Starbucks is launching a new line of olive oil-infused drinks that it says will revolutionize the way people drink coffee.
The coffee chain's latest innovation is called Oleato, which features arabica coffee infused with a spoonful of Partanna cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil.
"The result is velvety smooth, delicately sweet and lush coffee that uplifts each cup with an extraordinary new flavor and texture," the company said in a statement.
For now, the beverages are only available at Starbucks cafes in Italy -- but the company has plans to introduce the beverages in select markets around the world, starting with Southern California this spring. Later this year, Japan, the Middle East and the United Kingdom will launch the beverages.
Starbucks said the drinks represent "the next revolution in coffee." They were inspired by a family tradition that has existed in regions of Italy for generations – enjoying a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil each day as an uplifting ritual.
Oleato beverages that will be served in Starbucks stores around the world include:
• Oleato Caffè Latte: Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast, a light roast that is smooth and subtly sweet, is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil and steamed with creamy oatmilk to create a velvety smooth, deliciously lush latte.
• Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew: The inviting aroma of lush Partanna extra virgin olive oil infused cold foam cascades slowly through the dark, smooth cold brew, creating a subtle sweetness in the beverage.
• Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso: This coffee-forward beverage offers layers of flavor sweetened with notes of hazelnuts, rich espresso and creamy oatmilk infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil.
In select markets, customers will also be able to add a press – the equivalent to a spoonful – of olive oil as a customization to select beverages. The press will then be infused (steamed, shaken or blended) as a customization into select drinks such as espresso beverages and tea lattes. Golden Foam will also be available as a customization, which can be added as a delicious topping on both hot and cold beverages.
"When creating the beverages, we were inspired by the rich history and origin stories of coffee and olive oil – two of nature's most transcendent ingredients," said Amy Dilger, principal beverage developer for Starbucks. "Infusing Starbucks coffee with olive oil yielded a velvety smooth, rich texture, with the buttery, round flavors imparted by the olive oil perfectly pairing with the soft, chocolatey notes of the coffee."
The line includes five additional drinks using Starbucks Reserve coffee. The beverages debuted at Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milan, though it's not clear if they will be offered in other markets:
• Oleato Caffè Latte: Starbucks Reserve Espresso and creamy oatmilk infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil create a velvety, luscious latte.
• Oleato Iced Cortado: Starbucks Reserve Espresso, demerara syrup, and a dash of orange bitters and oatmilk is infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil. It is then served over ice and finished with an orange peel.
• Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew: Starbucks Reserve Cold Brew is lightly sweetened with vanilla syrup and finished with Partanna extra virgin olive oil infused cold foam, creating an inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.
• Oleato Deconstructed: An ode to the Italian tradition of combining olive oil with a squeeze of lemon. This beverage pairs Starbucks Reserve Espresso and Partanna extra virgin olive oil infused with a luxurious passionfruit cold foam.
• Oleato Golden Foam Espresso Martini: Starbucks Reserve Espresso, vodka and vanilla bean syrup topped with golden foam – a fusion of fior di latte (sweet cream) and Partanna extra virgin olive oil.
The health benefits of olive oil have been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Harvard Medical School. Studies have shown a link between lower risks of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and even dementia in people who consume higher amounts of olive oil than those who use little or none.
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