How to Make Orgeat: The Classic French Almond Syrup

Orgeat, also known as almond syrup, is a sweet and nutty ingredient that’s perfect for cocktails and desserts. Making your own orgeat at home may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple! With a few basic tools and ingredients, you can create your own custom flavor of orgeat in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your own orgeat and share some tips for using it in your favorite recipes.

To begin, you’ll need raw almonds, water, sugar, and a few optional flavorings like orange blossom water or vanilla extract. The almonds need to be blanched and peeled before use, which may take some extra time but is worth the effort for a smoother and more refined flavor. Once the almonds are prepped, they’re toasted in a dry pan to enhance their nuttiness before being combined with water and simmered until a milky liquid is formed. This liquid is then strained and mixed with sugar and flavorings to create the final product – a versatile syrup that can be used in everything from Mai Tais to macarons.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. Almonds

Almonds are the main ingredient in orgeat. Make sure you choose raw unsalted almonds to get the best flavors. If you cannot find raw unsalted almonds, try to find blanched almonds. You can blanch the almonds yourself too if you prefer. This step is important because almonds need to be as fresh as possible to make the syrup.

2. Water

Water is an essential ingredient for making orgeat syrup. You’ll need filtered water to create a smooth syrup. Never use tap water as it contains impurities that could spoil the taste of your syrup. Use fresh distilled water or spring water for the best results.

3. Sugar

Sugar is the sweetening agent for orgeat syrup. You’ll need granulated sugar that dissolves quickly in water and provides sweetness to the syrup. It’s important to choose high-quality sugar because it affects the overall taste of the syrup.

4. Orange Flower Water

Orange flower water is a traditional ingredient in orgeat syrup. It gives a unique aroma to the syrup that blends well with almond flavor. You can find orange flower water in most grocery stores or order online easily.

5. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is an optional ingredient in orgeat syrup. It enhances the flavor of almonds and provides a smooth taste to the syrup. Use only a small amount of vanilla extract as it could easily overpower the other flavors.

6. Citric Acid

Citric acid is an optional ingredient that provides a tangy taste to orgeat syrup. It balances the sweetness of the syrup and makes it taste more refreshing. You can find citric acid in most supermarkets or online.

7. Cheesecloth

You’ll need a cheesecloth to strain the almond mixture after grinding the almonds. Cheesecloth is a must-have tool because it ensures the syrup is smooth and has no residue.

8. Large Saucepan

You’ll need a large saucepan to boil the ingredients for orgeat syrup. Choose a stainless steel or non-stick saucepan that is big enough for all the ingredients.

9. Grater or Blender

A grater or blender is needed to grind the almonds. Choose a fine grater or blender that can grind the almonds into a paste-like consistency.

10. Glass Bottle or Jar

You’ll need a glass bottle or jar to store the orgeat syrup after making it. Make sure the bottle or jar is clean and dry before storing the syrup. Glass bottles or jars are perfect for storing liquids because they don’t transfer any harmful chemicals into the syrup.

Tools and Ingredients Needed for Making Orgeat

Making orgeat is not a complicated process, but it requires a few tools and ingredients to make it right. The ingredients needed to make orgeat can be found in most grocery stores, but some may require a visit to specialty stores. Here are the tools and ingredients you will need to make orgeat:

Tools:

1. Blender or food processor
2. Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
3. Glass jar or bottle for storage
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Fine mesh strainer

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups raw almonds
2. 4 cups water
3. 2 cups granulated white sugar
4. 1/2 cup orange blossom water

Raw Almonds

The first ingredient needed for making orgeat is raw almonds. Make sure you buy high-quality raw almonds from a reputable source. Raw almonds have a higher oil content than roasted almonds, making them better for making orgeat.

Orange Blossom Water

The second ingredient needed for making orgeat is orange blossom water. Orange blossom water is a distillation of bitter orange blossoms and has a unique floral aroma and flavor. It can be found in the international section of most grocery stores or online.

Granulated Sugar

The third ingredient needed for making orgeat is granulated sugar. It’s used to sweeten the almond milk and give the syrup its characteristic flavor. You can use other sweeteners like honey or agave, but granulated sugar is the most traditional option.

Water

The fourth ingredient needed for making orgeat is water. It’s used to blend the raw almonds and extract the almond milk. You can use filtered or tap water, but make sure it’s not too hard or chlorinated, as it can affect the taste of the orgeat.

Blender or Food Processor

The first tool you need to make orgeat is a blender or food processor. It’s used to blend the raw almonds and water to make almond milk. Make sure to use a high-speed blender or processor that can crush the almonds into a fine powder.

Nut Milk Bag or Cheesecloth

The second tool you need for making orgeat is a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. It’s used to strain the blended almond milk and separate the almond meal from the liquid. A nut milk bag is preferred because it’s easier to handle and more efficient than cheesecloth.

Glass Jar or Bottle for Storage

The third tool you need for making orgeat is a glass jar or bottle for storage. Once the orgeat is made, pour it into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

The fourth tool you need for making orgeat is measuring cups and spoons. It’s important to measure each ingredient accurately to ensure that the orgeat turns out perfectly.

Fine Mesh Strainer

The last tool you need for making orgeat is a fine mesh strainer. It’s used to remove any remaining impurities from the orgeat before bottling it. Make sure to use a fine mesh strainer to ensure that the orgeat is smooth and silky.

Equipment needed for making orgeat

In this section, we will discuss the equipment required to make the perfect orgeat. Making orgeat requires some specific tools, and you will need to make sure you have the necessary equipment before you begin. The following are five essential pieces of equipment needed for making orgeat:

Blending the almonds and water

The first step in making orgeat is to blend the almonds and water. To do this, you will need to combine the blanched almonds and water in a blender.

The ratio of almonds to water is critical in achieving the right consistency. Ideally, you should use one and a half cups of blanched almonds for every four cups of water.

Once you have combined the two ingredients in the blender, blend them on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It is essential to blend the mixture for an extended period to achieve the proper silky texture.

Straining the almond mixture

After blending the almonds and water, it’s time to strain the almond mixture. To do this, you will need a cheesecloth and a fine mesh sieve.

Place a piece of cheesecloth over the sieve, and pour the almond and water mixture onto it. Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Continue this process until the mixture is entirely strained and all lumps and impurities are removed.

Making the simple syrup

The next step in making orgeat is to make the simple syrup. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

Once the syrup has cooled, combine it with the almond mixture in a large bowl. Stir the two mixtures together until they are thoroughly combined.

Storing your orgeat syrup

After you have made your orgeat syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The syrup can be stored for up to two weeks. It is crucial to remember to shake the container well before using the orgeat, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Congratulations! You have now successfully made your own orgeat syrup. Enjoy experimenting with your homemade orgeat in various cocktails and drinks. Cheers!

Sweet Success: Enjoy Your Homemade Orgeat

We hope you enjoyed learning how to make orgeat at home. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a sweet almond syrup that will elevate your cocktails and desserts. Remember to strain the mixture thoroughly and store it in the fridge for up to a month. We encourage you to experiment with different flavors, such as adding a hint of orange blossom water or using pistachios instead of almonds. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and thank you for reading! Check back soon for more delicious recipes and DIY tips.