It can be included in coffee , creating a completely new drink as the Starbucks chain has thought, or it can also be inserted into smoothies and signature cocktails: try it and believe it!
During the Olive Sonore event in July 2023, we created two special cocktails in collaboration with bartender Vito Sportelli, owner of the Aperinfresco and TAC Drinks projects , where the protagonist was extra virgin olive oil.
The first cocktail is made with an alcohol-based infusion of extra virgin olive oil.
Here are the recipes for the two extra virgin olive oil cocktails :
- 50 ml of Cachaca infused with Coratina oil
- 50 ml of pink grapefruit soda
- 40 ml of Ginger beer
Combine the ingredients, shake and serve in a glass with lots of ice.
For those who prefer the more neutral flavors of vodka:
- 50 ml of vodka infused with Simone extra virgin olive oil
- tonic water at the top of the glass
Serve in a glass with plenty of ice.
To make the infusion:
- 800ml of distillate
- 200 ml of extra virgin olive oil
Shake the mixture vigorously and leave to rest overnight in a freezer at negative temperature.
Pierce the fat that forms on the surface, allowing the distillate to pass through and filter it with a white coffee paper filter. Bottle and label (indicate ingredients and production date).
A Different Cocktail: Martini with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil can become the secret ingredient in an original cocktail: the Dirty Martini.
How? A simple infusion technique used by professional bartenders is the key to flavoring gin with rich, peppery notes of green olive for an updated take on the classic Dirty Martini .
While the world of vermouth is beautiful and delicious to explore, it’s important to remember that many Martini drinkers prefer their cocktails “dirty.”
This riff on the Dirty Martini recipe uses a professional bartender infusion technique called “ fat-washing ”—it’s a fun and easy-to-make alternative that provides layers of flavor and texture otherwise unattainable by simply squirting a little olive brine into the shaker.
For the cocktail to be a success, be sure to use a very fresh, spicy, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil such as Picholine for the infusion.
What you will need:
- a large glass jar or sealable plastic container (1 liter or more)
- a fine-mesh strainer
- a paper coffee filter
- a mixing glass
- a bar spoon
- cocktail strainer
- jigger
- the martini glass for serving
To prepare the gin infusion with extra virgin olive oil you will need:
- A 750ml bottle of London Dry Gin
- ¼ cup Picholine extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 large sprig of fresh thyme
Procedure:
-
The day before using the gin, prepare the infusion: in a large jar or an airtight plastic container, add the gin, extra virgin olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
Shake vigorously, then set aside at room temperature to infuse for 12 hours. -
Transfer the jar to the freezer for another 12 hours (or overnight).
This way the extra virgin olive oil will solidify and separate.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a second large jar or container, then strain the gin, discarding any solids. -
Wash and dry the original jar and strainer, then line the strainer with a coffee filter. Strain the gin again to remove any remaining sediment and oil.
We recommend using it immediately or covering it well and using it within 6 months. -
Finally, it's time for the Martini: stir the martini in a mixing glass filled with ice, add about 60ml of the infused gin, along with the vermouth and salt. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a Martini glass and garnish with as many olives as desired.
Serve immediately.
Energy smoothie recipe with extra virgin olive oil
For those who don't like alcohol, it's possible to prepare a healthy and energetic smoothie.
Can you make an energy drink with extra virgin olive oil? The answer is definitely yes, if you follow a few precautions!
Ingredients:
- 1 large handful of fresh spinach
- 1 small cucumber
- a spoonful of chopped parsley (you can replace it with fresh basil if you like)
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 cup of water
- sea salt to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, we recommend using the Simone quality
- a pinch of cayenne pepper
- the juice of 1/2 lemon
The process is very simple, just combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend well. Drink immediately to prevent it from oxidizing.
How to choose the best extra virgin olive oil for your recipe
Learning about extra virgin olive oil is a lot like learning about wine.
The practice of tasting and a little knowledge help a lot, as we already explained in our in-depth article on tasting extra virgin olive oil.
When choosing an extra virgin olive oil for cooking recipes or, as in this case, "drinks," the boundaries are fluid.
But keep in mind what kind of result you want to achieve: Tuscan extra virgin olive oils will have a completely different flavor than Apulian extra virgin olive oils .
