Almond syrup makes a wonderful addition to many different beverages, including iced coffee, mixed whiskeys, and cocktails – but how do you make it at home? This syrup is easy to whip up, and its light, nutty flavor will give any drink an extra “pop” that will make it memorable. It also adds a beautifully floral taste.
How To Make Orgeat Almond Syrup
You will need:
- Sugar: this syrup needs sugar in order to form and create a sweet undertone to the drink.
- Raw almonds: the only way to get that perfect nutty flavor is to add almonds to the syrup, and fresh, raw almonds are the best option. Choose some high quality ones for the ultimate results.
- Filtered water: to maximize the flavor, you want the water to be filtered and fresh.
- Orange flower water: this is necessary for the delightful, soft, fragrant taste and scent of the syrup. It will add a very subtle flavor, but it’s important to include it to “complete” this recipe.
- Vodka: this is optional, but it’s a great way to make the most of your almond syrup, especially if you plan to add it to another alcoholic beverage. If you would rather leave the vodka out, the syrup will work fine without it, so don’t worry if you haven’t got any to hand.
Almond Syrup (Orgeat) Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy16
servings8
hours30
minutes8
minutes198
kcalHow do you make an amazing almond syrup? Orgeat is relatively easy to make at home with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
2 cups 2 sugar
2 cups 2 raw almonds
2 cups 2 filtered water
¼ teaspoon of orange flower water
1 oz 1 vodka (optional)
Directions
- Tip your almonds into a food processor and start breaking them up. If you don’t have a food processor, put the almonds in a bag, seal the top, and use a rolling pin or another heavy item to crush them. You are aiming for rough chunks, there is no need to powder the almonds.
- Get a medium sized mixing bowl and tip the almonds into it, and then add the filtered water. Stir to coat the almonds, and then cover the bowl with a clean towel and place in the fridge for 8 hours. You can almost refrigerate them overnight. Don’t rush the steeping time, or the almond flavor will not be as strong.
- Get a piece of cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, and place it over a saucepan. Strain the almond liquid through this fabric so that the nut pieces are filtered out and the water passes into the pan. You can strain it twice if pieces of almond appear in the pan; you don’t want any bits in your syrup, or it won’t be smooth.
- Put the saucepan on the stove at a medium heat and then add the sugar to the almond liquid. Whisk the sugar in gently and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, with a few bubbles. Turn the heat down if it starts a rolling boil, but keep it gently bubbling/simmering for about 8 minutes. Make sure all the sugar has dissolved.
- Take the pan off the heat and leave the liquid to cool to room temperature. When it is cool enough, add the orange flower water to it and stir. You can also add the vodka at this point if you are going to include it.
- Decant your syrup into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should last for a month as long as it is kept in the fridge. If you have added vodka, which will preserve it, it may keep for up to 3 months.
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Tips & Tricks
Now you’ve got the almond syrup recipe cracked, let’s look at how to ensure it is a success every time you make it!
- You don’t have to stick to just almonds to make amazing orgeat syrup. Although almonds are the commonest nut used, you can also add other nuts to the almonds, or remove the almonds altogether. Try macadamia nuts, pistachio nuts, hazelnuts, and more. Hazelnut orgeat goes particularly well with hot chocolate!
- If you don’t want to use vodka but you do want to increase the shelf-life of your syrup, try another kind of spirit. You can use brandy or cognac, for example, and both of these will enhance the flavor and make the syrup keep better in the fridge.
- To enhance the sweetness, add a little dash of vanilla extract to your mix once it has cooled. This will go nicely with the flowery flavor.
- Try swirling a little of your orgeat over desserts to give them a rich, syrupy almond flavor. You don’t need much to get a great result.
FAQs
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How do I know if orgeat has gone off?
Orgeat should last for at least a month in the fridge, but if you are concerned, inspect the syrup closely. If it has turned cloudy or there are any flecks of mold on the surface, you will need to throw it away as it is no longer safe to consume.
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Should I make orgeat in advance?
Because of the steeping time involved, you should always make orgeat before you want it – at least a day ahead. This syrup will keep well in the fridge and you should be able to freeze it if you need it to last even longer.
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Should I use raw sugar or refined sugar?
Either kind will work for this recipe. Because the sugar is heated, it will dissolve into the syrup regardless of the form it takes.
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Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
If you find the syrup too sweet, you can slightly cut back on the amount of sugar. However, be aware that the sugar is one of the key preservatives in this recipe, and taking some out may affect how well the syrup keeps. Try to use it up more quickly if you have reduced the sugar.
Conclusion
Orgeat is easy to make at home, even if you don’t have a food processor. You do need to be organized enough to start it at least a day before you want it, because the almonds need to soak, but otherwise, this recipe is easy!
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