Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Orgeat Syrup
Lemon-Thyme-Mint Soda (per 1 cocktail serving; scale as needed)
Method
Orgeat Syrup
- 1
Toast almonds (optional)
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread the blanched almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow to cool. Toasting deepens flavor but can be skipped for a fresher almond note.
- 2
Blend almonds
Place the cooled toasted (or untoasted) blanched almonds and 1.5 cups water into a blender. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until you have a milky, creamy almond mixture. The mixture will be slightly coarse.
- 3
Strain almond milk
Line a fine-mesh sieve with a double layer of cheesecloth or use a nut milk bag. Pour the almond mixture through, allowing the almond milk to collect in a bowl. Squeeze/press the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Reserve the spent almond meal for baking if desired.
- 4
Make sugar syrup
Combine 0.5 cup water and 1.75 cups granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously. Simmer 2–3 minutes until clear and slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- 5
Combine and finish
Whisk the warm sugar syrup into the almond milk slowly until fully combined. While still warm, stir in 1 teaspoon orange blossom water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Taste and adjust: add up to another 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water if you want a more floral profile. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- 6
Bottle and rest
Transfer the finished orgeat into a sterilized bottle or jar. Refrigerate. The orgeat will keep 10–14 days chilled. Shake before use, as natural separation can occur.
Lemon-Thyme-Mint Soda (single serving)
- 7
Muddle mint and thyme: In a collins or highball glass, gently slap the fresh mint leaves between your hands to release aroma, then add the torn mint leaves and the lemon thyme sprig to the glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to lightly press the herbs 4–6 times — you want aroma without shredding into bits.
- 8
Add citrus and orgeat: Pour 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.75 oz homemade orgeat into the glass over the muddled herbs.
- 9
Add ice and soda: Fill the glass with ice (about 1 cup), then top with 3 oz cold club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently 6–8 times to combine without flattening the bubbles.
- 10