Historically, the recipe included a barley blend (‘Orge’ is French for barley), and in the past orgeat was sometimes alcoholic, but nowadays it’s typically non-alcoholic (although L’Orgeat liqueur is a notable exception).
Varieties
Orgeat syrup is also called “French orgeat,” though many countries use a version of the syrup. In Italy, it is called orzata and a popular syrup base for an Italian soda flavor by the same name. Greek cuisine includes soumadha, Suriname has a drink called orgeade, and in Tunisia and Libya, rozata is popularly enjoyed during celebrations. Horchata is similar and most often made from ground almonds, rice, or tiger nuts, depending on the country. Though almond is the most popular and widely produced, pistachio orgeat and a few other flavors are available as well.
What Is Orgeat Syrup?
Orgeat comes from the French word orge (“barley”) and has roots in the Latin word hordeaceus, meaning “made with barley.” The syrup was originally made from barley or a blend of barley and almonds. Barley was no longer used once it was discovered that the almonds allowed the syrup to soak up more flavor.
Before modern refrigeration, orgeat syrup was used as a shelf-stable milk substitute in food and drinks. It is an emulsion—which accounts for its milkiness—of water and the oil extracted from blanched and ground almonds (also often roasted). Making orgeat is rather similar to almond milk, but the extracted milk is cooked down with sugar into a syrup and flavored with orange flower water (sometimes rose water). Orgeat syrup is nonalcoholic; some syrup makers include a small amount of brandy or vodka and citric acid to increase shelf life. Xanthan gum may be added to thicken the syrup.
Orgeat! What is the BEST Orgeat Syrup?!
FAQ
Does orgeat have alcohol?
What does orgeat do to a cocktail?
What is orgeat syrup?
Does Mai Tai contain alcohol?
Is orgeat syrup alcoholic?
Orgeat syrup is nonalcoholic; some syrup makers include a small amount of brandy or vodka and citric acid to increase shelf life. Xanthan gum may be added to thicken the syrup. Orgeat syrup is also called “French orgeat,” though many countries use a version of the syrup.
Does orgeat make a good cocktail?
“Orgeat is my go-to ingredient when I want some sweetness and body in a cocktail,” says Haag. Though it is most known for its use in Tiki cocktails, orgeat imparts a nutty sweetness and richness to any cocktail.
What is the best orgeat drink?
The mai tai may be the most famous orgeat drink, but it’s a great sweetener for many other drinks. The Lady Liberty cocktail mixes orgeat with rum, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and a dash of absinthe. The Scorpion Bowl cocktail is a fun shareable cocktail with a complex flavor from orgeat, aged rum, brandy, and fresh citrus juices.
What exactly is orgeat?
As to what orgeat actually is, Punch Drink says it’s a (usually) almond-flavored syrup that is most commonly used as a cocktail ingredient but has roots that extend back to the Middle Ages. The earliest version of orgeat most likely did not contain almonds at all.