Cocktails with Orgeat (almond) syrup
Orgeat is a sweet, non-alcoholic almond syrup flavored with orange flower water or rose water.
How it's used
Orgeat gives tiki drinks and sours their almond-and-flower backbone; take it out of a Mai Tai and what is left is a rum sour. It separates in the bottle, so shake it before measuring. Check the label for two things. Real almonds make it an allergen a guest cannot see. Without orange flower water or rose water, it tastes of marzipan rather than orgeat.
Substitutes for Orgeat (almond) syrup
Almond syrup
The closest swap, in the same amount. Many versions skip the floral note, so add a couple of drops of orange flower water per drink.
Almond-free orgeat
Made with flavorings, it swaps one for one. It is not a guarantee for a nut-allergic guest, so let them read the label.
Gives the almond with far less sugar and some alcohol. Use the same measure plus a little syrup, and expect a slightly stronger drink.
Rich syrup keeps the sweetness and body but loses the almond.
