California Sunshine In Every Sip: The Oliveto Cocktail
When it comes to mixology, every sip tells a story. And the Oliveto cocktail emerges as a timeless classic, captivating the senses with its exquisite blend of flavors. This sophisticated libation is not merely a drink; it’s an experience that transports you to the sun-kissed groves of the Mediterranean, or in this case, California, where there are many excellent olive oil producers like my friends at Corto Olive Oil.
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This post is sponsored by my friends at Corto Olive Company. Sponsored posts like these help me to keep bringing you delicious gluten free recipes. As always, all opinions are my own. I appreciate your support!
What olive oil is best for a cocktail?
Choose a high quality, extra virgin olive oil. It will not only impart a smooth texture to the cocktail, but it will add a bright, grassy flavor as well. For this olive oil cocktail I chose Corto’s Lemongrass and Basil olive oil which is a vibrant green color. It tastes very fresh and herbal with notes of citrus and basil. It pairs very well with gin and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
I always look for olive oil from California. It’s very important to me to support local farming families as much as I can, and honestly, California olive oil is some of the very best in the world. Corto Olive Co. is a family owned farm committed to sustainable practices. I love all of their olive oils — the Lemongrass & Basil is a beautiful, special olive oil that I love for cocktails like this, and also as a finishing drizzle. They also have a 3 liter pantry size flavor lock box of their regular EVOO which I love. It helps keep the olive oil fresh, and is a great size if you go through it as quickly as I do!
What alcohol goes with olive oil?
Olive oil can be a unique and flavorful addition to certain cocktails, providing a rich and velvety texture. When choosing alcohol to pair with olive oil, it’s essential to select spirits that complement its robust and peppery notes. Here are a few types of alcohol that work well with olive oil:
- Vodka:
- Vodka is a neutral spirit that allows the flavors of the olive oil to shine through. Its clean profile makes it an excellent base for cocktails where the focus is on the texture and taste of the olive oil.
- Gin:
- Gin, with its botanical notes, can create a delightful contrast when paired with the fruity and peppery flavors of olive oil. Look for a quality gin that complements the richness of the olive oil without overpowering it. It’s what we used in this Oliveto Cocktail.
- Tequila:
- A high-quality blanco or silver tequila can add a touch of complexity to cocktails with olive oil. Tequila’s earthy and citrusy undertones can harmonize well with the fruity notes of extra virgin olive oil.
- Mezcal:
- Mezcal, with its smoky and complex character, can create an intriguing flavor profile when combined with olive oil. The smokiness of mezcal can add depth to the cocktail, making it a unique and memorable drink.
- White Rum:
- White rum, known for its light and slightly sweet profile, can be a suitable option for those looking for a milder base. It allows the olive oil to play a more prominent role in the overall flavor profile.
When crafting cocktails with olive oil, it’s crucial to experiment with ratios and flavors to achieve the perfect balance. Additionally, fresh citrus juices, herbs, and a touch of sweetness can further enhance the overall drinking experience and complement the unique qualities of olive oil in a cocktail.
What does olive oil do in a cocktail?
Olive oil in a cocktail serves multiple purposes, adding a unique dimension to both the flavor profile and the texture of the drink. Here’s what olive oil brings to the cocktail experience:
- Texture:
- Olive oil contributes a luxurious and velvety texture to the cocktail. When properly incorporated, it can create a silky mouthfeel that enhances the overall drinking experience. This smooth texture is particularly noticeable in cocktails where the olive oil is floated on top or added as a drizzle.
- Flavor Complexity:
- Extra virgin olive oil, with its distinct fruity, peppery, and sometimes grassy notes, introduces a layer of complexity to the cocktail’s flavor profile. The oil’s nuanced taste can interact with other ingredients, providing a rich and savory undertone to the drink.
- Aroma:
- Olive oil is not just about taste; it also adds a delightful aromatic element to the cocktail. The aroma of high-quality olive oil can be appreciated with each sip, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
- Visual Appeal:
- When used skillfully, olive oil can create visually striking cocktails. Floating a small amount of olive oil on top of a cocktail can result in a beautiful separation of layers, adding an element of sophistication and artistry to the presentation.
- Pairing Possibilities:
- The addition of olive oil opens up exciting possibilities for pairing cocktails with food. The oil’s savory notes can complement a variety of dishes, especially those with Mediterranean or earthy flavors. This makes olive oil cocktails a versatile choice for pairing with appetizers or light meals.
- Innovation and Creativity:
- Using olive oil in cocktails showcases an innovative approach to mixology. It challenges traditional boundaries and demonstrates the versatility of ingredients, encouraging bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts to think beyond conventional flavor combinations.
When incorporating olive oil into cocktails, it’s crucial to balance its flavors with other ingredients, ensuring that it harmonizes with the overall taste profile. Additionally, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential to fully appreciate its unique characteristics and to achieve the desired impact on the cocktail.
How to make an Oliveto Cocktail
This Oliveto Cocktail is light and bright, grassy and zesty. It’s a riff on the very common (and delicious) formula of booze, sugar and citrus, which is the foundation for many excellent tipples. It’s a gorgeous color, and has a luxurious mouthfeel thanks to the olive oil. I used Corto’s Lemongrass and Basil olive oil which is herbaceous and peppery. The olive oil is great in everything including drizzling on salads to simply using it as a dip for a gluten free baguette. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
Ingredients:
- Good quality gin
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Egg white
- Corto Lemongrass & Basil Olive Oil
Put all ingredients into a shaker and shake, shake, shake. And just when you think your hands are about to freeze off, keep shaking. The more you shake, the more foam you’ll get at the top of the cocktail, and the more emulsified the cocktail will become.
The essence of liquid gold shines in this cocktail
Often hailed as the elixir of the Mediterranean, olive oil takes center stage in this intriguing cocktail. Renowned for its rich, fruity, and peppery notes, olive oil introduces a velvety texture and depth of flavor that transforms the drinking experience. Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil like Corto brand for the best results, allowing its nuanced taste to shine through.
More delicious cocktails to explore:
- Celery + Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail with Gin
- An Easy Cocktail Recipe for Holiday Parties
- Violet Champagne Cocktail – The Elizabeth Taylor
- Must Make Lemon Lavender Summer Gin Spritz
Did you make this Oliveto Cocktail recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!
California Sunshine In Every Sip: The Oliveto Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces good quality gin
- 2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white optional
- 1/2 – 1 ounce Corto Lemongrass & Basil Olive Oil or another good quality extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a shaker and shake, shake, shake. And just when you think your hands are about to freeze off, keep shaking. The more you shake, the more foam you’ll get.
- Strain into two chilled martini glasses and garnish with lemon peel and a basil leaf.
Nutrition
