Collins Orgeat 32OZ

Collins Orgeat 32OZ is a 32-ounce non-alcoholic almond syrup made with real sugar and natural almond flavoring, designed as a cocktail mixer for tiki drinks and classic recipes. Produced by Collins, a brand rooted in Chicago since 1934, this reformulated orgeat distinguishes itself by using no high fructose corn syrup — a common shortcut found in many competing syrups.

Quick Facts: ABV: Non-Alcoholic  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Category: Cocktail Syrup / Mixer  |  Size: 32 oz  |  Brand: Collins (Est. 1934)

Production & Heritage

Collins traces its origins to 1934 in Chicago, where it began producing bar essentials and cocktail mixers. The orgeat syrup has been reformulated with what the brand describes as "the finest ingredients," centering on real cane sugar and natural almond flavoring rather than artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. Orgeat itself is a traditional French-origin syrup historically made from almonds, sugar, and a touch of orange flower water — a foundational ingredient in tiki culture and pre-Prohibition cocktail making.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted almond dominates on the nose, followed by orange zest and a light floral sweetness. The overall impression is warm and inviting without being cloying.

Taste: The entry is rich and nutty, with a creamy almond character that fills the mid-palate. Vanilla undertones and citrus brightness emerge as the sweetness builds, keeping the profile balanced rather than one-dimensional.

Finish: Smooth and cleanly sweet with lingering marzipan-like nuttiness. The texture is appropriately syrupy — viscous enough to integrate into shaken or stirred drinks without being overly thick.

How to Use Collins Orgeat

Orgeat is not a sipping syrup — it functions as a critical ingredient in cocktails where nutty sweetness and body are required. A standard pour is typically 0.5 to 0.75 ounces per drink.

• Mai Tai: Orgeat is the defining ingredient in this tiki classic, providing the creamy almond backbone that balances aged rum and lime.
• Japanese Cocktail: A pre-Prohibition recipe from Jerry Thomas's 1862 bar guide pairing cognac with orgeat and bitters — the syrup's floral nuttiness is essential here.
• Scorpion Bowl: Another tiki staple where orgeat adds depth and richness to a rum-and-citrus base meant for sharing.
• Trinidad Sour: The syrup tempers the intense bitterness of Angostura in this modern classic, contributing body and sweetness.

Best For

• Building a home tiki bar with essential, quality mixers
• Hosting a tropical-themed cocktail party with authentic Mai Tais
• Bartenders seeking a no-HFCS orgeat for consistent drink quality
• Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who takes classic recipes seriously

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Collins Orgeat taste like? Collins Orgeat delivers a rich roasted almond flavor balanced by vanilla, citrus brightness, and floral sweetness, with a smooth, creamy texture made from real sugar.

How does Collins Orgeat compare to Fee Brothers Orgeat? Fee Brothers is one of the most widely available orgeat syrups on the market and a direct competitor. Collins differentiates itself by using real sugar and natural almond flavoring with no high fructose corn syrup, while Fee Brothers' formulation and ingredient sourcing differ.

Is Collins Orgeat good for Mai Tais? Yes — orgeat is the essential sweetener in a Mai Tai, and Collins' version provides the nutty, floral sweetness the cocktail requires without artificial ingredients.

Where is Collins Orgeat made? Collins is a brand founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1934 that produces a range of cocktail mixers, garnishes, and bar accessories in the United States.

What cocktails pair well with Collins Orgeat? Mai Tais rely on orgeat as a core ingredient, while the Japanese Cocktail, Scorpion Bowl, Trinidad Sour, and Army & Navy all use orgeat to add almond sweetness and body to spirit-forward or citrus-driven builds.

What sizes does Collins Orgeat come in? The 32-ounce bottle is the standard retail size for Collins Orgeat, providing enough syrup for approximately 40 to 60 cocktails depending on the recipe.

Is Collins Orgeat worth the price? Collins Orgeat positions as a mid-range cocktail syrup that competes on ingredient quality — real sugar and natural almond flavoring — against both budget options using HFCS and premium small-batch orgeats that command significantly higher prices per ounce.

Why Collins Orgeat?

The reformulated recipe built around real sugar and natural almond flavoring is the clearest reason to reach for this bottle. In a category where many mass-market orgeats rely on high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavoring, Collins commits to cleaner ingredients at a 32-ounce volume that makes sense for regular home use or moderate bar service. The brand's 90-year history in the cocktail mixer space lends credibility, and the syrup's balanced profile — nutty without excessive sweetness, floral without perfume — integrates reliably into both tiki classics and modern cocktail recipes.