The Green Almond blends the creamy sweetness of almond syrup with the fruity acidity of pineapple and orange. A hint of blue curaçao syrup gives it its characteristic color and a subtle bitterness that makes the drink taste more sophisticated. Perfect for those who like it sweet, but not too sweet – with a finish that evokes marzipan without being overpowering.
And here’s what you need for the Green Almond – alcohol-free
2 cl blue curaçao syrup (alcohol-free)
2 cl almond syrup
6 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
8 cl pineapple juice (fresh from the fruit, not from a can – the difference in aroma is noticeable)
Garnish: 1 physalis (peeled, with calyx as a holder)
1 cocktail cherry (on a stem, for color contrast)
Key to success
The secret lies in the almond syrup: use a syrup made with real almond paste, not just flavoring. The slight graininess of the paste gives the drink an almost creamy texture, similar to what you’d find in eggnog – but without alcohol. If you can’t find a high-quality syrup, blend 10 g almond paste with 50 ml water and 20 g sugar, bring to a brief boil, and strain through a cloth. The result is more intense and less sweet than store-bought versions.
Variations
- Green Almond Fizz — Replace 4 cl pineapple juice with 4 cl chilled soda water. After straining, gently fold in with a bar spoon to preserve the fizz. Garnish: a cucumber slice instead of physalis – adds freshness and a slight bitterness.
- Spiced Green Almond — Add 2 dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters (alcohol-free). Tastes like an alcohol-free Amaretto Sour, with a spiced depth reminiscent of cinnamon and cloves. Garnish: a toasted almond on the rim of the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the drink without blue curaçao syrup?
Yes, but then the color and slight bitterness will be missing. Replace it with 2 cl lemon juice and 1 tsp honey – the drink will then turn yellow and taste more citrusy than almond-like. For color, you can use 1 drop of green food coloring, but this is not necessary.
Why does my Green Almond taste watery?
Either the ice wasn’t cold enough or you shook it for too long. Use ice cubes straight from the freezer and shake for only 10–12 seconds – just long enough for the shaker to frost on the outside. Too much ice or shaking for too long unnecessarily dilutes the drink.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Theoretically yes, but the flavor suffers. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice has a natural acidity and sweetness that canned juice lacks. If you don’t have fresh pineapple, use a high-quality direct juice without added sugar – it won’t taste the same, but it will still be better than standard canned juice.
