup can be purchased ready-made or homemade using almond milk and simple syrup. Here are some of the best places to buy orgeat syrup:
Liquor Stores
Liquor stores often stock orgeat syrup, especially those with a good selection of cocktail mixers and bartending supplies. Orgeat is fundamental for making Mai Tais and other tiki drinks. Check the syrup selection alongside grenadine, ginger beer, and other cocktail flavors.
Grocery Stores
Some grocery stores carry orgeat syrup in the baking aisle near other flavorings like vanilla and almond extract. It may also be found with the drink mixes and juices. Higher end grocers and health food stores are more likely to stock it than standard chains.
Baking Supply Stores
Orgeat is used to flavor baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries. Specialty baking stores may carry it alongside other professional baking ingredients. Be sure to call ahead to check availability.
Coffee Shops
Many coffee shops use orgeat syrup to add flavor to blended coffee drinks and iced lattes. Check with your local cafe to see if they use it in any of their signature drinks. You may be able to purchase a bottle directly from them.
Online
Amazon and other online retailers carry several brands of orgeat syrup that can be shipped directly to your home. Search for orgeat and browse the options to find your preferred brand and bottle size. Online stores may have the best selection and prices.
International Market
Markets specializing in international foods are a great place to check for orgeat syrup. Caribbean, French, and Middle Eastern markets in particular may stock it near other syrups and drink mixers. Ask at the service counter if you don’t see it on the shelves.
Make Your Own
Homemade orgeat syrup is simple to make and allows you to control the ingredients. All it takes is almond milk and sugar. Many recipes also add orange flower water or rose water for additional flavor. It can be made on the stovetop or via sous vide for an extra smooth and creamy texture.
How to Substitute for Orgeat
If you need orgeat for a recipe but can’t find it, there are a few suitable stand-in options:
- Almond syrup or extract plus simple syrup – Use 1/4 teaspoon almond extract per 1/4 cup simple syrup
- Almond milk with sugar – Blend 1 cup almond milk with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and dissolved
- Non-dairy creamer – Substitute an equal amount of liquid non-dairy creamer and add a few drops of almond extract
- Homemade orgeat – Make your own from almond milk, sugar, and orange flower water
In cocktails, you can often omit the orgeat altogether, though it will change the flavor profile. The drink will still be tasty without it!
Where to Find Orgeat Syrup in Grocery Stores
Looking for orgeat in your local grocery store? Here are the most likely spots to find it:
Baking Aisle
First, check the baking aisle near the vanilla, almond extract, food colorings, and other flavorings. Orgeat may be stocked here since it is sometimes used in baked goods and desserts.
Coffee and Tea
Many grocery stores have an aisle dedicated to coffee, tea, and other hot beverages. Look here for orgeat if your store carries it. It is often used to add flavor to coffee and tea drinks.
Soda and Drink Mixers
Some stores stock orgeat syrup alongside other drink flavors like grenadine, simple syrup, and cocktail mixers. Check near the sodas, juices, drink mixes, and tonic water.
Ethnic Foods
Larger grocery stores may have an ethnic food aisle with Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, or other international ingredients. Orgeat may be here, especially in Caribbean sections.
Ask for Help
If you still can’t locate the orgeat, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for assistance. They can look up the product in their inventory system and direct you to the right aisle.
Order Online
If your grocery store doesn’t carry orgeat syrup, you can order it online for delivery right to your home. Amazon and Walmart both carry several top brands of orgeat syrup.
What Cocktails Use Orgeat Syrup?
Orgeat syrup is an iconic ingredient in several classic cocktails, particularly tiki-style tropical drinks. Here are some popular cocktails featuring orgeat:
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is one of the best known tiki cocktails. It combines rum, Curacao, orgeat, and lime juice for a sweet, citrusy tropical flavor.
Japanese Cocktail
This vintage cocktail dates back to the late 1800s. It mixes brandy or Cognac with orgeat and Angostura bitters.
Scorpion Bowl
A Scorpion Bowl serves up to 4 people in a large communal bowl. It contains rum, brandy, orgeat, juice, and gardenia mix.
Hurricane
The New Orleans classic Hurricane combines light and dark rum with passionfruit, orange, lime, and orgeat syrup.
Beachcomber
The Beachcomber mixes gold rum, orgeat, lime, and pineapple for a sweet citrusy vibe.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is made with spiced rum, orange juice, ginger beer, grenadine, and orgeat.
Orgeat Iced Latte
For a non-alcoholic drink, try an Orgeat Iced Latte. Just combine chilled espresso with orgeat and milk over ice.
Best Brands of Orgeat Syrup
When selecting an orgeat syrup, go for a brand made with quality ingredients. Here are some of the top brands to look for:
Small Hand Foods
Small Hand Foods makes an artisanal orgeat syrup with just two ingredients – almonds and organic cane sugar. It has a smooth, creamy texture.
Liber & Co.
Liber & Co. offers a gourmet line of syrups including an orgeat made from French almonds. It has hints of orange blossom and rosewater.
BG Reynolds
BG Reynolds’ orgeat is another popular choice, made with bitterness from real almond skins for balanced flavor.
Latitude 29 Orgeat
Latitude 29’s orgeat hails from respected New Orleans tiki bar Latitude 29. It’s crafted for the perfect Mai Tai.
Lotus Garden Orgeat
Lotus Garden Orgeat contains orange and almond extracts for extra flavor. It works well in both cocktails and baked goods.
Mai Tai Orgeat
As the name suggests, Mai Tai Orgeat is specifically formulated for Mai Tais. It mixes almond and vanilla flavors.
How Long Does Orgeat Last After Opening?
An unopened bottle of orgeat syrup will typically last 1 to 2 years past the printed expiration date. Once opened, orgeat should last 3 to 6 months when properly stored.
Follow these tips for maximizing the shelf life of your opened orgeat:
- Store in the refrigerator after opening
- Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed
- Wipe down the opening before re-sealing
- Use a clean spoon to remove syrup
- Watch for growth of mold – discard if mold appears
If refrigerated with an airtight seal, homemade orgeat made from almond milk and sugar can last up to 2 weeks.
If your orgeat syrup ever starts tasting off or smells sour, it’s best to throw it out and purchase a fresh bottle.
Common Questions about Orgeat
Does orgeat syrup go bad?
Yes, orgeat syrup can go bad over time. Signs of expired orgeat include changes in texture, smell, color, or flavor. It may become thick and gloppy or develop a sour, rancid, or odd flavor. Discard any orgeat that looks or tastes off.
Is orgeat syrup healthy?
Orgeat syrup provides some nutritional benefits since it is made from almond milk which contains protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, store-bought orgeat is high in added sugars. Enjoy orgeat in moderation or look for low sugar varieties.
Is homemade orgeat syrup better?
Homemade orgeat allows you to control the quality of ingredients. However, store-bought syrups last longer thanks to added preservatives. Both homemade and quality pre-made orgeats have their perks.
What’s the difference between orgeat and amaretto?
Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur made from apricot pits or almonds. Orgeat is a non-alcoholic syrup made from almond milk and sugar. Both contain almond flavor notes but are used differently in drinks.
Where does orgeat syrup originate from?
Orgeat syrup derives from France and the Mediterranean region. Almond syrups and milk have a long history in French, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisine dating back centuries.
Conclusion
With its sweet almond taste, orgeat syrup is a versatile ingredient that lends a lovely nutty flavor and creamy texture to cocktails, coffee drinks, baked goods, and more. Look for quality orgeat made with a high almond content and minimal added sugar at liquor stores, groceries, coffee shops, and specialty food markets. Or make your own DIY orgeat at home. However you get your hands on this classic syrup, it’s sure to elevate both your desserts and tropical drink mixes to new levels of delish.
