What is the difference between orgeat and falernum?

Answered by Tom Adger

Orgeat and falernum are both types of syrup commonly used in cocktails, but they have distinct flavors and ingredients that set them apart.

Orgeat is a sweet syrup that is typically made with almonds, sugar, and water. It has a rich and nutty flavor with hints of almond. The almonds are often blanched and then ground into a fine paste before being combined with sugar and water to create the syrup. Orgeat is commonly used in classic cocktails like the Mai Tai and the Japanese Cocktail. It adds a sweet and nutty element to drinks and can also be used as a flavoring in coffee or desserts.

Falernum, on the other hand, is a spiced syrup that is made with lime, ginger, cloves, and almonds. It has a more complex and vibrant flavor profile compared to orgeat. The lime gives it a citrusy tang, while the ginger and cloves add warmth and spice. The almonds provide a subtle nuttiness in the background. Falernum is often used in tropical and tiki-style cocktails like the Zombie and the Corn ‘n’ Oil. It adds a unique and exotic flavor to drinks, with a balance of sweet, spicy, and citrus notes.

While both orgeat and falernum are used as sweeteners in cocktails, they have distinct flavors that make them suitable for different types of drinks. Orgeat is more commonly associated with classic cocktails and provides a sweet and nutty element, while falernum is often used in tropical and tiki drinks to add a complex and exotic flavor profile.

Orgeat and falernum are not the same. Orgeat is a sweet almond-based syrup with a rich and nutty flavor, while falernum is a spiced syrup made with lime, ginger, cloves, and almonds. They each have their own unique characteristics and are used in different types of cocktails to enhance the flavor profile.