What's the difference between almond syrup, orgeat syrup and Amaretto?

Blog Posts

Orgeat syrup VS almond syrup

First of all, when we talk about orgeat syrup or almond syrup, we're really talking about the same drink.

Orgeat syrup takes its name from a historic drink made from barley and crushed almonds. By swelling the barley in water, the starch is transformed into glucose, giving a sweet but tasteless paste, hence the addition of almonds to add flavour.

Today, the composition of orgeat syrup no longer contains barley but only flavourings or bitter almond extract. Hence the increasingly frequent use of the name almond syrup by the general public.

However, the name Orgeat syrup has stuck in people's minds and is still used by the majority of syrup manufacturers.

With its pretty cream colour and refreshing taste, orgeat syrup is used in famous cocktails such as the Mauresque (pastis + orgeat syrup) or the Mai Tai.

And what about Amaretto?

liqueur_amaretto

In contrast to orgeat syrup, Amaretto is an Italian alcoholic drink.

This 28° liqueur is also flavoured with bitter almonds or similar ingredients (apricot kernels, peach kernels, etc). Its name comes from the Italian 'Amaretto', which means bitter. Its delicate, slightly sweet taste makes it a popular aperitif or digestive.

The history of Amaretto goes back to the fresco of the Madonna in the sanctuary of Santa Maria. A pupil of Leonardo da Vinci modelled himself on a young woman who, in gratitude, gave him a carafe filled with an amber liquid with delicious almond notes. Amaretto was born.

Since then, Amaretto liqueur has often been used in classic Italian cuisine, particularly in the making of the famous Tiramisu.

What is alcohol-free Amaretto?

Alcohol-free Amaretto syrup is also available and can be used to replace 28° Amaretto.

Eyguebelle® offers an Amaretto syrup with a bitter almond flavour and the lovely caramel colour of alcoholic Amaretto. This non-alcoholic syrup can be used in your Italian cooking recipes, to flavour your hot drinks and coffees and also in your ""Amaretti"" Italian biscuit recipe.

Alcohol-free Amaretto syrup is ideal for children who want to enjoy a digestive like the grown-ups!