Orgeat

A sweet, nonalcoholic almond syrup made in France for flavoring cocktails, coffee, and foods, orgeat can be bought from fine liquor or food stores. (Almond syrup made in Italy is called orzata.)

The dedicated can even make almond syrup at home by boiling a pound of sweet (or common) almonds and a few teaspoons of almond extract with 2 tablespoons of water. Traditionally, bitter almonds were used instead of almond extract; however, these almonds, which can be quite toxic, are understandably difficult to find in stores.

After the almonds become lighter in color, crush them. Stir in 1 quart of water and 1 1/2 quarts of milk; strain through cheesecloth. Mix about 8 ounces of orange-flower water.

After adding curaçao and rock candy syrup to a Mai Tai, Trader Vic, the drink's creator, then added "a dollop of French orgeat for its subtle almond flavor." A hefty dash, a dollop is about all we'd recommend in any drink, even the Mai Tai.