Post #286171 by Chip and Andy on Fri, Feb 16, 2007 7:22 PM

On 2007-02-16 16:28, freddiefreelance wrote:
Don't forget the Floral element of Orgeat's makeup, either Rose or Orange-Blossom Water are added to the Almonds & Sugar, which adds incredible amounts of aroma to the drink. I believe the Orange-Blossom Water version is preferred for Mai-Tais ...

It is difficult to tell which version of orgeat you are gettting as the label rarely lists Rose Water-vs-Orange Blossom Water in the ingredients. And, yes, the Orange Blosom water makes the better Mai-Tai from the aroma standpoint. If your orgeat is made with the Rose Water the final drink takes on a more floral note which is only slightly less exotic when you close your eyes. Actually, a Rose-Water based orgreat makes me think more of the wahine serving my drink than the beach I imagine myself lying on while drinking the Mai-Tai..... :wink:

For those of you questing for Orgeat, you can get the Trader Vic's Orgeat on-line and it is pretty tasty overall. Toriano (Toriani?) makes an orgeat that you can find in most coffee houses (or World Market if you have one), but I have found it to be way too sweet with too little flavor unless you are putting it in your coffee. There are other and better brands available in some areas and making it yourself is surprisingly easy. Follow the many links in this thread and get brewing. And, as always,share with us what you find and pictures are good too!