Orgeat

Orgeat is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water. It was originally made with a barley-almond blend, and has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is used in many cocktails, most notably the Mai Tai and the Tom Collins.

History

The word "orgeat" is derived from the Latin "hordeaceus" (made with barley) and the French "orge" (barley). The syrup was originally made by soaking barley and ground almonds in water, then sweetening the mixture. Over time, the barley was omitted from the recipe, but the name remained.

Production

To make orgeat, almonds are blanched to remove their skins, then finely ground. The ground almonds are soaked in water, which is then strained to remove the solids. The resulting liquid is sweetened with sugar, and flavored with rose water or orange flower water.

Use in Cocktails

Orgeat is a key ingredient in several classic cocktails. It adds a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture to drinks. The most famous cocktail made with orgeat is the Mai Tai, a rum-based drink that also includes lime juice and curaçao. Another well-known cocktail featuring orgeat is the Tom Collins, a gin-based drink that also includes lemon juice and soda water.

See Also

• Mai Tai
• Tom Collins
• Almond
• Rose water
• Orange flower water