Orgeat syrup is a traditional almond-based mixture flavored with orange flower water, and it provides cocktails with an incredible flavor and texture. It's been used in drinks for centuries, and when combined with rum, vodka, and other base spirits, it makes for some truly unique cocktails.
This post will explore all the great concoctions you can create, from the classic Mai Tai to curious creations of your own. We'll also discuss how to make your own orgeat syrup, so that you can enjoy these delicious drinks in the comfort of your own home. Let's get started!
1. French Garden
The French Garden cocktail is an exhilarating and summery tiki-inspired cocktail made with orgeat. Orgeat adds a fascinating nutty sweetness to the cocktail that gives this drink an exotic depth. Combined with lime and white rum, it creates an exotic yet simple cocktail for hot summer days or a festive poolside gathering.
When you pair orgeat with the light sweetness of white rum and the sour tartness of lime, the result is an incredibly complex, flavorful beverage. The French Garden cocktail is a perfect representation of this, where the orgeat balances the strength of the rum and the acidity of the lime in an innovative and refreshing way.
For those looking to add a curious twist to their cocktails, the French Garden cocktail is an exceptional way to do it. It combines the refreshing acidity of lime and the exotic nuttiness of orgeat to create an interesting yet easy drink that anyone can enjoy. Plus, its beautiful green hue will be sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces rum
- 1.5 ounces green chartreuse
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 0.5 ounce orgeat syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add all of the ingredients to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of lime, if desired.
2. Old-Fashioned Fizz
The Old-Fashioned Fizz is a classic cocktail originating from the golden age of cocktails in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The drink combines the citrusy flavors of lemon juice and simple syrup with the subtly sweet and almondy taste of orgeat. Unlike most other fizz cocktails, the Old-Fashioned Fizz is topped with sparkling water, giving it a thirst-quenching, light finish. Its simplicity also makes it an easy and tasty cocktail to make at home.
The addition of orgeat is what makes the Old-Fashioned Fizz stand out from other fizz cocktails. Orgeat is an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be used in many different types of cocktails. In the Old-Fashioned Fizz, it provides a distinctive but subtle sweetness and the almondy taste perfectly complements the citrusy flavor of the lemon and the mild sweetness of the simple syrup. This makes for a balanced, delightful cocktail with a complex flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- 1 teaspoon orgeat syrup
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 egg white
- Club soda
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the bourbon, orgeat syrup, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and egg white to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top off the glass with club soda.
- Garnish with an orange twist or a cherry, if desired.
3. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai cocktail is one of the most beloved classics of the rum-based tiki drink movement. It's a mix of rum, orange liqueur, and orgeat, and is one the most popular rum drinks in the US. The Mai Tai has been around since 1944 when Trader Vic first created it and is one of the most recognizable and beloved cocktails in the world.
Orgeat is an important part of the Mai Tai cocktail. It is a syrup made from almonds and sugar, and it often adds a slightly nutty, creamy texture to the Mai Tai. It is vital to the flavor profile and balance of the Mai Tai, as it adds a counterbalancing sweetness that rounds out the tartness of the rum and the orange liqueur. Orgeat is also famed for helping to mellow out the harsher notes of the rum and makes it more palatable.
Thanks to its signature combination of rum, orange liqueur, and orgeat, the Mai Tai has become a beloved classic in the world of cocktails. It is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, making it an exceptional choice for a cooling, tropical drink. Whether served with a big chunk of pineapple, or simply served in a tiki mug, it is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces white rum
- 1.5 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 0.5 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 0.5 ounce orgeat syrup
- 1 dash grenadine
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add all of the ingredients to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint or a cherry, if desired.
4. Golden Dream
The Golden Dream cocktail is a classic tiki drink with a dreamy combination of flavorful liqueurs, fresh citrus, and spicy orgeat syrup. Orgeat syrup is a flavorfully nutty almond-based syrup that adds a curious punch of flavor to any cocktail. In this cocktail, the orgeat is blended with triple sec, orange juice, and cream to make a smooth, creamy, and very orangey drink. The orgeat is just the right thing to give the cocktail the perfect amount of sweetness, nuttiness and spice.
The Golden Dream is one of many cocktails that highlights the unique flavor of orgeat, but it is particularly well-suited to the syrup. The drink manages to balance the sweetness of the orange juice and syrup with the tartness of the triple sec, resulting in a brightly-flavored, refreshingly zesty cocktail. The cream and almond flavors of the orgeat give it a soothing, rich finish.
Whether it’s served at home or made in a bar, the Golden Dream is a favorite for its bright citrus flavor, creamy texture and the way it showcases the flavor of orgeat. It’s an outstanding go-to drink for anyone who enjoys a balanced and flavorful tiki cocktail that’s sure to make a dreamy impression.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
- 1/2 ounce orgeat
- 1/2 ounce heavy cream
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the orange liqueur, orgeat, heavy cream, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel, if desired, and serve.
5. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a classic South American cocktail that has been around for over a century. This classic beverage is often categorized as a "sour" style cocktail due to its tartness and sweetness. It contains pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters and egg whites, and it's often garnished with a slice of lime.
One way to take this classic up a notch is by adding orgeat syrup which is an almond-based syrup with a sweet and light flavor. Adding the syrup to the Pisco Sour creates a delicious complexity to the drink and brings out the nutty flavors of the orgeat. The sweetness of the orgeat combines nicely with the naturally sweet pisco brandy and balances out the acidity of the lime. The egg whites help create a creamy texture that also compliments the syrup.
To make a Pisco Sour cocktail with orgeat, here's what you will need:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces pisco
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce orgeat
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Angostura bitters (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the pisco, lemon juice, orgeat, simple syrup, and egg white to the shaker.
- Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Float a few drops of Angostura bitters on top of the cocktail, if desired.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and serve.
6. Mojito
The Mojito is an iconic cocktail famed for its refreshing minty flavor and sweet kick of lime. Originally crafted in Cuba during the 1800s, the drink has since been reimagined in countless variations all over the world. One variation incorporating orgeat is the Orgeat Mojito.
Creating the Orgeat Mojito is simpler than you might think. Start by muddling together a half of a lime, a tablespoon of orgeat syrup, and a few fresh mint leaves. Fill the glass with crushed ice and then add 2 ounces of white rum. Top the mix off with 1/4 cup of club soda, give it a good stir, and you’re good to go.
The Orgeat Mojito features a complex sweet-tart flavor that is sure to please the palate. The orgeat syrup and lime juice blend together to create a smooth and creamy texture that is complemented by the light and refreshing carbonation from the seltzer. Together with the fragrant aromas from the mint and the heady notes from the rum, it is truly a delicious and exotic combination.
How to Make Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat can be purchased at specialty stores or online, or you can make your own by combining equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan and stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add 1 cup of blanched almonds and a few drops of rose or orange flower water, and simmer until the almonds are soft. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Closing Thoughts
With the resurgence of so many classic and vintage cocktails, orgeat has also re-emerged as an essential ingredient. It adds texture and complexity to drinks like Mai Tais, Zombies, and Papa Dobles. You can make orgeat at home with almonds, orange blossom water, and a range of other ingredients.
Experiment with different recipes, because the variations can add complexity, depth, and character to any cocktail. Don't be afraid to try something new—you just might make your own secret new recipe!