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Orgeat

Orgeat is a sweet, usually non-alcoholic almond-flavoured syrup or beverage used as a cocktail ingredient and food flavouring.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Orgeat is a sweet, usually non-alcoholic almond-flavoured syrup or beverage used as a cocktail ingredient and food flavouring. It originated as a barley-based preparation and is now typically made with almonds and orange flower water. It is especially associated with tiki cocktails and the Mai Tai.

Etymology and history

The word comes from French orge, meaning barley, reflecting early barley-based formulations. Historical sources describe orgeat as having evolved from a barley preparation to an almond-and-flower-water syrup.

Preparation and ingredients

Modern orgeat is generally made from almonds, sugar, and water, with orange flower water commonly added for flavour. Some variants may also use rose water or other flavourings.

Culinary use

Orgeat is used primarily as a mixer in cocktails, where it contributes sweetness, nuttiness, and a floral note. It can also be used as a flavouring in desserts and other foods.

Cultural associations

Orgeat is strongly linked with tiki and tropical cocktails, and it is widely known for its role in the Mai Tai. In some traditions, it has also been consumed as a refreshing diluted beverage.

Key facts

  • Orgeat is typically a sweet almond-flavoured syrup used in drinks and desserts.
  • Historical definitions describe it as originally made from barley, later from almonds.
  • Modern recipes often include orange flower water and sometimes rose water.
  • It is a classic ingredient in tiki-style cocktails, especially the Mai Tai.
  • The term is also used in some dictionaries for a diluted drink made from orgeat syrup.

Frequently asked questions

What is orgeat?
Orgeat is a sweet, usually non-alcoholic almond-flavoured syrup used in cocktails and food flavouring.
What was orgeat originally made from?
Historical definitions say it was originally made from barley or a barley-based mixture before almond-based versions became common.
What does orgeat taste like?
It is sweet, nutty, and often floral, with a flavour sometimes compared to marzipan.
What drinks use orgeat?
It is commonly used in tiki cocktails, especially the Mai Tai, and in other rum-based drinks.
Is orgeat alcoholic?
No. Orgeat is generally a non-alcoholic syrup, although it is often used in alcoholic drinks.
How is orgeat pronounced?
English sources commonly give pronunciations like "or-ZHAT" or "ohr-zhat".

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orgeat
    Supports: Defines orgeat as a sweet almond-flavoured nonalcoholic syrup used as a cocktail ingredient or food flavouring.
  2. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/orgeat
    Supports: Defines orgeat as a sweet liquid made from almonds used to make drinks.
  3. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/orgeat
    Supports: Describes orgeat as a syrup or drink originally made from barley and later from almonds, with sugar and orange flower extract.
  4. Dictionnaire de l'Académie française — https://www.dictionnaire-academie.fr/article/A9O0712
    Supports: States that orgeat was formerly made from barley decoction and is now based on almond milk and orange blossom.
  5. Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails — https://www.spiritsanddistilling.com/dictionary/acref-9780199311132-e-821
    Supports: Describes orgeat as a sweet, usually nonalcoholic almond syrup flavored with orange flower water and linked to cocktails like the Mai Tai.
  6. Bon Appétit — https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-orgeat
    Supports: Explains modern ingredients, historical barley origins, and cocktail use.