Homemade Orgeat Syrup (Easy Almond Milk Shortcut)

We recently ordered what our server called a “dirty mojito” at a local restaurant and honestly, we ended up ordering a couple more, it was so tasty. When I finally asked what made it “dirty,” the answer was simple: orgeat syrup instead of plain simple syrup. That little swap turned an already great cocktail into something really special – creamy, subtly sweet, and a little nutty in the best way.

Naturally, I had to figure out how to make it at home.

Orgeat (pronounced or-zat, or if you want to be fancy about it, drop the “t” entirely) is essentially a flavored simple syrup made with an almond milk base and a couple of flavor-forward additions. Traditionally, making it from scratch means soaking whole almonds overnight, blending, straining through a milk bag… it’s a whole thing. And while I’ve done it that way before, that milk bag cleanup is something I could happily live without.

So I went looking for a smarter shortcut. The answer? High-quality store-bought almond milk. Specifically, I use Malk Organics Unsweetened Almond Milk – it’s made with just a handful of clean ingredients, no fillers, no junk and it works beautifully here in this homemade orgeat syrup. Same creamy, almond-forward result in a fraction of the time.

What Is Orgeat Syrup?

Orgeat is a sweet syrup made with almonds, sugar, and orange blossom water. It has a rich, slightly creamy texture and a delicate floral-nutty flavor that’s unlike any other cocktail syrup out there. It’s been used in classic cocktails for centuries – most famously in a Mai Tai – but it works in so many more applications than just tropical drinks.

The small amount of vodka in this homemade orgeat syrup recipe is optional, but it does what alcohol does in vanilla extract: helps preserve the syrup and extend its fridge life. The almond extract also contains a touch of alcohol, so it’s pulling double duty on that front as well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups granulated sugar – the base of any good syrup
• 2 cups high-quality almond milk – Malk Organics unsweetened is the move here
• 2 tablespoons almond extract – this is where the big almond flavor lives
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water – floral, fragrant, and what makes orgeat orgeat
• 1 oz vodka (optional) – extends the shelf life, just like the alcohol in vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade Orgeat Syrup

This comes together in about 15 minutes, start to finish. Here’s how:

1. Add the sugar and almond milk to a medium saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. You do not need to bring it to a boil — just warm enough to encourage the sugar to dissolve fully.
2. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Add the almond extract, orange blossom water, and vodka if using. Stir to fully combine.
3. Allow the syrup to cool slightly, then pour into a glass jar or container with an airtight lid. I love using a swing top bottle here, such a classic bottle to store it in.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 to 8 weeks. Use as needed for cocktails, mocktails, and all the other delicious things below!

A Note on Orange Blossom Water

If you haven’t cooked or baked with orange blossom water before, it’s worth seeking out. You can usually find it in the baking aisle, at Middle Eastern grocery stores, or easily online. A little goes a long way — that one teaspoon gives the syrup a distinctly floral note that really sets it apart from a plain almond simple syrup.

Ways to Use Homemade Orgeat Syrup (Beyond the Obvious)

Once you make a batch of this, you are going to want to find every excuse to use it. Here are some of my favorite ways:

In Cocktails + Mocktails

• The Dirty Mojito — the recipe that started it all! Swap your standard simple syrup for orgeat and prepare to never go back. (Full recipe coming soon!)
• Mai Tai — orgeat is a classic Mai Tai ingredient; now you can make one from scratch
• Sparkling Almond Lemonade — a splash of orgeat, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water. Simple and so refreshing
• Iced Almond Coffee — stir a tablespoon into cold brew or iced coffee instead of plain simple syrup for a subtly sweet, nutty twist
• Almond Italian Soda — orgeat over ice with your favorite sparkling water and a splash of cream if you’d like

In the Kitchen

• Drizzled over pancakes or waffles — especially good alongside fresh berries or sliced stone fruit
• Stirred into oatmeal or overnight oats — a spoonful in place of honey or maple syrup adds a lovely floral-almond flavor
• As a cake soak — brush a thin layer over cake layers before frosting to add moisture and a subtle almond note
• In homemade granola — use it in place of some of your liquid sweetener for a fun flavor twist
• Blended into smoothies — adds sweetness and almond flavor without any protein powder required

As a Coffee + Tea Sweetener

• Stir into hot tea in place of honey — particularly lovely with chamomile or earl grey
• Add to a latte in place of vanilla syrup for an almond latte situation you’ll want on repeat
• Use in an iced matcha latte for a creamy, floral sweetener with actual depth

Storage + Shelf Life for Homemade Orgeat Syrup

Store your orgeat syrup in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 6 to 8 weeks. If you add the optional vodka, you may get a bit more time out of it — similar to how vanilla extract stays shelf-stable thanks to its alcohol content.

Give it a gentle stir or shake before using, as it may settle slightly over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?

You can experiment with other nut milks, but almond milk is really the move here both for flavor and for staying true to traditional orgeat. Cashew milk would be the next closest option. Avoid oat milk — it will change the flavor profile significantly and may affect the texture of the syrup.

Is this recipe paleo?

With a standard granulated sugar, it sits more in the “real food” camp than strictly paleo. If you’d like to experiment with coconut sugar or maple sugar, know that it will darken the color of the syrup and change the flavor profile a bit – which could be really interesting! I haven’t tested it myself yet, but I’d love to hear if you do.

Where do I find orange blossom water?

Check your grocery store’s baking aisle first. If you can’t find it there, Middle Eastern grocery stores almost always carry it, and it’s very easy to order online. A small bottle goes a long way – you’ll only use a teaspoon at a time.

Can I make homemade orgeat syrup without the vodka?

Absolutely. The vodka is listed as optional – it just helps extend the shelf life a bit. Without it, aim to use your orgeat within about 4 to 6 weeks and keep it well refrigerated.

Once you make a batch of this homemade orgeat syrup, I think you’re going to find yourself wondering how you ever made cocktails and mocktails without it. It’s one of those pantry additions that quietly upgrades everything it touches. I hope you love it as much as we do!