Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Perfect Addition To Your Party Cocktail
Updated December 13th 2024
Summary
- Olive oil isn’t just for salads and bread anymore; it’s making a splash in modern cocktails.
- A high-quality Evoo such as Morocco Gold, can be used to add creamy textures, delightful mouthfeel, and a touch of Mediterranean elegance to drinks.
Contents
How To Use The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil In Your Festive Cocktails.
When you think of olive oil, your mind probably goes straight to a fresh salad or a loaf of crusty bread. But did you know olive oil can also shine in your cocktail shaker? The best quality extra virgin olive oils – like Morocco Gold are increasingly finding their way into modern mixology, offering creamy textures, delightful mouthfeel, and a touch of Mediterranean elegance.
If you’re ready to elevate your cocktail game, this guide will show you how to make an Olive Oil Martini, other olive-inspired drinks, and explore the unexpected health benefits of adding olive oil to your favorite cocktails.
As we all know, extra virgin olive oil is incredibly good for us, helping to keep our cholesterol down, our hearts happy and our taste buds more than tantalised – but have you ever considered trying your favourite oil in cocktail form instead of using it in your cooking?
How to Make an Olive Oil Martini
The Olive Oil Martini is a sophisticated twist on the classic martini, combining smooth olive oil with the crisp bite of gin or vodka. It’s creamy, silky, and perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz gin or vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 1 tsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Ice
- Garnish: Green olive or a lemon twist
Directions:
- Combine the ingredients
Add the gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive oil into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Vigorously shake
Shake the mixture for 15-20 seconds. The vigorous shaking emulsifies the olive oil, giving the martini a smooth, silky texture.
- Strain and serve
Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to remove ice shards and any olive oil clumps that didn’t emulsify.
- Garnish
Finish with a green olive on a cocktail pick or a simple lemon twist for an extra hint of brightness. Sip slowly and savor the luxurious mouthfeel that only olive oil can provide.
Take a look at this interesting recipe on the Saveur website for an olive oil martini that will not only ensure you have something delicious to drink of an evening but will also teach you a little something about infusion at the same time.
This technique is known as fat-washing and is easy to do so even if you’ve never practised your mixology skills before, you should be able to do this with no trouble at all.
It’s all about creating layers and depth of flavour and texture, achieved by combining gin, olive oil, rosemary and thyme all together in a big airtight jar, giving it a good shake and then leaving it at room temperature to infuse overnight.
From there, you need to put the jar in the freezer for another 12 hours or so to ensure the olive oil solidifies and separates. Then you need to strain the gin twice to get rid of any solids, sediment and oil – and hey presto! Your first infusion!
This isn’t the only drink you can enjoy olive oil in, however, and what better time than right now to experiment? Check out this recipe for The McGavin on the Urban Daddy website that features this versatile ingredient, along with Chartreuse, gin, lemon juice, basil and egg white.
Other Cocktails with Olives and Olive Oil
Olives and olive oil aren’t just for martinis. They’re incredibly versatile and can add complexity and nuance to various cocktails. Here are a few recipes to try:
1. Dirty Olive Martini
This is a crowd favorite that combines the briny goodness of olive brine with the elegance of traditional martinis. Simply take the classic martini recipe and add a splash (about 0.5 oz) of olive brine for a salty twist.
2. Mediterranean Negroni
Give your Negroni a Mediterranean flair by blending equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Add a dash of olive oil before shaking, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
3. Olive Oil Sour
Mix 2 oz of whiskey or gin, 1 oz lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, and a dash of olive oil. Shake it up with ice, then strain into a glass. Top it with a few drops of olive oil for a delicate yet flavorful accent.
4. Bloody Mary with Olive Oil Drizzle
Why not upgrade your weekend brunch favorite? Make your Bloody Mary as you usually would, but drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. It adds a robust, peppery finish to your smoky, spicy cocktail.
5. Martini Mist
If you’re hesitant to add too much olive oil to your cocktail, lightly mist it on top of any drink with an atomizer. The aroma alone can elevate the sensory experience.
Health Benefits of Adding Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Your Cocktail
At first, mixing olive oil into your drinks may sound indulgent, but it comes with surprising health benefits. Here’s how a splash of this golden liquid can do more than just taste amazing:
1. Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are stellar for heart health. Mixing it into your martini isn’t just tasty—it’s a slightly healthier indulgence.
2. Improved Mouthfeel Without Creams
For anyone who’s trying to avoid cream-based cocktails, olive oil offers a luxurious alternative thanks to its naturally silky texture.
3. Loaded with Antioxidants
Olive oil contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that can help combat free radicals in the body. While cocktails don’t exactly scream “health food,” this is one way to add a small nutritional boost.
4. Acts as a Digestive Aid
A dash of olive oil can help stimulate your digestive system while sipping on your drink. Its natural compounds may ease digestion and reduce inflammation.
5. Elevates Flavors Naturally
Olive oil’s ability to round out bitter, sweet, and salty flavors makes it a brilliant addition to cocktails. Think of it as a natural flavor enhancer for your drinks.
Shake It Up!
Adding olive oil to cocktails might sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer for mixologists and home bartenders alike. Whether you’re crafting the perfect Olive Oil Martini or experimenting with other olive-infused drinks, you’ll love the unique layers of flavor and silky texture this Mediterranean staple brings to the table.
Feeling inspired to explore further? Grab your shaker, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and start creating cocktails that are as sophisticated as they are unexpected. Cheers!
