Orgeat syrup is an ingredient used in many classic cocktails, like the Mai Tai and Scorpion Bowl. It has a sweet, nutty, almond flavor that adds complexity and richness to drinks. But where can you buy this specialty cocktail syrup? Here’s a look at where to find orgeat syrup so you can make delicious tiki drinks at home.
What is Orgeat Syrup?
Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water. It originated in France and has been used in cocktails since at least the 19th century.
The name “orgeat” comes from the French word for barley – “orge.” However, modern orgeat syrups are made with almonds rather than barley. The almonds give orgeat its characteristic creamy, nutty flavor.
In addition to cocktails, orgeat syrup is sometimes used in baking and desserts. It pairs especially well with citrus flavors and adds a floral aroma.
Where to Buy Orgeat Syrup
Here are some places where you can purchase orgeat syrup:
Liquor Stores
Many liquor stores will stock orgeat syrup, especially those with a good selection of cocktail mixers and bar ingredients. Popular brands like Small Hand Foods, Liber & Co., and BG Reynolds are sometimes carried at well-stocked liquor stores.
Gourmet Grocery Stores
Specialty food shops and gourmet grocers often have orgeat syrup in stock. Check the syrup/mixers aisle alongside ingredients like grenadine, rose water, and cocktail cherries.
Online Retailers
You can order orgeat syrup from many online retailers that specialize in bar supplies and cocktail mixers. Amazon.com, Cocktail Kingdom, Keg Works, and Webstaurant Store all carry various brands of orgeat syrup that can be shipped directly to your door.
Tiki Bars and Restaurants
Some tiki-themed bars and Polynesian restaurants may sell bottles of the orgeat syrup they use in their cocktails. Call ahead to ask if they have any available for retail sale before visiting.
Specialty Food Stores
International food markets, especially those selling Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products, can be a good place to find orgeat syrup. It may be called “orgeat sirop” on the labels.
DIY Orgeat Syrup
You can also easily make your own homemade orgeat syrup. It only requires a few simple ingredients like almonds, sugar, rose water or orange flower water, and vodka or neutral spirit. Homemade has a fresher, more natural almond taste.
Brands of Orgeat Syrup
Some of the top brands and producers of high-quality orgeat syrup include:
Small Hand Foods
Small Hand Foods makes an artisanal orgeat syrup with a strong almond flavor. It’s one of the most popular brands used by professional bartenders and tiki aficionados.
Liber & Co.
Liber & Co. produces a gourmet line of syrups, including an orgeat made from toasted almonds and orange flower water. It has a smooth, balanced flavor profile.
BG Reynolds
BG Reynolds is known for their cocktail syrups and mixes, including an orgeat made with almond, vanilla, and rose water. It has a pronounced floral aroma.
Jack Rudy
Jack Rudy makes a small-batch orgeat syrup with lemon and orange oils for added citrus notes. It’s balanced not too sweet.
Torani
Torani produces a commercial-grade, affordable orgeat syrup that still has a nice almond taste. It’s widely available at liquor and grocery stores.
Latitude 29 Orgeat
From the famed New Orleans tiki bar Latitude 29, this orgeat syrup has a distinctive vanilla aroma and strong almond flavor.
How to Use Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat syrup is easy to incorporate into a variety of tiki cocktails. Here are some tips for using it:
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is the classic cocktail featuring orgeat syrup. Add 1/2 oz to the rum, lime juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup.
Japanese Cocktail
Try 1/2 oz orgeat in place of simple syrup in this cocktail made with cognac, orgeat, and Angostura bitters.
Scorpion Bowl
The communal Scorpion Bowl cocktail typically contains 1 oz of orgeat syrup along with rum, brandy, and fruit juices.
Orgeat Lemonade
For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, combine fresh lemon juice, water or soda water, and 2-3 oz orgeat syrup over ice.
Add to Iced Teas
Stir 1/2 to 1 oz orgeat into iced black, green, or herbal teas for a floral, nutty flavor.
Drizzle over Desserts
Lightly drizzle orgeat over cakes, pies, ice cream, or fresh fruit for a sweet, almond glaze.
Cocktails with Orgeat Syrup
In addition to the Mai Tai and Scorpion Bowl, here are some other delicious cocktails featuring orgeat syrup:
Pearl Diver
A Prohibition-era cocktail with rum, lime, cinnamon syrup and orgeat.
Luau Lady
Light rum, orange juice, pineapple juice and almond orgeat come together in this fruity tropical drink.
Mr. Bali Hai
Scotch, dry vermouth, orgeat syrup and lemon juice create an aromatic, spirit-forward cocktail.
Halekulani Cocktail
Brandy, orgeat, lemon juice and orange liqueur craft a bright and elegant vintage cocktail.
Royal Hawaiian
Gin, rum, orgeat syrup, pineapple and lime juices make a flavorful tall tiki drink.
Fog Cutter
One of the vintage tiki bar staples, featuring rum, brandy, sherry, lemon and orgeat syrup.
Homemade Orgeat Syrup Recipe
It’s easy to make your own DIY orgeat syrup at home with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange flower water or rose water
- 1/4 cup vodka or other neutral spirit
Instructions:
- Blanch the almonds by boiling for 1 minute, then transfer to cold water and slip off the skins.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the almonds with 2 cups water until very smooth, at least 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the almond milk through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing out all the liquid.
- Add the sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange flower water and vodka.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Use this DIY orgeat to make any classic tiki cocktail! Adjust the orange flower water or rose water to taste.
Orgeat Syrup Substitutes
If you don’t have orgeat syrup on hand, here are some ingredients that can work in a pinch:
Almond Extract + Simple Syrup
Combine 1/2 tsp almond extract per 1 cup simple syrup. Not quite as thick and creamy as orgeat but provides almond flavor.
Almond Milk + Simple Syrup
Mix 1/4 cup almond milk per 1 cup simple syrup. Thinner than orgeat but has nutty notes.
Amaretto
Use 3/4 oz amaretto liqueur per 1 oz orgeat syrup. Sweeter than orgeat and lacks rose/orange flower flavors.
Honey Syrup
For a non-almond substitute, try 1:1 honey syrup. Not the same flavor but approximates the viscosity and sweetness.
Where to Buy Orgeat Syrup in Grocery Stores
Orgeat syrup can often be found in the syrup or mixer aisle at higher-end grocery stores, especially those with a good liquor and cocktail mixer selection. Here are some specific stores that may carry it:
Whole Foods
Whole Foods stocks orgeat syrup from brands like Small Hand Foods and Liber & Co. Check near the grenadine and cocktail cherries.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s sells an affordable “Orgeat (Almond) Syrup” under its own label, often near the maple syrups.
Central Market
This specialty grocer affiliated with H-E-B in Texas carries orgeat syrups from Liber & Co., Small Hand Foods, and others.
Publix
Publix GreenWise Markets in the southeastern US will sometimes have orgeat in stock from brands like BG Reynolds or Torani.
Ralph’s
The Southern California supermarket chain Ralph’s usually stocks orgeat syrup near cocktail mixers and grenadine.
Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter supermarkets along the Atlantic seaboard will often sell Liber & Co. or Small Hand Foods orgeat syrup.
Hy-Vee
Midwestern chain Hy-Vee offers Torani Orgeat Syrup at many locations in their liquor and specialty foods sections.
How Long Does Orgeat Syrup Last?
An unopened bottle of orgeat syrup will typically last 1-2 years past its printed expiration date if stored in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, orgeat syrup will last 3-6 months refrigerated.
Signs that orgeat has gone bad include:
- Mold growing inside the bottle
- Darkening in color
- Separation of liquids and solids
- Aroma seems “off” – loss of nutty or floral smells
- Unnatural sour or bitter taste
Homemade orgeat syrup tends to have a shorter shelf life of only 1-2 months since it lacks preservatives. For longest freshness, store orgeat in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Orgeat Syrup Storage Tips
To get the most out of your bottle of orgeat syrup, follow these storage tips:
- Keep orgeat syrup sealed tightly between uses.
- Refrigerate after opening – this slows fermentation.
- Transfer to a pump-top bottle to easily dispense for cocktails.
- Use a clean spoon to remove syrup – don’t contaminate the main bottle.
- Pour any leftover orgeat into ice cube trays and freeze for easy use.
- Label the bottle with the date opened and use within 3-6 months.
With proper storage in the refrigerator, orgeat syrup can retain optimal flavor and aroma for several months after opening.
Common Questions About Orgeat Syrup
Does orgeat syrup go bad?
Yes, orgeat syrup does eventually go bad, though an unopened bottle can last 1-2 years past its printed expiration date. Once opened, orgeat lasts 3-6 months refrigerated. Signs it has gone bad include mold, separation, changes in color/smell, and sour or bitter tastes.
Is orgeat syrup healthy?
Orgeat syrup is high in sugar with about 200 calories per 1/4 cup (2 oz). However, it does contain nutrients from its almond base, like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. When used sparingly in cocktails and recipes, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Is homemade orgeat syrup better?
Many people prefer the fresh, nuanced flavor of homemade orgeat syrup. It’s believed to taste closer to traditional French orgeat. However, store-bought brands have more consistency and don’t require as much effort to make.
What’s the difference between orgeat and almond syrup?
Orgeat and almond syrup both contain almonds but orgeat also has rose water or orange flower water added. Almond syrup tends to have a pronounced raw nutty flavor, while orgeat is more floral, nuanced, and refined.
Can you make orgeat without alcohol?
Yes, the vodka or neutral spirit called for in orgeat syrup recipes serves as a preservative but is not critical for flavor. You can omit it entirely and the syrup will still taste the same, though it may have a shorter shelf life.
Conclusion
Orgeat syrup is an essential ingredient in refreshing tiki cocktails and adds a sweet, nutty depth of flavor. While traditional brands like Small Hand Foods and Liber & Co. can often be found in liquor and gourmet grocery stores, you can also easily DIY your own orgeat at home. With its aromatic almond and floral citrus notes, a bottle of orgeat syrup is a must-have for any tiki bar!
