Starbucks' Olive Oil Drinks Are The Best Things They've Launched In Years
Olive oil? In coffee? By now you've probably heard about Starbucks’ olive oil-infused coffee drinks. The Oleato line made its debut in Italy in February and will be coming to select U.S. stores this month. I tasted them ahead of the launch, and, honestly, these are some of the best drinks Starbucks has released in years.
On March 23, five Oleato drinks will be available at Starbucks Reserve locations and Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in New York, Chicago, and Seattle. On March 27, slightly modified versions of the Shaken Espresso, Golden Foam Cold Brew, and Caffé Latte will make their way to select stores in Seattle and Los Angeles. Over the next year, the Oleato drinks will make their way to select cities across the U.S. and internationally.
While olive oil in coffee isn't a traditional drink in Italy, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz was inspired to combine them during a trip to Sicily last year. Like some Italians do, he started taking a spoonful of olive oil every day. He then brought the idea to Amy Dilger, principal Starbucks beverage developer, to craft these drinks. Each one is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil from Sicily, which is made from rich, buttery Nocellara del Belice olives.
Okay, but are these drinks actually good?
I'll preface this by saying I'm a big olive oil head—from fresh salad dressings to olive oil cake and even ice cream topped with olive oil and flaky sea salt. As a coffee purist—the more bitter the better!—I would argue that the Oleato line is one of the brand's best launches in years. They're not muddled by syrups, creams, and toppings; rather, they're accentuated by a robust star ingredient.
Depending on where you live, it might be awhile before you can get your hands on a Starbucks olive oil drink, so here are some thoughts to sip on:
Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso
If you're skeptical of olive oil in coffee or want a subtle introduction to the Oleato line, this shaken espresso will be your best bet. A toffee nut syrup adds a touch of sweetness and complements the butteriness of the olive oil, for an easy-sipping, multidimensional drink.
Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew
Topped with a creamy olive oil-infused cold foam, this simple, flavorful cold brew was by far my favorite. With no added syrups or sweeteners, the olive oil taste and aroma comes through the most in this drink, and I loved it. But it might not be for the faint of heart or the Oleato skeptic.
Oleato Caffé Latte
As a coffee purist, I was also a fan of the Oleato Caffé Latte, which is a combination of espresso and olive oil steamed with oat milk. While it's not sweetened, the olive oil blends in effortlessly to create a creamy, smooth beverage that's not overpowering.
Oleato Iced Cortado
Once you add orange peel to your coffee, you'll never look back. Orange piloncillo syrup and orange bitters add an additional dimension to the olive oil-infused oat milk cortado. Slightly sweet but balanced, this refreshing drink is a summer sipper.
Oleato Golden Foam Espresso Martini
Not all occasions call for an espresso martini, but when they do, you want it to be creamy and luxurious. That's exactly what this drink is. Dare I say it might be the best espresso martini I've ever had.
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