Starbucks has once again stirred the coffee world with its latest innovative beverage line: Oleato. Infused with olive oil, Oleato has sparked curiosity and conversation since its debut. This article delves into what Oleato is, its composition, and what you can expect from this unique coffee experience.
Unveiling Oleato: Coffee Meets Olive Oil
The name Oleato itself, derived from the Latin word for “oil,” hints at the distinctive ingredient at its heart. This new line of drinks from Starbucks features Partanna extra virgin olive oil, a premium Italian brand with a century-long tradition of olive oil production. Starbucks incorporates this oil into select beverages to create a novel coffee ritual.
But how exactly is olive oil integrated into coffee? Oleato drinks are prepared with a “press” or spoonful of Partanna extra virgin olive oil, customized to the specific beverage. This infusion can be achieved in several ways: steaming the oil with milk, shaking it with espresso, or blending it into the drink. For an added layer of richness, Starbucks also offers a cold golden foam, infused with Partanna olive oil, as a customizable topping for both hot and cold drinks.
Oleato Drink Options at Starbucks
For those eager to try Oleato, Starbucks offers a curated selection of drinks. Two prominent examples include:
- Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut: This refreshing iced beverage combines Starbucks Blonde espresso with the sweet notes of toffeenut and creamy oat milk. It’s crowned with Oleato Golden Foam, a vanilla sweet cream cold foam that carries the distinctive flavor of Partanna extra virgin olive oil.
Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut
Alt text: A close-up of Starbucks Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut, showcasing the golden foam topping and layers of the drink.
- Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk: For a warmer option, the Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk blends Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast with smooth oat milk, infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil. This offers a comforting and subtly unique latte experience.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect from Oleato
The introduction of olive oil into coffee naturally leads to questions about the taste. Oleato offers a different profile compared to traditional coffee beverages. Some tasters have noted a lighter color and an initial refreshing sensation, followed by a slightly earthy aftertaste. The golden foam, while expected to be velvety, might present a different texture than typical cold foam.
Flavor-wise, Oleato drinks often exhibit nutty notes alongside a subtle bitterness. This combination might appeal to those who enjoy beverages like matcha tea or green smoothies, which share similar nuanced flavor profiles. While the idea of olive oil in coffee may seem unconventional, Oleato presents a curious and potentially appealing twist for adventurous coffee drinkers.
Conclusion: Oleato – A Novel Coffee Experience
Starbucks’ Oleato represents a bold step in coffee innovation, blending the familiar comfort of coffee with the richness of olive oil. Whether it becomes a staple or remains a unique offering, Oleato has undoubtedly sparked interest and broadened the horizons of coffee creativity. For those seeking a departure from the ordinary, Oleato offers a distinctive and intriguing coffee experience worth exploring.
