Source
r/Tiki•
solstice73

Wife hates orgeat, what do?

We're somewhat new to tiki. Been burning our way through the SC book, but she's just not enjoyed anything with orgeat, something about the aftertaste.

We're using Gifford, which is all I've been able to find other than the bar stuff. Toning down the amount works except for the aftertaste, so it's just not enjoyable for her.

Personally, I love a Mai Tai (since I don't have to look up the recipe anymore). Anyone in a similar situation? Different brands? Make my own (eventually I certainly will)?

Thanks!

Posted Jul 10, 2020, 2:39 PM UTC

212
MaiqTheLawyer•

I recently made my own orgeat and the difference in taste between my homemade and Monin is significant. I then tried a recipe where you leave the skins on the almonds, and it produces an orgeat with a richer taste.

4
CoupContrecoup•

I use someone’s recipe I found on r/cocktails that doesn’t have an aftertaste and is super easy.

Add 12oz of cane sugar to 9oz of almond milk in a saucer pan. Heat on low until all the sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently. Add 1/8tsp of almond extract. Let cool and add 1/2oz of white rum.

I’ve stored this in a stopper bottle for 2-3 months in the fridge with no issues.

2
MicroEconomicsPenis•

You could try an avocado orgeat or a macadamia nut syrup as a substitute.

I haven’t tried the Gifford stuff, but orgeat shouldn’t have much of an aftertaste. The majority of the almond flavor should be upfront. I would also try switching orgeats (make your own!) and see how that goes as far as the aftertaste.

In a mai tai, for instance, the aftertaste is probably the mixture of malic acid from the lime juice and polyphenols from the rum. It could be the lime juice and dark rum aftertaste she doesn’t like. Just something to consider.

2
solstice73OP•

Will definitely make my own at some point (and might try the recipe CoupContrecoup suggested as well). I think it's definitely the orgeat she doesn't like, we've been through a bunch of the drinks in SC and everything with orgeat in it she's noticed. Not complaints elsewhere (except maybe one of the grogs with too much dram).

But she also doesn't like pecans (which is a shame, because we live under a pecan tree).

On that note, wonder if pecan might make an interesting ingredient.

1
MicroEconomicsPenis•

I’ve never tried a pecan syrup, but I might now haha.

Yeah I would definitely recommend changing your orgeat, then. It shouldn’t be much of a noticeable aftertaste.

1
HoTsforDoTs•

Pecan liqueur:

http://www.rivulet.com

I haven't tried it yet because it's only available in a handful of states, though distribution is growing. Hi-Time can ship it to you, but unfortunately spirits aren't allowed to be shipped to Minnesota :-(

Regarding orgeat, did she try it plain and confirm that's the problem? I have BG Reynolds and I can sip it plain, as much as a person can sip maple syrup. Theirs is like an almond syrup, but a wee bit thicker than coffee syrups. I actually tried it on my veggie breakfast sausage patties instead of maple syrup, and it was tasty :-)

If I were to replicate BG Reynolds, I'd mix (real) light maple syrup (grade A Amber) with a simple or rich simple syrup and real almond extract (ingredients should be water, alcohol, and bitter almond).

I flavour my coffee with a couple drops of the pure almond extract. Does she like almond flavouring?

1
moonoverrumhammy•

Get a new one?

2
carpetsharkz•

Great thought. The wife might like the new orgeat!

1
tompetrocelli•

Some folks I know who are allergic to orgeat/almonds suggests hazelnut or macadamia syrup as a substitute. If it's the almond taste of course. Otherwise, you can try a different brand or even make your own like a tiki bar should.

1
Yellowed•

I'd find a different brand or make it yourself. I posted a tutorial earlier this week that's all natural, unlike Giffard, I'm sure.

I'm guessing that there's a artificial almond flavoring that they use, and just remembering the stuff my mom used when making Christmas cookies when I was a kid, I can taste that aftertaste.

1
djymm•

I think having her try almond milk would be the fastest and cheapest way to see if its almonds or something about the brand that presents the aftertaste.

1
MsMargo•

The bottled orgeats do differ. Try to get your hands / taste buds on some Liber & Co. It's pretty mellow.

1
FriendlyAuthor•

critical for a Mai Tai

-1