A rich, emerald-hued syrup with complex flavors of roasted nuts, subtle floral notes, and a silky texture perfect for elevating both cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Blanch the pistachios in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse them under cold water. Peel off as much of the skins as possible. This step helps in achieving a smoother texture and a vibrant green color for the orgeat.
In a blender or food processor, combine the blanched pistachios with 1 cup of water. Blend until you have a smooth paste-like consistency.
Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the pistachio paste into a bowl, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids or save them for another use (such as baking or garnishing).
In a saucepan, combine the pistachio liquid with the remaining 1 cup of water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the almond extract and rose water (if using). Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Transfer the Pistachio Orgeat syrup into a clean, airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of Pistachio Orgeat syrup, which is equivalent to about 16 servings (1 ounce each).