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Booze-free Olive Oil Martini is a surprise hit

13 October 2023 By Sarah Neish

The internet is going wild for an alcohol-free Olive Oil Martini in a can, which “started off as a joke” but many agree hits the spot.

After talking about the concept for some time “as a joke”, San Francisco-based company Aura Bora has launched a canned Olive Oil Martini without alcohol.

Made by mixing sparkling water with olive oil, the product is “specifically designed as an evening beverage”, according to co-founder Paul Voge.

The project is the result of sparkling water brand Aura Bora teaming up with extra virgin olive oil brand Graza to create the Martini, which also contains juniper and yuzu.

Voge said he and the team wanted to create something that wasn’t “bitter or pungent” and which could be “gulped” rather than sipped.

“I’m sure plenty of people saw the product and thought, ‘Oh, that’s too niche, I can’t give that a whirl,’” said Voge.

According to a description on Aura Bora’s website, the Olive Oil Martini gives a “swirl of real yuzu fruits and fresh extra virgin olive oil” for a “rich, succulent cocktail with warm, herbal undertones.”

The brand is keen to stress that the addition of olive oil does not bring “the briny bitterness of a traditional olive” to the drink.

Consumers who have tried the product have described it as having a “savoury” taste, with one reviewer commenting: “This pairing was better than I thought it would be. The perfect amount of bubbles and flavour to make you not even miss a Martini’s main ingredient [alcohol].”

“Threw some coup glasses in the freezer. 10/10 recommend,” wrote another fan.

“Will I like it or will it taste awful?” another consumer tentatively asked before later declaring: “This is the best bet I’ve ever made… a joyous surprise!”

Despite creating the zero-sugar canned drink as an alcohol-free product, its founders have said they would be “thrilled” if consumers wanted to mix it with alcohol.

A 12-pack of Olive Oil Martini cans made with Graza olive oil can be purchased for US$48 ($4 per can) from aurabora.com

Earlier this year, the drinks business revealed how to make an Oppenheimer Martini using gin, vermouth, honey and lime juice.

Meanwhile, an Espresso Martini machine designed by Diageo and costing US$1,800 is reported to have become a “no brainer” for busy cocktail bars across the US.

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