How to Mix EVOO Cocktails

The Rise of EVOO Cocktails: Elevating Mixology with Olive Oil

Once confined to the kitchen, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is now making a surprising splash in the world of mixology. From being shaken into cocktail shakers to delicately spritzed as a finishing touch, EVOO is rapidly gaining traction among innovative bartenders and mixologists. What began as an exclusive experiment among a select few cutting-edge drink crafters has now blossomed into a full-fledged trend, captivating an ever-growing number of cocktail enthusiasts eager to explore new flavor dimensions.

Mixologists are increasingly harnessing the unique qualities of EVOO to craft an entirely new range of cocktails, suitable for every taste and season. This culinary crossover is expanding the boundaries of traditional bartending, introducing a complex and nuanced ingredient into the realm of spirits and liqueurs.

The Enduring Partnership: EVOO and Lemon

The journey of EVOO into cocktails often begins with a familiar and well-loved pairing: lemon. Antonio Torrelli, the mixologist and bar manager at Il Frantoio restaurant in Assisi, Italy, shared his insights with Olive Oil Times, stating, “In the last three years, we have been experimenting with high-quality EVOOs and cocktails.” He added, “I would say a most rewarding approach is to combine old-fashioned favorites, such as the unique flavors of lemon and EVOO.”

This natural synergy provides a versatile foundation for new creations. Torrelli elaborates, “Doing so in a cocktail, one can have a citrus base, low-alcohol spirits and a very high-end EVOO and create ever-changing aromas.” This path was notably paved several years ago by London bartender Philip Hanson, whose creation, The Oliveto, garnered widespread attention. This pioneering cocktail featured extra virgin olive oil artfully blended with gin, fresh lemon, and egg white. The egg white is a crucial component, as it acts as an emulsifier, allowing the EVOO to seamlessly integrate with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and harmonious texture.

Choosing the Right EVOO and Spirit Base

When crafting EVOO cocktails, mixologists tend to gravitate towards delicate EVOOs. The reason is simple: robust EVOOs, with their more pronounced notes of piquancy and bitterness, can easily overpower the other ingredients in a finely balanced drink. “We use several different EVOOs, but one of the most interesting for us is the fruit of the San Felice olive tree cultivar, grown in Umbria, which is round, smooth and flavored,” Torrelli notes. He advises that for the best results, one needs “fragrance-rich and light EVOOs.”

For those embarking on their EVOO cocktail journey, Torrelli suggests starting with spirits that possess an “almost intangible taste profile,” such as vodka or gin. “You need a mild alcoholic base,” he recommends. The pairing of vodka and EVOO has long been a subject of experimentation for mixologists. Recently, a Ligurian Italian producer even launched Oolio, a vodka infused with a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Like most EVOO-focused cocktails, vodka-based creations must be shaken vigorously just before consumption to ensure the olive oil thoroughly emulsifies and mixes with the other ingredients.

While delicate, unassertive spirits are a common starting point, Torrelli’s inventive spirit continues to push boundaries. “On the other side of the spectrum, I am currently experimenting to see if I can work with something very different, such as Bourbon, maybe flavoring it or tricking it on a sweeter note to let the extra virgin olive oil emerge,” he reveals, though he admits, “But for now, that is just a work in progress.” For aficionados of classic drinks like a Martini or a Manhattan, combining olive oil with a distillate can open up an exciting new world of flavor profiles.

Promoting EVOO Culture Through Cocktails

Beyond mere novelty, EVOO-based cocktails are becoming a sophisticated vehicle for promoting olive oil culture. High-quality extra virgin olive oil producers are among the most active in this endeavor, seeking to inform consumers about the nuanced flavors, profound health benefits, and deep territorial connection of premium EVOOs. Cocktails are proving to be an effective and engaging way to introduce a broader, younger audience to the complexity and diversity of the EVOO world.