By Sydney Bolt
Coffee and olive oil seem like two things that you would think could never go together. However, Starbucks combined the two for a drink line they called Oleato.
The Oleato drinks are made using Starbucks’ signature coffee and it is infused with extra virgin olive oil. Starbucks took on this idea of the mixture with the hope of a smooth texture and a unique flavor.
This combination has been available on Starbucks’ menus worldwide since the end of February. Their signature Oleato drinks are: Oleato Caffé Latte, Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, and Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso. Customers can also customize their hot or cold beverages by requesting an infusion of olive oil to them.
While visiting the Starbucks Reserve in Chicago, I got the opportunity to sample this recent line of drinks and tried the Oleato Cold Brew.
When I received the sample, it did not have a strong coffee scent to it or even a scent to it at all. Before sipping it, I expected the taste to be that of coffee rather than olive oil as I figured there wouldn’t be much of the oil infused. The first sip had a very smooth texture to the liquid, which I enjoyed. The taste, on the other hand, was not what I was expecting. It had a strong olive oil flavor and it did not taste much like coffee. The aftertaste worsened as if I had just drank straight olive oil.
Others around me who tried the sample were very excited about it and commented on how delicious, creamy, and smooth the drink was. Most seemed to enjoy the combination. For me, it was not my favorite as I enjoy a stronger taste of coffee, however, the smooth texture was nice and I might like it better as a hot drink.
So if you are interested in trying a drink with a smooth texture and unique flavor, check out your local Starbucks.
