If you’re out of orgeat syrup and need a substitute in a cocktail recipe, never fear!
Here are 11 substitutes for orgeat syrup that you can use to make your favorite tiki drinks.
Let’s find out right away what they are!
11 Orgeat Syrup Substitutes
Here are my top picks for substituting Orgeat Syrup.
1. Almond Syrup
Almond syrup is the first option that comes to mind when replacing Orgeat for its sweet and nutty taste and rich almond aroma that can be used in cocktails, coffee, and more.
When using almond syrup, do remember that it does not have the slight bitterness that Orgeat has, making it less concentrated in texture.
How to substitute
Equal amounts of Almond syrup mixed with equal amounts of orange blossom or rose water can efficiently substitute for the required amount of Orgeat.
This is how Mai Tai is prepared with Almond syrup.
2. Amaretto
Amaretto is an apricot pit-based Italian bitter with a nutty, bittersweet, and slightly cherry-like flavor that is often used for cocktails, espresso, frosting, cakes, and cookies.
With Amaretto, it is important to remember that it is much bitterer than Orgeat syrup and should be measured well before use.
How to substitute
It is suggested to use ½ the quantity of Amaretto compared to the required amount of Orgeat due to its intense taste.
Try these easy cocktails with Amaretto.
3. Falernum
Falernum is a popular Caribbean low-alcohol syrup and mixer known for its smooth flavoring properties in Pina Coladas, Singapore Slings, and others.
Do note that although Falernum has a rich taste, it is slightly spicy and has subtle sour and acidic properties, which may not suit all palates.
How to substitute
Falernum can be added in equal amounts to replace the required quantity of Orgeat syrup as it contains only small amounts of alcohol.
Dark rum Daiquiri with Falernum.
4. Crème de Noyaux
Crème de Noyaux is a French crème liqueur often added to cappuccinos and champagne prepared from cherry or peach pits. It has a refreshing lime-like flavor.
Although Crème de Noyaux does not contain any nuts or almonds, it has an almond-like essence.
Some brands also add a bright red dye which may cause changes in the result.
How to substitute
Orgeat syrup and Crème de Noyaux can be equally substituted in a 1:1 ratio for most teas, cocktails, and other recipes.
Sweet cocktail with Crème de Noyaux.
5. Orzata Syrup
Orzata is a non-alcoholic Italian liqueur made from barley, nuts, seeds, roots, and benzoin resin extract and is most often added to beer, cocktails, and even gelato.
It is important to know that with a complex mix of ingredients, Orzata syrup is quite bitter in taste and is recommended to be mixed in small amounts.
How to substitute
Both Orgeat and Orzata syrups have a similar texture and consistency but the latter should be added in slightly lesser amounts than the former to most drinks.
Try these essential syrups for cocktails.
6. Almond Extract
Almond extract, as the term suggests, is extracted from raw almonds and has a sweet and nutty flavor that can easily replace Orgeat in any recipe and drink.
Remember that most brands add extra sugar syrup to Almond extract, making it very sweet. Other sweeteners should be measured accordingly when using this alternative.
How to substitute
Equal amounts of Orgeat syrup and Almond Extract can be used to substitute for one another in most drinks and dishes.
Toasted Almond syrup cocktail.
7. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a commonly used culinary element in many recipes that require a vegan and low-sugar option. It is one of the closest alternatives to Orgeat syrup.
It is essential to note that Almond milk being nut milk, will thicken and change the color of cocktails and should ideally be restricted to cooking recipes.
How to substitute
To replace one teaspoon of Orgeat syrup, ¼ teaspoon of almond milk should be combined with rose water or orange essence.
Coffee with Almond milk.
8. Juice
Fruit juice is yet another unique non-alcoholic yet, equally efficient alternative to Orgeat syrup.
Fruit juice is available in any choice of flavor, making it an easy choice.
Do remember that most store-bought fruit juice packages add artificial coloring agents and sweeteners.
Other ingredients in the drinks should be managed accordingly.
How to substitute
A slightly lesser quantity of fruit juice is recommended to be added to replace the required quantity of Orgeat due to the distinct fruity flavors of the juice.
Fruity summer cocktails to make at home.
9. Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a bittersweet raw extract from the agave plant with natural sweetness and a slightly bitter taste that can replace Orgeat syrup in any drink or dish.
Although Agave Nectar can be used as an alternative, do note that it does not have any nutty or almond-like flavor as in the original Orgeat syrup.
How to substitute
Equal amounts of Orgeat syrup and Agave nectar can be substituted for each other with additional adjustments in other sweeteners in the recipe.
Agave Margarita.
10. Other Syrups
Other varieties of syrups or juices, such as orange syrup, pomegranate molasses, grenadine, and more, can be used as a mixer in cocktails.
Do keep in mind that these syrups all have different tastes and aromas and will change the composition of the cocktails.
They also lack the nutty flavor of Orgeat.
How to substitute
Equal quantities of other syrups and juices can be used to substitute for Orgeat syrup in most drinks and recipes. Other sweet ingredients should be managed accordingly.
Orange gin and tonic.
11. Homemade Orgeat Syrup
Orgeat can be prepared at home by using the simple ingredients of raw whole almonds, sugar, orange flower water, citric acid, and additional vodka or brandy.
However, do remember that the taste and texture of homemade Orgeat and store-bought Orgeat would differ as different brands incorporate different ingredients.
How to substitute
Store-bought Orgeat can be substituted by equal amounts of homemade Orgeat for all drinks and dishes.
Easy homemade Orgeat syrup.
FAQs
The closest and most efficient substitutes for Orgeat Syrup are considered to be Almond Syrup, Amaretto, Crème de Noyaux, Orzata, and Falernum. All these substitutes share a common nutty or almond-like essence.
The taste of cocktails and dishes involving these alternatives would differ due to changes in ingredients.
No, Orgeat Syrup is quite different from Almond Syrup even though they share common ingredients. Orgeat syrup incorporates almond syrup with additional sugar, an alcoholic drink like vodka, and orange flower water.
Almond syrup, on the other hand, is simply crushed almond extract combined with sugar to make a thick non-alcoholic liquid.
Almond Syrup is your best pick when substituting Orgeat syrup in cocktails such as Mai Tai, Scorpion, and Japanese Cocktail. Much like Orgeat syrup, Almond syrup also has the same almond essence that dominates these cocktails.
However, it is important to notice that Almond syrup does not have the slight bitterness that is present in the original Orgeat syrup.
It is rather easy to prepare Orgeat Syrup at home. You would need one cup of roasted whole almonds, 1 ½ cup of water, one cup of sugar, ½ cup of orange flower water, 2 tablespoons of brandy or vodka, and ¼ tablespoon of citric acid.
The roasted almonds should be ground and soaked in warm water for at least 3 hours before it is strained. All other ingredients should then be added and stirred until dissolved. The liquor and citric acid help in preserving the syrup for up to two months.
Bottom Line
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