Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Orgeat syrup is the signature sweetener of many Tiki-inspired drinks, and like any cocktail syrup, it can turn your classic mixed drink into elevated summery cocktails all year round. But if you’re missing orgeat syrup in your pantry, don’t panic—we’ve compiled the best substitute for orgeat syrup that taste just as sweet and creamy as orgeat. Read on.
Top 12 Orgeat Substitutes
12. Maple Syrup
Aside from using it as a topping for pancakes and waffles, the sweet, pure maple syrup produced from the sap of maple trees can be an orgeat substitute in almost any cocktail drink.
You can substitute maple syrup and use the same ratio needed that you would use orgeat.
It has a distinctly sweet flavor but won’t bring any almond syrup-like nutty flavor to your drink.
However, maple’s syrup sugar-sweet profile will give an intense sweetness and enticing caramelized flavor you might want in your cocktail.
Read: Amaretto vs Disaronno
11. Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses is a well-known Middle Eastern seasoning [1], it is also known as Dibs Ar-rumman, and you can usually use it in fish and meat dishes.
Once boiled down, those pomegranate juices produce a surprisingly pleasant flavor combination of sourness and sweetness.
Although it doesn’t has the nuttier flavor of pure almond taste, it contains concentrated sweet pomegranate juice, making it an excellent orgeat substitute.
When substituting orgeat with pomegranate molasses, you just need half molasses from the original ratio of orgeat to add to your drink.
10. Juice
If you can’t find orgeat syrup, try replacing it with fruit juice like lime juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, or any of your preferred fruit juices.
It might not contain any almond-flavored sweet syrup, but these fruit juices will bring fruity sweetness to your drink.
Also, the acidity from these fruit juices will highlight the other flavors of your concoctions, and the ratio might vary depending on what kind of fruit juice you want to substitute.
For instance, in a classic Mai Tai drink, you can substitute orgeat with pineapple juice with the same ratio.
9. Simple Syrup
Simple syrup [2] is a staple cocktail sweetener made of hot water and sugar. You can easily make it at home.
Just make sure the sugar dissolves completely in hot water until it thickens.
Although you can’t expect a bitter almond flavor or any almond notes, an equal ratio of simple syrup makes one of the ideal orgeat substitutes as it will give your drink the sweetness it needs.
8. Orange Syrup
Logically, an orange syrup won’t add any almond flavor or almond taste to your drink, but this syrup is one delicious orgeat substitute.
In fact, orange flower water or orange blossom water is one of the ingredients in making a homemade orgeat recipe, and you will get the orange notes in orgeat syrup anyway.
Use the same proportion of orgeat syrup if you will replace the orgeat with orange syrup, and you will end up with a refreshing and tasty cocktail drink.
7. Honey
You can replace orgeat with honey or agave nectar for something floral and sweet. Its rich taste and natural flavor make it a perfect replacement.
It is a very accessible sweetener that you might already have in your kitchen.
“Speakeasy bartenders used fruit juices…as well as ginger ale, cream, honey, corn syrup, maple syrup…to make palatable the harsh flavors of spirits…”
– Gary Regan, Bartender
But be sure to use less ratio when using honey as a sweetener and replacement for orgeat.
Although it lacks pure almond flavor or any almond essence, the sweetness of honey can elevate the taste of your libations and give you an extraordinary drinking experience.
Read: Peychaud vs Angostura
6. Crème de Noyaux
Crème de Noyaux, a French crème liqueur classified as an almond liqueur made with peach pits or kernels of cherry, makes an excellent replacement for an almond-like flavor.
This French crème liqueur could have a crystal clear liquid or red color, which makes it a good choice for a classic amaretto to improve its taste and flavor.
It is excellent for creamy drinks with a nutty taste and flavor, like cappuccinos.
Also, you might want to maintain the same ratio of orgeat syrup when replacing it with Crème de Noyaux.
This creamy and sweet French liqueur doesn’t contain any ground almonds or almond extract, but its kernel notes, cherry hints, and lemon-lime flavor go perfectly well with different cocktails.
5. Orzata Syrup
Orzata syrup is an Italian almond syrup that has no alcohol, and it is comparable to Monin orgeat syrup.
This syrup is one of the perfect orgeat substitutes if you’re not into orange blossom water or rose water.
Orzata syrup has a lot of benzoin resin extract made from barley, seeds, and nuts that give the cocktail an almond extract bitter taste.
This syrup resembles an orgeat taste, and most bartenders pair it with Italian soda and beer with a slightly lower ratio of Orzata syrup to not overwhelm a bitter taste.
4. Almond Extract
With the right proportion, almond extract can save your lacking almond syrup cocktail.
Almond extract is made of water, almond oil, and alcohol and contains no sweetness.
You should add another sweetener like honey or agave nectar and make a concentrated almond flavor when you replace orgeat with almond extract.
For instance, if your recipe calls for an ounce of orgeat syrup, add half an ounce of almond extract, but you may add more depending on your taste preference.
3. Almond Milk
If you can’t find a strong almond flavor like orgeat in grocery stores, almond milk’s subtle taste can save the day.
This milk is better in food and works best in drinks like hot tea beverages.
You won’t get the same sweetness from almond milk, so it is better to add sugar.
But unsweetened almond milk is a good choice for those who prefer reducing sugar intake.
Also, add or double the ratio of almond milk if you want to increase the almond taste in your drink, but bear in mind that adding more almond milk might over-dilute your concoction.
2. Falernum
Falernum syrup is a Caribbean mixer with an almond syrup-like, the same flavor as orgeat.
Its rich flavor, velvety texture, spiciness, and lime acidity pair with summer cocktails.
Some bottles of this Caribbean mixer are alcohol-free, but some brands contain low amounts of alcohol, such as rum and gin.
This syrup might come in different flavors, but Falernum syrup has a slightly more intense flavor profile than orgeat.
So, in replacing orgeat, you should use a lesser to equal ratio of Falernum in your cocktail drink.
1. Amaretto
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur [3] with a sweet and almond nutty flavor and hints of cherries and is one of the excellent orgeat substitutes that perfectly pair with cocktails.
However, this liqueur has more bitter notes than orgeat because it is made from apricot pits.
So, replace orgeat with a smaller ratio of Amaretto to avoid overwhelming your food and drinks.
You can also use Amaretto in desserts such as pastries, cookies, and cakes. For a more authentic tasting profile, you can add dashes of rose water to Amaretto. Check out our recommended Amaretto drinks here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take orgeat syrup if I have nut allergies?
No, you can’t take orgeat syrup if you have nut allergies, especially in almonds, because the amount of nut in the orgeat syrup is exceedingly high.
What is orgeat syrup made of?
Orgeat syrup is made of sugar, water, and almonds. [4] You can also add vodka to help extend its shelf life and orange flower water or orange essence for extra taste and aroma.
Can you make your own orgeat syrup?
Yes, you can make your own orgeat syrup at home. It’s easy and simple, but you just need to have the right amount of ingredients, and you can create it from scratch.
What can I use in place of orgeat syrup?
If you find yourself without orgeat syrup, you can use a few alternative options such as almond syrup, simple syrup, or a combination of almond extract and simple syrup to maintain the sweet and nutty flavor profile in your cocktails or mocktails.
Can amaretto be substituted for orgeat?
While amaretto shares a nutty almond flavor, it is not an exact substitute for orgeat syrup due to its alcoholic content and additional ingredients.
However, in certain cocktails, especially those with an almond focus, amaretto can be used as a flavorful alternative, although adjustments may be needed to balance the sweetness.
Is almond syrup the same as orgeat?
Almond syrup and orgeat are similar, but they are not identical. Orgeat typically includes a combination of almonds, sugar, and orange flower water, imparting a distinctive floral note.
Almond syrup is a simpler mixture of almonds and sugar without the addition of orange flower water. While they share a nutty sweetness, orgeat’s unique floral undertones contribute to its specific flavor profile.
Can I use Frangelico instead of orgeat?
Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur, is not a direct substitute for orgeat syrup due to its distinct hazelnut flavor.
However, in creative cocktail experimentation, you may use it as an alternative if you’re open to introducing a hazelnut note into your drink.
Keep in mind that this substitution will alter the cocktail’s flavor profile, so it’s advisable to adjust other ingredients accordingly.
What is orgeat syrup made of?
Orgeat syrup is traditionally made from a combination of almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. The process involves blending or crushing almonds and mixing them with water to create an almond milk.
This almond milk is then combined with sugar to make a sweet syrup.
The addition of orange flower water provides a subtle floral aroma that distinguishes orgeat from simple almond syrups. The result is a versatile syrup with a nutty, sweet, and slightly floral profile, commonly used in various cocktails and beverages.
What is the base flavor of an orgeat?
The base flavor of orgeat is almond, imparting a rich, nutty sweetness to the syrup.
Additionally, orgeat often features subtle floral notes, thanks to the inclusion of orange flower water during the production process, enhancing its complexity and contributing to its distinctive taste.
What is orgeat in English?
In English, “orgeat” refers to a sweet syrup with almond as its primary flavor, commonly used in cocktails and beverages.
The term originates from the French word “orge,” meaning barley, reflecting its historical association with barley water, although modern orgeat is made with almonds.
What is orgeat syrup in English?
Orgeat syrup in English refers to a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water.
This syrup adds a unique nutty and slightly floral flavor to cocktails and mocktails, contributing to a diverse range of beverages with its characteristic taste.
What does orgeat do to a cocktail?
Orgeat syrup plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor profile of cocktails. Its sweet and nutty characteristics bring depth and balance to drinks, particularly those containing citrus or spirits like rum and gin.
In cocktails like the Mai Tai or the Japanese Cocktail, orgeat provides a subtle sweetness, rounds off sharp edges, and adds a delightful almond undertone, creating a well-rounded and satisfying drinking experience.
How do you pronounce the word orgeat?
The word “orgeat” is pronounced as “or-zhat,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. The pronunciation closely follows its French origin, and it is essential to note the silent “t” at the end.
Pronouncing it as “or-zhay” is a common anglicized version, but adhering to the French pronunciation adds a touch of authenticity when discussing or ordering cocktails containing this distinctive syrup.
Final Verdict: Substitute For Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat syrup is mainly made with blanched almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. But this nutty-almond flavor syrup is easier to replace than how it sounds.
With the orgeat substitutes above, you can start whipping up your delicious beverages any time.
Just make sure to use the appropriate syrup ratio when substituting it with other syrups.
You can also make a homemade orgeat syrup recipe, but these substitutes for orgeat should be enough to create the perfect taste for your preferred cocktail recipe drink.
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