Homemade Orgeat Syrup: The Secret Ingredient for Tiki Cocktails

Discover the magic of orgeat, a luxurious almond orgeat syrup that’s the heart and soul of tropical cocktails. This DIY recipe will elevate your home bar game in just 15 minutes!

Orgeat (pronounced ‘or-zsa,’ like Zsa Zsa Gabor) is a fragrant almond syrup with a touch of orange blossom water. It’s the essential ingredient that ties together the complex flavors in Tiki drinks, adding depth and sophistication to your favorite tropical concoctions.

Why Make Your Own Orgeat?

While artisanal orgeat can be pricey and hard to find, making your own is surprisingly easy and cost-effective. For about $6 and 15 minutes of your time, you can craft a superior almond syrup using all-natural ingredients. Say goodbye to artificial flavors and preservatives – your homemade orgeat will be bursting with authentic almond goodness!

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw almonds, sliced or chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon orange flower water
• 1 ounce vodka

How to Make Orgeat at Home

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toast the almonds for 4 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through for even browning.
2. Let the almonds cool, then blitz them in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
3. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just starts to boil (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the ground almonds to the syrup and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently. Just before it boils, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for at least 3 hours (but no more than 12).
5. Strain the mixture through three layers of cheesecloth into a bowl, squeezing to extract all the flavorful syrup.
6. Stir in the orange flower water and vodka. Transfer your homemade orgeat to a clean glass bottle or jar.

Pro Tips for Perfect Orgeat

Store your orgeat in the refrigerator and use within one month for the best flavor. This recipe produces a richer, amber-colored syrup due to the almond skins. For a traditional milky-white orgeat, opt for blanched almonds. Remember to shake before each use, as the natural almond oils may separate.

Orange flower water can be found in well-stocked grocery stores, Mediterranean markets, or online retailers. It adds an authentic touch that truly elevates your homemade orgeat.

Shake Up Your Cocktail Game

Ready to put your homemade orgeat to the test? Mix up a classic Mai Tai for a taste of tropical paradise. For more Tiki fun, try a Scorpion or a Saturn. Craving something more sophisticated? The Japanese Cocktail showcases orgeat’s versatility in a refined, spirit-forward drink.

Don’t limit yourself to cocktails – a splash of orgeat in champagne or club soda creates a refreshing, nutty spritzer. Once you’ve experienced the rich flavor of homemade orgeat, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Nutritional Information