Europe
The first vodka made with extra virgin olive oil in Italy is being released in the northern region of Liguria.
Thomas Cuberli, the inventor of Olioo and chief executive director of the Genoa-based Compagnia di San Giorgio, said that the right amount of extra virgin olive oil gives the vodka a “velvety texture,” a new dimension for the centuries-old spirit.
We look for high-quality products based on high-quality raw materials. Our goal is to have these distillates make Liguria more popular beyond the regional and national borders.- Thomas Cuberli, chief executive director, Compagnia di San Giorgio
Cuberli added the new product might also further boost the popularity of the most high-quality food products of Genoa and the wider region, where the extra virgin olive oils come from a century-old tradition.
Liguria also has a well-established tradition of producing artisanal liquors from olive leaves or extracts.
See Also:On Table Olives and CocktailsThe same distillate producer had already mixed renowned local food products with other popular spirits in recent years, including basil-infused gin and pine nut vermouth.
“We look for high-quality products based on high-quality raw materials,” Cuberli told IlSole24Ore. “Our goal is to have these distillates make Liguria more popular beyond the regional and national borders.”
In a press release, Compagnia di San Giorgio said that “before serving, Olioo vodka has to be shaken, not stirred,” a nod to how fictional British spy James Bond prefers his own martinis.
According to the company, the extra virgin olive oil drops are manually poured into each Olioo bottle.
The addition of olive notes to an alcoholic product is hardly a novelty. In December, a beer producer in central Italy launched Birra Oleo, which includes olive leaves in the brewing process.
Meanwhile, innovators have found a precious ally in extra virgin olive oil for years when it comes to distillates and liquors.
Massimo D’Addezio, an award-winning bartender at Rome’s Chorus Café, has also modified some popular cocktails, such as his Bloody Mary, enriching them with fresh Datterino tomato, green peppers and extra virgin olive oil.
A few years ago, the renowned London bartender Philip Hanson made the rounds with “The Oliveto,” a newly conceived cocktail based on extra virgin olive oil mixed with gin, fresh lemon and egg white.
The Italian innovator Valentina Bertello, a bartender at the Guerrini dal 1958 winebar, has also incorporated extra virgin olive oil into some of her cocktails.
One is based on rum and requires extra virgin olive oil to be sprayed on the glass when serving. The second adds a delicate central Italian extra virgin olive oil to a gin, Campari, crème de cassis, lemon, pink grapefruit juice and sage recipe.
More articles on: extra virgin olive oil, Italy, cooking with olive oil
Nov. 14, 2022
Farms in Italy Welcome an Uptick in Agritourism as Challenging Harvest Gets Underway
The legislation provides funds to train farmers and producers how to run tourism operations in Puglia, which is expecting a 50-percent production decrease.
Oct. 24, 2022
Italy Announces €3.9B Investment in Water Infrastructure
The funds will be used to fix leaks, digitalize water management systems, renew irrigation channels and reinforce water systems in earthquake-prone areas.
Jul. 5, 2022
European Union Expands Monte de Etna PDO Territory in Sicily
The expansion means the potential production of Monte de Etna PDO extra virgin olive oil could double.
Jul. 18, 2022
New Financial Aid for Apulian Millers Crippled by Xylella Fastidiosa
Millers will be eligible for payments of up to €200,000. The new €35 million funding is part of the broader olive sector recovery plan.
Oct. 27, 2022
Events Across Italy Set to Celebrate Traditional Olive Groves
Nearly 170 cities across the country will hold educational, cultural and tasting events in traditional olive groves and mills.
Dec. 12, 2022
Europe Approves Italy’s Plan for Implementing the Common Agricultural Policy
The €37 billion will be used to promote sustainability and traditional food products, support small farms and encourage young people into agriculture over five years.
Dec. 16, 2022
From Milan to Puglia, EVOO Lies at The Heart of Christmas Cooking in Italy
While every region in Italy celebrates the Christmas period differently, all rely on local extra virgin olive oils to enhance their meals.
Aug. 18, 2022
Europe Confronts Worst Drought in 500 Years, Officials Say
Countries in southern and western Europe are bearing the bunt of the drought, with varying impacts on olive farmers and society writ large.