Best Orgeat Cocktails to Make at Home

Most people know orgeat from tropical cocktails like the Mai Tai, but here’s the best part. Orgeat isn’t just for rum drinks. It’s amazing with gin, whiskey, and even tequila, letting you make cocktails that are balanced, flavorful, and a little different from the usual. It’s perfect if you want to try both sweet and more complex drinks at home.

Whether you’re just starting out with mixing drinks or have been doing it for a while, orgeat cocktails are a fun way to impress. You’ll have a chance to try out some classic tiki recipes and a few new twists that are easy to love. So let’s explore some of the best orgeat cocktails, from the iconic ones you might recognize to fresh ideas you’ll want to try again and again.

What is Orgeat Syrup?

Orgeat syrup has an interesting backstory. It actually started out as barley water in France, but over time, it transformed into the sweet almond syrup we love today.

Orgeat syrup is made with almonds (or sometimes other nuts), sugar, and a touch of orange blossom or rose water. This blend gives it a nutty sweetness with a hint of floral flavor, making it the perfect addition for cocktails that need a little extra depth. That’s why it’s such a go-to ingredient in tropical and tiki drinks.

These days, bartenders and mixologists are all about orgeat syrup. You’ll see it popping up in cocktails at bars everywhere, and more home mixologists are discovering its charm too. It’s become a must-have if you want to create drinks that really stand out.

So whether you’re just starting out or have been mixing drinks for a while, keeping a bottle of orgeat syrup on hand is always a great idea. It’s an easy way to add a unique twist to your favorite cocktails.

Why Use Orgeat in Cocktails?

Unlike plain simple syrup orgeat doesn’t just add sweetness. It adds depth making drinks feel more balanced and interesting.

It pairs beautifully with spirits like rum gin and whiskey adding layers of flavor and a smooth finish that takes any drink up a notch.

Many bartenders like to experiment by making orgeat with different nuts. Switching out almonds for hazelnuts or pistachios gives a fresh twist to classics and brings something new to original recipes.

One reason people love orgeat is its ability to elevate a cocktail. It can turn even the simplest recipe into something memorable.

In cocktails like the Mai Tai, orgeat is an essential ingredient. It pulls all the flavors together in a way that feels just right.

Try adding orgeat to your own creations. You’ll see how it can bring something special to your cocktail game and impress your guests too!

The Best Orgeat Cocktails to Try

Orgeat syrup brings a nutty sweet touch that can make any cocktail unforgettable. Whether you’re into classic tiki drinks or want to try something new, orgeat is the ingredient that can take your drinks to the next level.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is a tiki classic from Trader Vic in the 1940s, and orgeat is what makes it truly special. This mix of rum, orgeat, lime juice, and curaçao creates a smooth and balanced drink. The almond flavor of the orgeat blends perfectly with the citrus and rum, giving it that iconic taste.

For an authentic Mai Tai, go for high-quality ingredients. Good orgeat brings just the right sweetness without making it too sugary. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness. If you like a richer taste, try adding a splash of dark rum on top.

Army & Navy

The Army & Navy is a simple yet elegant gin cocktail with lemon juice and orgeat. It’s perfect for gin fans who want something smooth and a bit different. Orgeat adds a creamy sweetness that balances the lemon’s sharpness and lets the gin’s botanical flavors shine.

To make this, shake gin, lemon juice, and orgeat, then strain into a chilled glass. Add a twist of lemon for a little extra zest.

Japanese Cocktail

Created by the legendary bartender Jerry Thomas in the 1860s, the Japanese Cocktail mixes cognac and bitters with orgeat for a smooth, classic drink. The orgeat softens the cognac, bringing a hint of sweetness that makes the drink feel refined yet approachable.

Stir cognac, orgeat, and bitters with ice, then pour into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist. The result is a drink that’s rich, smooth, and full of depth.

Fog Cutter

A tiki favorite, the Fog Cutter is known for its powerful blend of rum, gin, and cognac. Orgeat is the ingredient that ties all these bold flavors together, adding a touch of sweetness and balance.

Shake the spirits with orgeat and citrus juices, then pour into a glass and top with a splash of sherry. Orgeat’s nutty flavor makes everything feel smoother and a little more polished.

Scorpion

The Scorpion is another tropical classic, combining rum, brandy, and fresh citrus. Orgeat adds that hint of nuttiness that balances the flavors and brings it all together.

Serve this drink over crushed ice, garnished with mint and citrus slices for a fun presentation. You can also adjust the ratio of citrus to orgeat to suit your taste, making it as tangy or sweet as you like.

Trinidad Sour

The Trinidad Sour is bold and unique, with a strong base of Angostura bitters balanced by orgeat, rye whiskey, and lemon juice. The orgeat softens the bitters, creating a drink that’s both smooth and complex.

To make it, shake bitters, rye, orgeat, and lemon juice with ice, then strain into a glass. The orgeat’s nutty sweetness is the perfect balance for the bitters, making this a memorable cocktail.

Absinthe Suissesse

This New Orleans favorite combines absinthe with cream, orange flower water, and orgeat, creating a creamy drink that’s perfect for brunch or as a nightcap. Orgeat’s sweetness pairs well with absinthe’s herbal notes, giving this drink a luxurious feel.

Blend absinthe, cream, orgeat, and egg white until smooth, then serve in a frosted glass. The result is a drink that’s rich, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to sip.

You might also like: Best Absinthe Cocktails You Need To Try

Tia Mia

The Tia Mia is a smoky twist on the Mai Tai, combining mezcal and Jamaican rum for a layered and unique flavor. Orgeat balances out the smokiness of the mezcal, adding a touch of sweetness that keeps the drink smooth.

Shake mezcal, rum, lime juice, orgeat, and orange liqueur, then pour over ice and garnish with an orange peel. The mix of smoky mezcal and sweet orgeat creates a drink that’s bold and memorable.

The Casper

The Casper is a refreshing mix of reposado tequila and citrus, with orgeat adding a nutty sweetness that enhances the tequila’s natural flavors. This drink is perfect for those looking for a twist on traditional tequila cocktails.

Shake tequila, citrus juices, and orgeat, then pour over ice. The layers of flavors are simple but delicious, with the orgeat adding a subtle richness.

Saturn

The Saturn is a 1960s tiki cocktail that features gin with lemon juice, passion fruit, orgeat, and falernum. The orgeat brings a creamy sweetness that softens the citrus, making the drink feel balanced and tropical.

Shake all ingredients, strain over crushed ice, and garnish with fruit or herbs. The orgeat makes this drink feel smooth and refreshing, perfect for any tiki lover.

Zombie

The Zombie is a famous tiki drink created by Donn Beach in the 1930s. It’s a powerful mix of rums, lime, pineapple, and orgeat, with the orgeat balancing the tropical and strong flavors beautifully.

To make a Zombie, combine various rums, fruit juices, and orgeat, then serve over ice with a dash of bitters and mint. The orgeat gives this cocktail a well-rounded finish, making it ideal for any tropical gathering.

Hurricane

A New Orleans classic, the Hurricane combines rum, lime, and passion fruit juice. Adding orgeat brings a nutty richness that balances the bright fruit flavors, making the drink feel lively yet smooth.

Shake rum, citrus, passion fruit juice, and orgeat, then serve over ice. Garnish with a cherry or orange slice for a pop of color. Orgeat’s subtle flavor rounds out the sweetness, giving this vibrant cocktail a touch of elegance.

Orgeat syrup adds a nutty, sweet touch, making it perfect for many classic and unique cocktails. Whether you're a fan of tiki drinks or classic mixes, orgeat can elevate your cocktail game to new levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does orgeat taste like?

Orgeat has a smooth almond flavor with a hint of something floral from orange blossom or rose water. It’s creamy and a little sweet, making it perfect for adding that extra depth to tropical and tiki cocktails.

What is the difference between orgeat and almond syrup?

Orgeat is made with real almonds, sugar, and a touch of floral water, so it has a unique, complex flavor. Almond syrup is usually just simple syrup with almond flavoring, so it lacks that floral touch. If you’re in a pinch, almond syrup can work, but it won’t give you the same layered taste as orgeat.

What are some good substitutes for orgeat syrup in cocktails?

If you need a quick substitute, try adding a few drops of almond extract to simple syrup. It won’t have the floral notes of orgeat, but it does add a similar almond flavor. Amaretto is another option, bringing a sweet, nutty taste. You could also try hazelnut syrup, though it will change the cocktail’s flavor.

How long does homemade orgeat syrup last?

Homemade orgeat usually lasts around 2-3 weeks if you store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Keep an eye on the color, smell, and texture. Any changes might mean it’s time to toss it. Adding a splash of brandy can help it last a bit longer.

What is the best brand of orgeat syrup for cocktails?

Some popular choices are Small Hand Foods, BG Reynolds, and Liber & Co. Look for brands made with real almonds and natural ingredients. While they may be a bit pricier, good quality orgeat can really elevate your cocktails.

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