There’s something undeniably chic about a martini. From the clean and crisp flavor to the iconic olive garnish, it’s easy to see why this cocktail has become a mainstay in the world of mixology. Are you a martini lover looking for a way to take your favorite drink to a whole new level of sophistication? Then allow us to introduce you to your new obsession: the olive oil martini.
Welcome to your ultimate guide to the olive oil martini (or “olive oil fat-washed martini”). We’ll dive into everything you need to know about this trendy twist on the classic: How to make an olive oil martini, how you can fat wash gin or vodka at home, which foods to pair your cocktail with, and much more. Read on for all the details.
What Is an Olive Oil Martini?
An olive oil martini is a lot like a traditional martini, but with one big difference: Instead of standard gin, it’s made with olive oil fat-washed gin (or vodka, for those who prefer vodka martinis). Fat washing with olive oil gives the alcohol a richer, more decadent flavor and a luxuriously smooth texture. As a result, you get a martini that’s more dimensional, delicious, and interesting.
What Is Fat Washing & How Does It Work?
Fat washing is the practice of infusing alcohol with a form of fat (typically an oil) to enrich the spirit’s flavor and give it a silkier mouthfeel. You can do this by shaking or stirring the oil into your spirit of choice and chilling the mixture overnight. Because fat solidifies at a higher temperature than alcohol, it collects into a separate layer on top that you can strain out with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
What you’re left with is all of the oil’s flavor and smoothness with very little actual fat content. Generally, there’s not even enough leftover fat to affect the calorie count, according to Serious Eats.
The technique originally came from perfumers, who used fat-washing to draw out fat-soluble fragrance compounds from raw ingredients. Today, adventurous mixologists use it to infuse their cocktails with everything from bacon fat to peanut butter, although olive oil is by far the most popular selection.
What Are the Best Oils for Fat Washing?
You can fat-wash alcohol with any kind of oil, but extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the clear frontrunner for a martini. It’s rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and it has a versatile flavor profile that ranges from bold and robust to mild and buttery. Plus, it’s a fitting complement to the martini’s trademark olive garnish.
Read more: What Are the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
If you want to explore flavors outside of the traditional olive oil taste, flavored olive oil is a fun choice that’s full of possibilities beyond martinis. Think Lemon Olive Oil for a lemon drop, Tangerine Olive Oil for an Aperol spritz, or Habanero Olive Oil for a spicy margarita.
All of Pasolivo’s flavored olive oils start with EVOO and add flavor through all-natural oil extracts or co-milling. Therefore, you’ll still enjoy all the health benefits of our award-winning California extra virgin olive oils, plus authentic flavors from real ingredients.
How To Fat Wash Gin or Vodka With Olive Oil
Here’s your step-by-step guide to fat washing with olive oil:
- Shake: Add 6 ounces of gin or vodka and 1 ounce of olive oil to a lidded jar. Shake them together for about 30 seconds, or until the oil emulsifies.
- Sit: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor your spirit will have. This step lets the alcohol bind to the fat compounds in the oil to draw out all that delicious flavor.
- Chill: Pop the mixture into the fridge for at least 6 hours to let the fat solidify.
- Strain: Skim any solidified fat content off the top of the mixture. Then strain the rest of the jar’s contents through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean container. Your fat-washed gin (or vodka) is ready to enjoy!
- Store: Keep your olive oil-washed spirit refrigerated and enjoy for up to a week.
How To Make an Olive Oil Martini
To make an olive oil martini, combine 2 ounces of your olive oil-washed gin and ¾ ounce vermouth. Pour into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled. (Or, if you’re like James Bond and prefer your martinis shaken, not stirred, pour into a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.) Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive. Finally, to really let the olive oil shine, drizzle a bit on top as a float and serve.
The Best Olive Oil Martini Recipe
You’ll love our simple (and simply delicious) olive oil martini recipe. It features our award-winning Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which gives the cocktail a bold, peppery flavor with plenty of silky smoothness.
What Is the Best Olive Oil to Use in a Martini?
The most important thing when choosing an olive oil is to select a high-quality, certified extra virgin EVOO. If you’re buying California olive oil, that certification comes from the California Olive Oil Council–you can browse their directory of certified brands (including Pasolivo) here. Olive oils without this certification (which includes many of the brands you’ll find on grocery store shelves) may use hidden seed oils that will compromise the quality of your cocktail.
Read more: How Can I Tell if My Olive Oil Is Real? Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil Fraud
Choose an EVOO that has a flavor profile you enjoy and that complements the notes of the gin or vodka you’re using:
- Robust & Peppery: If you like a bold and pronounced flavor, go for Pasolivo’s Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Grassy & Green: If your palate leans toward more botanical or herbaceous notes, opt for Il Singolo Extra Virgin Olive Oil or California Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Mild & Smooth: If you’re looking to highlight the smooth texture of olive oil without infusing a strong flavor, go for Soltera Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Cucina Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Other Flavors: If you want to have a little fun with flavored olive oils, try experimenting with Basil Olive Oil, Lemon Olive Oil, or even Red Jalapeno Olive Oil, if you’re feeling daring.
Not sure which flavor profile you prefer? You can try all of our EVOOs and flavored oils (plus vinegars, salts, spices, and more) with a guided olive oil tasting at one of our Paso Robles, CA, tasting rooms. Alternatively, join us for a virtual tasting from wherever you are; it’s a great activity to enjoy with friends, family, or even for company team building.
What Is the Best Martini Olive?
An olive on a cocktail pick is the traditional martini finish. But which olive to use?
- Castelvetrano Olives: These mild and buttery-flavored green olives aren’t overly salty. They let the notes of the cocktail shine while providing the perfect accent.
- Stuffed Olives: For an extra dimension of flavor, try our Zesty Lemon Stuffed Olives in place of a twist of lemon.
Tip: Using unpitted olives? You can use a cherry pitter to remove olive pits quickly and without any mess.
What Pairs Well With an Olive Oil Martini?
Martinis are traditionally aperitif cocktails, meaning they’re best served before food, not with it. Often, they’re served alongside savory or salty small bites. Try a charcuterie board, a bruschetta flight, or maple bacon dates for a delightful mix of salty and sweet.
More Olive Oil Cocktails
Martinis aren’t the only cocktails you can use olive oil in! Here are a few other cocktail recipes we think you might like:
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X for fun recipes and new ways to use our award-winning California olive oil.
