Macadamia Nut Orgeat Recipe for Delicious Cocktails

Updated On: October 17, 2025

Macadamia nut orgeat is a delightful twist on the classic almond syrup, adding a rich, buttery flavor that’s perfect for elevating your cocktails and desserts. This homemade syrup combines the creamy texture of macadamia nuts with fragrant orange blossom water and a hint of vanilla, creating a luscious, nutty sweetness that is both unique and versatile.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast looking to craft the perfect Mai Tai or a home cook wanting to add a special touch to your baking, this macadamia nut orgeat recipe is sure to impress.

Making your own orgeat at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor intensity. Plus, homemade orgeat is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients found in many store-bought versions.

The rich, tropical notes of macadamia nuts complement a wide range of drinks and dishes, adding a gourmet touch that will wow your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This macadamia nut orgeat syrup is a game-changer for anyone who loves crafting cocktails or unique syrups. Unlike traditional almond orgeat, it offers a buttery, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with rum, bourbon, or even sparkling water.

The recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

You’ll appreciate the natural sweetness and creamy texture that macadamia nuts lend to the syrup, making it a fantastic addition to tiki drinks, coffee, and even homemade ice creams. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, so you can keep a batch ready for whenever inspiration strikes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw macadamia nuts (unsalted)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orgeat-friendly almond extract (optional for added almond notes)

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Glass jar or bottle for storage
  • Spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Toast the macadamia nuts: Place the macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Blend the nuts with water: Add the toasted macadamia nuts and 1 1/2 cups of water to a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is creamy and the nuts are finely ground, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture: Pour the nut mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl or saucepan. Use the back of a spoon or squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the nut pulp or save it for baking.
  4. Add sugars and simmer: To the strained liquid, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve completely. Do not let it boil.
  5. Cool and flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Stir in the orange blossom water, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
  6. Bottle and store: Transfer the orgeat syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly and refrigerate. The syrup will keep for up to 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“To get the creamiest orgeat, make sure to toast your macadamia nuts gently to bring out their natural oils without burning them.”

  • Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.
  • Use filtered water: For the purest flavor, use filtered or spring water when blending the nuts.
  • Experiment with extracts: Adding a touch of almond extract is optional but enhances the traditional orgeat flavor.
  • Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check that your extracts are alcohol-free if needed.
  • Storage tip: Shake well before each use as natural separation may occur.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 2 tbsp Serving
Calories 110
Carbohydrates 27g
Sugars 24g
Fat 2g
Protein 1g
Fiber 0.5g

Serving Suggestions

Macadamia nut orgeat is incredibly versatile. Use it to craft classic tiki drinks like Mai Tais or Scorpion Bowls, where its tropical notes will shine.

It also pairs beautifully with bourbon or rum in cocktails for a nutty sweetness that balances strong spirits.

Beyond cocktails, try drizzling it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a unique breakfast twist. It’s also excellent when stirred into coffee or tea as a natural sweetener with a nutty depth.

For dessert lovers, mix it into ice cream bases, custards, or sprinkle a little over fresh fruit for a gourmet touch.

Looking for more creative syrups? Check out our Homemade Ginger Syrup and Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup recipes for delicious additions to your pantry.

Conclusion

Creating your own macadamia nut orgeat is a rewarding way to add a gourmet flair to your drinks and desserts. This recipe is simple, flexible, and yields a rich, flavorful syrup that stands out from the traditional almond version.

By making it at home, you can customize the sweetness and flavor intensity to suit your preferences, ensuring every sip and bite is perfectly balanced.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home cook eager to experiment, this macadamia nut orgeat will quickly become a staple ingredient. Its unique flavor profile adds depth to cocktails and culinary creations alike, giving you a delicious reason to keep a bottle in your fridge.

Dive into this recipe today and transform your beverage and dessert game with the luxurious taste of macadamia nuts.

📖 Recipe Card: Macadamia Nut Orgeat Recipe

Description: A rich and creamy homemade orgeat syrup made with toasted macadamia nuts. Perfect for adding a nutty sweetness to cocktails and desserts.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw macadamia nuts
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Toast macadamia nuts in a dry pan until golden, about 5 minutes.
  2. Combine toasted nuts and water in a blender; blend until finely ground.
  3. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl.
  4. Return liquid to the blender; add sugar, orange blossom water, almond extract, and salt.
  5. Blend until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
  6. Pour into a sterilized bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 15g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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