Olive Oil Martini: How to Fat-Wash Vodka with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of cocktails, but mixologists have discovered that extra virgin olive oil can bring a silky texture and subtle savory, fruity and herbaceous notes to spirits.

And no—you don't simply drizzle EVOO into your martini.

The secret is a technique called fat washing, which allows some of the flavor and aromatic characteristics of the olive oil to infuse into the spirit before the oil itself is removed.

The result? A remarkably smooth and sophisticated twist on the classic martini.

What Is Fat Washing?

Fat washing is a cocktail technique used to introduce flavors from fats and oils into spirits.

The basic process is surprisingly simple. A spirit is combined with a flavorful fat or oil and allowed to infuse. The mixture is then thoroughly chilled or frozen so the fat separates from the alcohol and can be removed.

After straining, you're left with a clarified spirit that retains some of the flavor and aromatic qualities of the original ingredient.

Choosing Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is where things get interesting.

Extra virgin olive oils can have dramatically different flavor profiles depending on the olive variety, growing region, harvest and other factors.

Some are intensely green and grassy. Others may have notes reminiscent of herbs, artichoke, green tomato or ripe fruit. Many quality EVOOs also have varying degrees of bitterness and pepperiness.

Those differences give you an opportunity to experiment with the personality of your finished cocktail.

For this recipe, start with a fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a flavor you enjoy.

How to Fat-Wash Vodka with Olive Oil

The technique requires a little patience, but very little hands-on work.

Combine the vodka and extra virgin olive oil in a clean glass container. Seal tightly and mix thoroughly.

Allow the mixture to infuse according to the recipe below.

Next, freeze the mixture. Chilling causes the olive oil to separate from the vodka so it can be removed.

Once separated, strain the vodka carefully until the liquid is clear.

Now you're ready to make a martini.

Olive Oil Martini

Recipe adapted from Ossy Trigueros of Thompson Italian

Ingredients

For the Olive Oil-Infused Vodka

• 1 (750 ml) bottle quality vodka

• 300 ml high-quality extra virgin olive oil

For Each Martini

• 3 parts olive oil-infused vodka

• 1 part dry vermouth

• 3–4 flakes Maldon sea salt

• Orange twist, for garnish

• Ice

Instructions

Make the Olive Oil-Infused Vodka

1. Combine the vodka and extra virgin olive oil in a clean, tightly sealed container.

2. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to infuse at room temperature for 4 days.

3. Transfer the sealed container to the freezer for 3 days, allowing the olive oil to separate and solidify.

4. Remove the solidified olive oil.

5. Double-strain the vodka through a fine-mesh strainer and appropriate filter until the liquid is clear.

6. Transfer the infused vodka to a clean, tightly sealed bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the Martini

1. Combine 3 parts olive oil-infused vodka, 1 part dry vermouth and 3–4 flakes of Maldon sea salt in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice.

2. Shake or stir until thoroughly chilled.

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Express an orange peel over the cocktail to release its aromatic oils, then garnish with the orange twist.

5. Serve immediately.

What Does an Olive Oil Martini Taste Like?

The finished cocktail is clean and crisp but has a distinctive savory quality you won't find in a traditional vodka martini.

The olive oil brings subtle richness and complexity without leaving the finished drink oily. Dry vermouth adds its botanical character, a few flakes of sea salt enhance the savory notes, and the orange twist provides a bright aromatic finish.

It's an unexpected way to experience extra virgin olive oil—and a great example of how EVOO can be used far beyond salad dressing and sautéing.

Make It Your Own

The extra virgin olive oil you choose can change the character of the cocktail.

Try experimenting with different EVOOs and take notes on each batch. A robust, green oil can produce a very different result from a delicate or fruitier oil.

That's half the fun.

Once you understand the technique, the question becomes: Which olive oil makes your perfect martini?

Please enjoy responsibly. This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age.