Sip into Summer: How Olives, EVOO, and Olive Brine Are Shaking Up Seasonal Drinks

When temperatures rise and the sun lingers a little longer in the sky, summer drinks take center stage. But while citrus, mint, and berries often steal the spotlight, there’s a bold, savory twist waiting to be discovered—one that comes straight from the olive grove. At Zejd, we know the olive is more than just a pantry staple—it’s a versatile, flavorful ingredient that belongs at every table… and yes, even in your glass. Whether it’s a splash of olive brine, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or a garnish of plump, juicy olives, here’s how the Mediterranean’s most iconic fruit is making waves in the world of summer beverages.

1. The Brine Twist: Salty, Tangy, and Full of Character

Olive brine—the liquid gold leftover from curing olives—is more than a byproduct. It’s a natural flavor enhancer, rich in umami and perfect for elevating both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Zejd Olive Juice—naturally fermented olive brine—is a game changer. Try It in:

• Dirty Martini 2.0: Swap out your standard brine for a pour of Zejd’s Olive Juice. The result? A smoother, rounder flavor with the unmistakable soul of the Mediterranean.
• Savory Lemonade: Mix lemon juice, sparkling water, a hint of honey, and a dash of olive brine for a refreshingly complex non-alcoholic cooler.
• Bloody Mary Upgrade: Add a spoonful of olive brine for depth, salinity, and a subtle nod to your favorite mezze platter.

Once you’ve tasted what olive brine can do, take things a step further with another unexpected addition: EVOO in your cocktail shaker.

2. EVOO in Cocktails: A Silky Surprise

EVOOmight not be the first thing you think to pour into your shaker, but in the hands of an adventurous mixologist, it becomes a secret weapon. The peppery, grassy notes of high-quality EVOO like Zejd Extra Virgin Olive Oil add richness, aroma, and even visual drama to drinks. Try It in:

• Olive Oil-Washed Gin: Infuse gin with EVOO, freeze, then strain. The result is a velvety spirit perfect for crafting martinis or negronis with a Mediterranean soul.
• Citrus & Olive Oil Spritz: Shake orange juice, lemon, and a splash of aperitif over ice. Float a few drops of EVOO on top for an aromatic finish that glistens in the sun.
• Herbal Mocktails: Blend muddled basil, lemon, cucumber water, and top with EVOO for a spa-worthy refreshment.

Of course, no summer drink is complete without a garnish. And when it comes to savory elegance, olives are unbeatable.

3. The Olive Garnish: Bold, Beautiful, and Flavorful

Move over, maraschino cherry. A well-chosen olive isn’t just a garnish—it’s a statement. Zejd Souri olives, with their firm texture and rich taste, provide a briny counterpoint to sweet or acidic drinks. Try It In:

• Classic Vermouth & Olive: Served over ice with a citrus twist and an olive on a skewer—it’s elegant, simple, and endlessly sippable.
• Savory Spritz: Garnish a white wine spritzer with rosemary and a green olive for a sophisticated twist.
• Frozen Olive Pops: Freeze pitted olives in ice cubes and drop them into tomato-based cocktails or briny tonics for a stylish and functional touch.

Why It Works: The Science (and Magic) of Olive-Infused Drinks What makes olives, olive oil and olive brine such natural companions to summer drinks? It’s not just flavor—it’s chemistry. Olive brine adds more than salinity; it introduces natural glutamates that enhance umami, balancing sweetness and acidity with depth and dimension. EVOO, rich in polyphenols and oleic acid, softens sharp citrus notes and adds an aromatic, silky finish—enhancing mouthfeel, especially when floated on the surface or used in fat-washed spirits. Meanwhile, the olives themselves—especially Zejd’s firm, flavorful Souri olives—bring a rich, briny contrast that enhances the complexity of both classic and modern cocktails. Together, these elements don’t overpower; they elevate—a rare feat in mixology. That unique harmony of salt, fat, and acidity transforms even the simplest drink into something layered, unexpected, and unmistakably Mediterranean. From Grove to Glass: Zejd’s Taste of Summer At Zejd, every drop of our EVOO or Olive Juice, and every cured Souri olive carries the sun-drenched spirit of the Lebanese groves. This summer, go beyond the expected. Reach for that jar of olives, uncork that bottle of olive oil or olive juice, and rethink what belongs in your next cocktail or spritz. Because the perfect summer drink might just be… a little salty. Ready to shake things up? 👉 Try Zejd beautifully crafted cocktails and mocktails recipe cards . 👉 Share your Zejd-inspired drink creations with us on Instagram using #ZejdInMyGlass. RECIPE CARDS for cocktails/mocktails: Recipe #1: 🍸 Mediterranean Dirty Martini — Cocktail A refined classic elevated by Zejd’s natural Olive Juice. Ingredients:

• 60 ml gin or vodka
• 15 ml dry vermouth
• 10 ml Zejd Olive Juice
• Zejd Green Pitted Olive, for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin/vodka, vermouth, and Zejd Olive Juice.
3. Stir until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a Zejd Green Pitted Olive.

💡Tip for extra depth, use gin washed with Zejd EVOO for a silkier texture. Recipe #2: 🍹 Citrus & EVOO Sparkler — Cocktail A bright, summery spritz with a smooth olive oil finish. Ingredients:

• 30 ml fresh orange juice
• 15 ml lemon juice
• 30 ml aperitif (like Aperol or dry vermouth)
• 90 ml sparkling water
• 3–5 drops Zejd EVOO
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Add orange juice, lemon juice, and aperitif.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Drizzle a few drops of Zejd EVOO on the surface.
5. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

💡Why it works: EVOO floats, releasing its aroma with every sip. Recipe #3: 🥒 Cucumber & Olive Leaf Refresher — Mocktail A hydrating, herbal drink with depth from olive brine. Ingredients:

• 100 ml Zejd Olive Leaf Infusion (chilled)
• 30 ml cucumber juice
• 10 ml Zejd Olive Juice
• 5 ml lemon juice
• Fresh mint or basil
• Cucumber ribbon and Zejd Green Pitted Olive, for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint or basil in a shaker.
2. Add Zejd Olive Leaf Infusion, cucumber juice, lemon, and Zejd Olive Juice.
3. Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with cucumber ribbon and/or Zejd Green Pitted Olive skewer.

💡Serving idea: Pour over frozen olive-infused ice cubes for a summer party twist. Recipe #4: 🍋 Savory Summer Lemonade — Mocktail Zesty and surprising, this lemonade has a briny finish that keeps you coming back. Ingredients:

• 150 ml fresh lemon juice
• 30 ml Zejd Olive Juice
• 15 ml honey or agave syrup
• 200 ml sparkling water
• Lemon wedge and Zejd Green Pitted Olive, for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Shake lemon juice, honey, and Zejd Olive Juice with ice.
2. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge and Zejd Green Pitted Olive skewer.

💡Perfect for: BBQs, mezze brunches, or sunset sipping.