We have a soft spot for a good cocktail, but sometimes, we’re caught without that magic bottle of orgeat syrup.
No need to sweat it; we’ve all faced the empty fridge blues. Truth is, we love experimenting with flavors in our home bar. From sweet almonds to floral notes, alternatives abound.
Our personal favorite? Almond extract with a twist. It’s a sweet quick fix that surprises. We’ve tried countless combos. Each time, it’s a delightful surprise that’s totally different.
We can dive in and swap these out without missing a beat. Stay in for an impromptu party and make some cocktail magic happen.
Looking for a substitute for orgeat syrup? We’ve got you covered with these tasty gems!

5 Easy Orgeat Syrup Substitutes in Recipes
Here are our top picks for quick orgeat substitutes. They’re easy to find in most kitchens, inexpensive, and add a fun twist to classic cocktails.
1 – Almond Syrup
Ever think almond syrup could fill in for orgeat? We do it all the time and it’s sweet bliss. Start with a 1:1 swap, easy enough. It’s sugary, just like the original, and brings that nutty vibe.
We’ve tried it in Mai Tais—works like a charm. No complicated flavors, just straight-up simple. Stash it in your bar cart. Easy storage, handy for quick fixes.
For us, it’s always in stock and ready to go. Avoids the panic of missing orgeat. Really, a handy backup. Keep it around. We find it quite useful, you might too.
2 – Amaretto Liqueur
We’re big fans of Amaretto liqueur. It’s a sweet switch and gives that smooth almond flair. Swap it easily in cocktails like a clever hack, use a 1:1 ratio. Adds a slight boozy twist, great for a night in.
Mixing it sometimes changes the taste, so keep that in mind. You won’t find the floral notes here. Essential for a fast fix when orgeat runs out.
Reads best with citrus or vanilla flavors. Want more tips? Head to almond alternatives guide. Always a fun option, making substitutions exciting.
3 – Homemade Orgeat Syrup
Homemade orgeat syrup could be your trusty sidekick. Craft it with simple pantry ingredients and skip the store run. You simmer water, sugar, and chopped almonds.
Strain and flavor with a little orange blossom water. It takes time, but it’s worth it. Keep it in the fridge, use what’s needed. Try a 1:1 substitution for the original.
This syrup feels delightfully simple. We enjoy the control over sweetness and flavor. Skipping preservatives is a win. You notice that fresh touch in cocktails. It adds a homemade vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s fun to say you made it yourself.
4 – Hazelnut Syrup
We’re talking hazelnut syrup here, and honestly, it’s got some serious potential. Swap it out with a 1:1 ratio for orgeat. Seriously, it’s that easy.
Hazelnut brings a rich, nutty vibe that’s a real treat. It’s not just for coffee—it shines in cocktails too. Think about the depth it adds to your homemade mix.
Unlike other syrups, this one has a unique taste. You might find it sweeter, so adjust as needed. We keep it on hand for those last-minute tweaks. It’s versatile and brightens up any drink scene.
Affordable and easy to find. No complex flavors here, just straight-up goodness.
5 – Simple Syrup with Almond Extract
We sprinkled some almond magic into simple syrup. Mix 1:1 ratio with almond extract. Instantaneous switcheroo for orgeat syrup. Sugar syrup smooths it all out.
A sweet almond aroma oozes through cocktails. Tweak if it’s too sugary. Easy-peasy, everyday items, for a swap that pops.
Our quick fix hits differently every time. Skip a store trip—whisk up in minutes. If you’re curious, check simple syrup swaps. It’s handy for foodie fixes.
Easy to store. Grab it when needed. Essential for home bar hacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almond syrup has a similar nutty flavor and sweetness, making it a great substitute for orgeat in drinks.
Amaretto liqueur adds a stronger alcohol base, but it provides a similar almond flavor, making it a good substitute for orgeat in cocktails.
Definitely! Homemade orgeat syrup allows you to control sweetness and flavor, making it a fresh and customizable option.
Hazelnut syrup has a similar nutty flavor but adds a distinct depth, perfect for recipes that complement hazelnuts.
Yes, a mix of simple syrup and almond extract will mimic the sweetness and almond flavor of orgeat, though it lacks the full depth of the original syrup.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.